Chapter Veintidós: Bonds of Feathers and Fate

The next morning dawned with the promise of excitement in the air. It was the day of the third challenge, and the tension in the De León estate was palpable. The contestants knew that today, the stakes were higher than ever. Only 10 of the remaining 17 would advance to the next round.

Adanna and Serena stood in Serena's chamber, their eyes meeting in the reflection of the ornate mirror as they were dressed by the skilled hands of Juana and Inés. The maids had been working tirelessly, ensuring that every fold of fabric and every strand of hair was perfect.

Inés bustled around Adanna, expertly tightening the laces of her corset and smoothing out the wrinkles in her gown. The fabric was a deep brown, almost black, that complemented Adanna's rich, lightly brown skin.

"Lista, señorita Adanna?" Inés asked, her voice bubbling with nervous excitement. "Ready, Miss Adanna?"

Adanna offered a forced smile, her stomach fluttering with anxiety. "As ready as I will ever be," she murmured, the words barely escaping her lips. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of confusion and curiosity, the images from the book Serena had shown her swirling through her mind. The mysterious man from the garden, the third challenge, Leonardo and Serena's secretive exchange, the act of marriage—it all felt like a mess of puzzle pieces she hadn't been taught to assemble.

Across the room, Serena was half-asleep as she sat in her chair, allowing Juana to style her hair. Her eyes were half-closed, but she was smiling faintly as she listened to the chatter of the maids. The challenge ahead was obviously not weighing on her as heavily as it was on Adanna.

Suddenly, a gentle hand touched Adanna's shoulder. "Preocupada?" Inés inquired softly, her brow furrowed in concern. "Worried?"

Adanna snapped out of her thoughts and offered Inés a reassuring smile. "No, I am fine," she lied, her voice a tad shaky. "Just... nervous."

Inés's eyes softened. "It is a big day, señorita. The last seven will be eliminated today."

Adanna nodded, her thoughts racing. "I know, I know," she said, her voice tight. "But I have made it this far, I just... I want to be prepared for everything."

"Thank you, Inés. You both did a wonderful job with the dress." Adanna said, standing up to get a better look at herself in the mirror. The corset cinched her waist, and the skirt of the dress poofed out dramatically.

Serena walked towards Adanna and linked her arm through hers. "Do not worry so," she said, her voice calm and soothing. "We will get through this together."

"But what if I do something wrong?" Adanna whispered, her eyes searching Serena's for reassurance.

Serena rolled her eyes, playfully poking Adanna's side. "You will not do anything wrong," she said, her voice filled with confidence. "You are the most capable person I know. Besides," she winked, "you have me to save you if you trip over your skirt."

Inés, bowed slightly, her eyes sparkling with excitement, clapped her hands together and announced in a lilting mix of Spanish and English, "Señoras breakfast is served. Please follow us to the dining room!" Her words echoed through the chamber, filled with a warmth that seemed to chase away the shadows of doubt that had momentarily settled on Adanna's face.

The two friends allowed themselves to be led to the grand dining hall, their heels clicking against the polished marble floor. The dining room was bustling with activity. The remaining fifteen contestants, all dressed in their finest attire, sat scattered around a long table filled with an bunch of sumptuous dishes. The chatter of nervous excitement filled the air, a stark contrast to the solemn silence of the first morning.

Adanna and Serena took their seats at the table, the chatter of the other contestants making it difficult to focus on their meal. The air was thick with tension and anticipation. The smell of churros, fresh from the fryer, wafted through the air, mingling with the rich aroma of hot chocolate and coffee.

Adanna picked at her plate, her thoughts consumed by everything going on in her life. The churros looked delicious, but she couldn't bring herself to take a bite. Serena, noticing her friend's distraction, leaned over and whispered, "You need to eat something, Adanna. You will need your strength for today's challenge." With a nod, Adanna took a deep breath and picked up a piece of churro.

Thirty minutes later, the gentle clank of the guards' armor grew louder as they approached the grand dining hall. The chatter of the contestants abruptly ceased as the doors swung open. The guards, their faces stern and their eyes unreadable, announced in a loud, clear voice, "Señoras, please make your way to the griffin stables. The third challenge will commence promptly."

Adanna looked at Serena with a mix of apprehension and determination. This was it. The moment they had all been waiting for. The third challenge. The one that would decide their fates.

The tension in the air hung heavy as the ladies exited the dining room, escorted by the stoic guards. The grand hallways of the De León estate echoed with the sound of their footsteps, each step carrying them closer to the griffin stables.

A collective gasp filled the air as they entered the griffin stables. The structure was vast, a testament to the wealth and power of House De León. The high arched ceilings were supported by sturdy wooden beams, and the walls were made of stone that had been polished to a shine. The floor was a mix of packed dirt and straw, keeping the area clean and fragrant despite the presence of the animals.

The griffins, sat proudly in their stables. Their backs were to the arriving contestants. Each one had a seperate stall, and each was attended by a stablehand who whispered sweet nothings and brushed their feathers, ensuring their majestic forms were gleaming for the day's event. There were thirteen of these magnificent creatures, a number that seemed to hold a silent promise of fate's fickle hand.

Adanna and Serena looked at each other, confused. "Griffins?" Serena said quietly. "It seems this challenge will be more... physical than the last."

Adanna groaned inwardly, feeling a wave of trepidation wash over her. A moment later, the Duchess Camila entered the stables, her yellow gown trailing behind her.. She raised her hands for silence causing all the ladies to stop chattering. "Buenos días, señoras," the Duchess greeted them, "Today's challenge will test your...determinación, in a most unusual way," she continued, switching seamlessly between Spanish and English. "There are two parts to this challenge." Her gaze swept over the griffins, then back to the contestants.

"As you can see, there are thirteen magnificent griffins before you," she said, pointing towards the majestic creatures. "Sin embargo," she added with a smile, "there are seventeen of you vying for a place in the next round."

A low murmur of confusion swept through the group of contestants as they exchanged puzzled glances. The Duchess' smile grew wider, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "This challenge," the Duchess explained, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper, "is not about your skills or your knowledge. It is about your personalidad...personality."

She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. "Historically," she went on, "griffins have been known for their discerning nature. They are said to possess the ability to see through a person's facade and into their very soul."

"Or as us Aeronian's say," the Duchess added with a smile, "Pueden ver a través del alma como un faro en la oscuridad." (They can see through the soul like a beacon in the darkness.)

Adanna and Serena exchanged glances, both feeling a new kind of dread. The idea of being judged by mythical creatures was not something they had prepared for. The Duchess continued, her smile never wavering. "Your task is simple," she said, "this challenge," the Duchess continued, "is for the griffins to choose you. Based on who they perceive you to be, they will decide who will continue in the competition."

Panic flickered across the faces of the contestants. This was unlike anything they had ever faced before. There were no rules, no way to prepare. They were completely at the mercy of these mystical beasts.

"You have ten minutes," the Duchess announced, her voice echoing through the stables, "Use this time wisely. The griffins are complex creatures, not easily swayed by flattery or empty gestures. They will make their decision based on your presentation, your courage, and your... authenticity."

With a final nod to the stablehands, who began unlocking the griffin stalls, the Duchess stepped back, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips.

The ladies ran forward, trying to get the griffins to like them. Some were careful, smiling and talking softly. Others were loud, saying nice things and doing big acts. Adanna and Serena, however, stood back, observing the chaos with a mix of apprehension and curiosity. How could they win over a creature they knew nothing about? They exchanged a silent look, a silent question hanging in the air. What were they supposed to do?

Serena squeezed Adanna's hand and wished her luck as she walked towards the griffins. Adanna on the other hand stood still and observed the ladies, one particular lady caught her eye, she waved a glittery necklace and started offering treats to one of the griffins. Adanna watched with a grimace. How naive could they be? These weren't domesticated dogs!

Suddenly, a silver-blonde griffin with piercing blue eyes swept down towards the woman with the necklace, causing her to squeal and drop her treats. It picked one up with its beak, inspecting it curiously before dropping it and moving on, uninterested. The other griffins followed suit, ignoring the ladies' advances, much to their embarrassment.

Just then, Serena scurried past her, her black hair bouncing as she tried to attract a griffin's attention. Adanna watched her friend struggle, a wry smile playing on her lips.

Lost in the chaos, Adanna almost missed it. A griffin at the far end of the sable began charging towards her, her eyes widened as she recognised who it was. "Aetheris?" she breathed, her voice barely a whisper.

With a powerful beat of its wings, Aetheris pushed through the crowd and strutted towards Adanna, ignoring the other ladies who shrieked in surprise.

A hush fell over the stable as everyone watched, mouths agape, as the magnificent griffin nuzzled Adanna's outstretched hand. Laughter bubbled up inside her, a welcome relief from the tension. "Hello, big friend," she said softly, touching his soft feathers. "How nice to see you here!"

Aetheris cooed in response, nudging her playfully with his head. Adanna couldn't help but grin. Suddenly, the Duchess' voice boomed through the stable, shattering the quiet moment. "Five minutes remaining, ladies!" she called, her voice laced with amusement.

The spell was broken. The other contestants, jolted back to reality, lunged for the remaining griffins, their previous attempts forgotten. Adanna chuckled, watching the renewed frenzy.

Meanwhile, Aetheris lowered his head, inviting Adanna to climb aboard. She hesitated for a moment, a playful glint in her eyes.

"Are you sure you would not prefer someone who is a bit more...desperate, Aetheris?" she teased.

The griffin nudged her hand again, a playful glint in his own eyes. Adanna couldn't resist the invitation. With a laugh, she swung herself onto his back, settling comfortably between his powerful wings.

As the bell announcing the end of the challenge clanged through the stable, Adanna sat proudly atop Aetheris, who stood patiently awaiting the Duchess' judgment. The remaining four contestants who had not been chosen by the griffins stood awkwardly beside the stable doors.

Duchess Camila scanned the scene, a satisfied smirk playing on her lips. Her gaze lingered on Adanna and Aetheris for a moment before she addressed the group. "Felicidades to the thirteen ladies who have successfully formed a bond with a griffin," she announced calmly, a twinkle in her eye. "Unfortunately, the competition must continue, and four of you will not be advancing to the next round."

Her eyes flitted over the remaining ladies, and their faces paled. "Out!" she barked, pointing at the four who hadn't been chosen. "You may leave the stables and prepare to leave the estate immediately."

Guards came into the stables and took the four rejected contestants by the arms, escorting them out. Their eyes filled with tears as they glanced back at the griffins they hadn't been able to win over. The remaining contestants shared a collective sigh of relief, but the tension remained thick in the air. As the doors clanged shut, the stable erupted in cheers and excited chatter. Adanna, however, remained perched on Aetheris' back, her eyes locked with the Duchess's.

Aetheris, sensing the tension, let out a low rumble, nuzzling Adanna's hand reassuringly. Aetheris might not have understood the words, but he understood the emotions perfectly. Adanna leaned down, stroking his feathers with a grateful smile. This unexpected reunion might just be the edge she needed in this strange competition.