Emberly straightened in her seat when Arran returned. She knew what this meant for her. The time had come for her to take her Final Task. She felt as though the reaper was standing outside her window, waiting for her.
And then he arrived, saying in a thick, raspy voice, “Kyler Dern.” She paled, stood up, and followed Sir Wylan out of the room.
With each thud of his wooden leg, Emberly recalled the sound of a drum just before an execution. It felt like that too. She was absolutely certain that this day would be the end of her.
Unlike everyone who had gone before her, Emberly was not led into the large room with King George and Lady Elizabeth already waiting for her. Instead, she was led up a large, winding staircase. Not knowing she was alone in this endeavor, Emberly did not question
