Chapter 256 - Leapt His Way (1/2)

”Please, please, please,” Olivia uttered. The ball of fire catapulted into what seemed like an endless horizon. Even with the glowing spear, not much could be seen by the n.a.k.e.d eye.

By that time, everyone was standing. They weren't expecting Maxen to shoot the arrow right after King Alistair shot his, and everyone was on the edge at how things would turn out.

Oliver looked at his friend whom he called brother and shook his head.

One-strike.

One strike was all Maxen needed and was known for, for he loved taking the first chance he could get and winging the consequences after.

This time, however, Oliver felt as if Maxen should have waited a bit more before releasing the string, just to be sure he was aiming as close as possible to the pit.

Glancing back into the darkness of the lake, Oliver closed his eyes when it didn't take long for the arrow to dart above the tranquil lake and graced them with a dancing flame of red and orange.

It glowed as it sliced in the air, giving them a glimpse of the lake's beauty in the darkness.

Pairs of eyes grew wide as saucers. They all saw it. They all saw how the ball of fire illuminated the floating fire pit before the arrow pierced the floating wooden plank.

The flame kept dancing in the right corner of the dock where the floating fire pit was.

It ignited everyone's hopes for a ring of fire to come alive, yet the fire slowly shrank and the once aglow arrow was swallowed into the darkness.

To everyone's shock, another arrow cut through the air and flew towards the lake. One after the other, arrows flew and the three married men didn't stop until the floating fire pit breathed fire as a sign of life.

Heads snapped towards the line of trees where King Alistair, Maxen, and Oliver stood. The trio celebrated with a round of a hug.

Mouths hung open at the sudden twist of events, but it was the camaraderie of the men which tugged the ladies' heartstrings.

The spirit of their tradition lived on, and it might not be as perfect as the others, but it sure showed that with the men's solidarity, they could achieve even the darkest of nights.

Olivia slumped in her seat. With wide eyes, she turned to her right where Queen Isla was sitting. ”That was intense,” she commented, and the queen responded with a childlike laugh.

Queen Isla extended her arms and enveloped Olivia in a side-hug. ”Can't argue with that,” Queen Isla quipped, and the mother and daughter hugged it out to celebrate Maxen's victory.

”I told you—collective effort,” Queen Isla said, skimming her hand on Olivia's arm. Just as the men were making their way back to the long table, lightning forked in the sky yet again, and thunder roared to life.

Earlier, Olivia wished for the winds to blow and give her reprieve from the humidity. Finally, her prayer was answered.

Leaves flew, and the floating flame swayed along with the gust of the wind. It prompted Auntie Martha to bring Grandma Lin with the help of Eli back to the cabin in case the wind picks up its gust.

Sure enough, the wind howled like a wolf on a full moon and tiny droplets of rain fell from the sky, dousing the candles on the long table.

Red and orange leaves along with wet and grainy soil coated the floor.

Ava, on instinct, counted the heads inside the cabin just in case someone was left behind.

She started counting the children. Finn, Oliver, Aerith, Wyatt and Hunter. Check.

She then moved on to the a.d.u.l.ts. Grandma, Auntie, Queen Isla, King Alistair. Check. Emily, check. Eli, check.

Ava paused. She craned her neck and scanned the room that was filled with chatter.

”Sweetie?” She tapped Oliver's shoulder. He was speaking with Wyatt so he had to pivot on his heel to face his wife.