Fearless (The Powerless Trilogy, #3)

by Lauren Roberts

I look down to my left. Kitt—crown crooked atop blond hair, smile shockingly wide, demeanor that of the boy I befriended so long ago, not the one I’d betrayed. I see hope when I look at him in this moment. A blooming companionship.

I look down to my right. Kai—black hair curling over his brow, eyes bright, and dimples that I curse beneath my breath. But above all, love. It lingers in his gaze, in his touch, down to the very curve of that smile I know belongs to me alone.

The room spins around me, but it’s him I focus on. Him I cling to. Long after our dance a...

He says I’m looking at him like a promise I can’t keep.

“You found my shoes!” He whispers the three-worded secret. “You found my shoes for me.”

He says he loves me. Again and again.

Omgggg

I don’t remember much of last night, but I must have done something right. Now, I just need to ensure I don’t ruin this progress.

“I didn’t think you would come and see me.” “Someone had to ensure you were still alive up here,” he says simply. “I’m glad you cared to check.”

I may have completed the first Trial, but that does not guarantee I’ll make it out of this one alive. And just as I have been my entire life, I’m afraid.

“Said he would sit in that chair until he was sure you were asleep.” I swallow. “And did he?” “Yes.” Her voice is quiet. “And long after.”

dares to meet my gaze, I’m forced to once again wonder why I ever bother looking at anyone else.

And I can feel myself beginning to drift without him to anchor me.

“That is why they want her to do it. Not to prove her benevolence but to die trying.”

“I really am Ordinary. Even to animals.”

“Are you up for this journey, Paedyn?” “I didn’t realize I had a choice,”

“I’m not just your Enforcer,” I state. “I’m now Paedyn’s as well. And if there is one thing Father ensured I had learned, it was to never let my king and queen face danger unless I was between it and them.”

not if I’m there. No one will dare touch her.

we can’t risk losing you. So risk me instead.”

I am no stranger to drowning. I’ve been doing just that since the day I looked into her ocean eyes.

No Elite appreciates their own power being used against them, but I have little concern for her feelings at the moment.

“You’re in love with her.”

“I always knew there was something between you, but…” Her laugh is slightly crazed. “You’re completely in love with her.”

I stand there like an open wound, letting her examine the weakness she’s discovered.

I’m running out of air. I don’t even know how to swim. If I end up overboard, the sea will claim me quickly.

There would be no fighting my way out of Death’s clutches. Now they burn. I’ll be completely vulnerable.

This may be my last night on solid ground.

stomach. I think vaguely of how I might leave this world. Fighting? Regretful? At peace? No, peace implies that all is well in my life. But there are wrongs to be righted and forgiveness to be earned. I refuse to die until I’m satisfied with the way I lived.

He is opposite of his brother.

“So you do know me, after all,” I tease. “I thought I did.” Another chocolate disappears into his mouth. “Once.”

“I haven’t changed. I’m still that girl you knew during the Purging Trials.”

“You’re hardened.” I stop chewing. Our eyes lock in silent scrutiny. “I have to be. That is the only way O...

soon you won’t be Ordinary.” The king sounds ruffled. “Y...

“Maybe. But your father ensured I would never forget who I really was.”

Once again, I’m avoiding the gaze of a man who nearly killed me. And despite the reminder that these green eyes do not belong to Edric Azer, I still find it difficult to meet them. Even in death, the late king tortures me.

“There was a time when you couldn’t look me in the eyes,” he says evenly. “Just as you’re doing now. And in the gardens, you told me it was because I reminded you of someone. It was my father, wasn’t it?”

“I thought your father killed mine,” I explain softly. “And, well, in a way, he did. It was Kai he gave the order to. Kai I watched bury a sword in my father’s chest.

I avoided your gaze, your company, because you look so much like him.”

I wanted to spend that time with you, be honest about what I was doing. But I wanted to make a difference more.

now you’re marrying the one thing he hated. Better yet, the one thing that killed him.”

“You know, I didn’t think I would be able to look at you, either. Not after what you did. But I quickly realized that my father wasn’t worth pleasing. His praise wasn’t worth obsessing over.” He mindlessly gathers the chocolates in a tight circle. “Now, I will be the one to make Ilya great. My own way.”

“He doesn’t control me. He haunts me.”

“After trailing his blade down my neck,” I say flatly, “he promised to leave his mark on my heart, so I never forget who broke it.”

“This is not the man I knew.” “The man you knew didn’t exist.”

“I’m sorry.” My voice is hoarse. “I am too.” “You’re not the girl I knew during those Purging Trials,” he says softly. “Not anymore.”

he’s right. I’ve already mourned the girl who died alongside Adena in that Pit. Something broken staggered out of the Bowl Arena that day...

“Now, I want to know this king you’ve become.” Kitt’s voice is light despite the weight of his words. “I worry for what you will find.”

I’ve never been so close to the sea. Never dared. Now I’ll be sailing over it.

“Respect is earned,”

“I’ll be married.” “You’ll be a queen,” he adds. “And I’ll still be Ordinary.”

“Yes, you always have been and always will be. Even with a crown on your head.”