Fearless (The Powerless Trilogy, #3)

by Lauren Roberts

Kai. Frantically, I scan that glass box for any sign of his familiar figure. A lock of tousled black hair. A glimpse of those damn dimples. A flash of that cocky smile. “Bring out the opponent!” My whole body numbs at the king’s words. Gasps ripple through the crowd, shock slipping between the fingers that press to gaping mouths. I won’t turn around. I can’t turn around. The crowd erupts with a sudden, sickening wave of excitement when the king’s voice booms over the arena. “An Ordinary versus every Elite. The ultimate test.” My head is shaking. I shut my eyes, squeezing out the cruel world beyond. This is a nightmare. This is pretend. Footsteps behind me grow louder atop the shifting sand. I press a hand to my pounding heart, feeling the rapid rise and fall of my chest. This is pretend. This is— “Paedyn.” I can feel the exact moment my heart shatters. It’s when I turn, my eyes crashing into ones well memorized. When mist meets the deepest sea. When a Shadow faces its Flame. When inevitability meets its end. When I stare into the face of what it is I love most.

the look of absolute shock on my face broo