The Lost Crown Book 2: The Test
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Saphira Aelin
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30
Leaders
Book 2: The Test
DRAKE
“Should we head for higher ground or lower?” I asked Tanner, glancing around nervously.
“Higher. That way we can see where everyone else is,” he said, and we started climbing.
Allyah slid her arm through Tanner’s, grinning. “Excellent thinking, my prince.”
Tanner just shook her off and switched places with my sister, not even looking back.
The trail was rough, all rocks and loose dirt, and it only got worse as we climbed.
When the sun dipped behind the mountains, it was almost impossible to see where we were stepping.
Allyah lit up her palm, a soft glow spilling out so she could see.
“Put that out! You want everyone to know where we are?” I hissed at her, trying to keep my voice low.
She just rolled her eyes. “Who made you the leader? I don’t remember voting for you.”
Of course she’d say that.
“Drake’s right,” Matthew said, giving her arm a little smack.
The light faded, but it didn’t go out all the way.
Suddenly, Allyah screamed, her voice echoing off the rocks.
I spun around, heart pounding, and saw her dangling from a branch, her feet kicking at nothing.
We were so high up, I couldn’t even see the ground below us.
I didn’t think—I just jumped down onto a branch next to her, grabbing her waist and pushing her up.
Matthew reached for her hand, pulling hard.
“My pack!” she cried, watching as her huge bag slammed against the cliff and tumbled down into the darkness.
“We need those supplies. Who knows how long we’ll be stuck out here?” Celestria said, shaking her head.
I scrambled back up and peered over the edge, searching for the pack.
Somehow, it had gotten wedged between two sharp rocks.
“Hand,” I said, reaching for Matthew, and lowered myself down even further.
As soon as I grabbed the pack, the rock under my feet gave way.
Celestria grabbed Matthew as he lurched forward, and I swung the pack up to Clay.
Hunter grabbed my other hand, and together they hauled me back up.
Clay handed the bag to Allyah. “Here’s your pack.”
Allyah hugged it like it was a lost puppy. “Thank the gods. All my best clothes are in here.”
“Wait, you mean that pack is just clothes?” Celestria stared at her, totally stunned.
“They’re not just clothes. These are the latest designs. If I can’t wear them at the academy, I’ll wear them out here. They deserve to be seen,” Allyah said, clutching the bag to her chest.
Unbelievable.
“Drake just risked her life for that pack, thinking it was supplies,” Hunter said, rubbing his temples.
Tanner snatched the pack and tossed it right over the edge.
“Why would you do that?” Allyah shrieked, staring at the prince.
“You should’ve told us what was in there before Drake almost died for it,” Hunter said, his voice sharp.
I cut in before anyone else could yell. “Can we just move on? I was the one hanging off a cliff. I get to do all the yelling and screaming. We need to get out of here—anyone could’ve heard that.”
Everyone went quiet and followed me as I started walking again.
We kept going until we found a small clearing, far enough from the cliff to feel safe.
“What do you think? Should we camp here for now?” I asked, looking around at the group.
They all nodded and started setting up camp.
Allyah flopped onto the ground, pouting. “Again, who made you our leader? There’s no way in hell I’m following you.”
She’s so spoiled. I didn’t think she could get any worse, but here we are.
Celestria glared at her. “Who made you so awful? Your parents are nothing like you. Drake just saved your life—and your stupid pack.”
My friend stormed toward Allyah, fists clenched. “We didn’t even want you in our group. No one wants to carry your dead weight.”
I threw my arm out, stopping her before she could get any closer.
“How dare you talk about my weight,” Allyah snapped, getting right in my sister’s face.
For a second, I almost wanted to let Celestria go after her.
But I shook my head. “She’s not worth it,” I said, pulling my friend away.
Celestria just pressed her lips together and went back to setting up camp.
Tanner stood up, looking right at me. “If we’re voting, I pick Drake as our leader. She actually knows what she’s doing—and she’s been studying nonstop.”
I lifted my hands, shaking my head so hard it almost hurt. There was just no way I could handle that much responsibility.
The thought of being in charge of so many lives made my stomach twist. Nope, not happening.
“I second it,” Hunter said, siding with the crown prince.
Allyah was the only one who pushed back. “I think Prince Tanner should be the leader. He is, after all, the prince of this kingdom.”
Johnny looked around at everyone. “Anyone else have an opinion?” he asked, his voice echoing a little in the quiet.
“Yeah, me. I don’t want to be a leader,” I blurted out, not even trying to hide it. Every single head turned my way.
Celestria just grinned at me, her teeth practically glowing in the dark. “Too late. I vote you in.”
Weston chimed in, “I agree with Tanner. So far, you’re more qualified for the position.”
Sterling stood next to him, nodding like it was already decided.
Are they even listening to me? I glanced at the last two who hadn’t voted—Matthew and Clay. They both just shrugged and nodded, like it was no big deal.
“Uh, is there anything I could do to change this?” I asked, hoping for a miracle. But every single one of them shook their heads.
I let out a sigh. “Fine, but Tanner is the co-leader,” I said, trying to sound firm. “That’s an order, so no one can fight me on it.”
I waited, half-expecting someone to argue, but everyone just nodded like it was settled.
