Despite the pain it will cause me to remember, I take a deep breath and remind myself of the training I have undergone the past few weeks. Especially with the two of…them.
I clench my eyes shut, my fingers rolling into fists, digging into my palms.
The countless hours of physical exercise and mental fortitude guidance. The bruises along my body still ache in misery with each movement. As well as the stitches that tug on my ribs, a wound that is still fresh from when I fought him.
The final men, twenty-two now if he is dead, and I have constantly been preparing for this, and we are nowhere close to being one of the chosen eight to fight the one they call theWailing Mother. The fallen Queen.
No one has ever defeated her. Every year, Queen Antavianna, the ruler over the realm Azure, always handpicks the chosen eight that have shown strength not only physically, but deep in the core of their being. Deep in their soul.
She sees it in their eyes.
She sees it in the way they fight.
Year after year, throughout the battles to see what realm will be protected by theLight Stone,she pulls every man who fights in the battle games and brings them to her palace for a ritual. She has the gift known aseidetic memory. With the touch of her hands against any man or woman's head, she can replay their memories like a movie. Through this, she determines who will be courageous enough to try and bring down the Wailing Mother.
To break the curses for good.
Even though onlymenhave been chosen, I feel in my heart I am more ready than ever. If I can proveto them all to be something they need, maybe I can find Tilly.
Maybe I have a chance to save Alice. She is here. My body feels it.
My heart can feel her heart beating.
But as I stand here with men who scream for my death, I pray to the Gods I am right. That I have been chosen for this path for a reason.
Am I ready to be a part of the chosen eight? More than likely not.
As I am the only woman to ever be a part of the games.
The only woman to ever try to be one of the eight.
The only woman to ever be thrown in or considered by the Queen to have a chance to hold theLight Stone.
No matter who in the crowd screams or what they throw my way, they cannot stop me. I am ready for this beast, ready to face it head-on andrise from the ashes. I will bevictorious. I must do everything in my power to fight anything and anyone who comes in my path… for my sister, Tilly.
The training I have received from those who do not believe I am the one fills me with a raging fire as thoughts replay in my mind, as if every fiber of my being is on the brink of combustion.
My stomach continues to churn. Sweat still runs like a river down my spine as I recall his lessons:remain calm in danger,be aware of every strike,and take control of your breathing.Your breathing will be your biggest weakness.Remembrance of his voice sends goosebumps along my body. The hairs on the back of my neck rise as I recall his lips close to my ear.
“You are the chosen. You are Deskyiara.”
I squeeze my eyes shut for a split moment.He isn’t here.I need to do this without him.
The echoes of stringed instruments and horns pulse into my soul, reminding me of the years back at home with my father and sister. We would sit on the patio swing and listen to the sounds of the rain bounce off our metal roof. The rhythm was almost like a song, a melody that soothed me.
I wondered if I would be like the King, Tyiesk Deskyiara, the man they believe is my father, known as the last true King of Azure, powerful and swift. He never hesitated. He never feared.
I must not fear my destiny.
My breath comes in shallow gasps as I peer into the darkness with a cautious eye. I begin to count my breaths as my chest rises and falls, creating a steady pace for my body to withstand the battle that is to come. The darkness in the cage is still while I wait for any sign of movement, nothing seeming to stir within its depths.
Yet still I feel something powerful lurking there.
Waiting to strike.
Waiting to kill me.
Fiery embers begin to sparkle in the darkness. Low popping and crackling sounds roar in the tunnel. Warm, amber light creeps along the dark gravel until finally, the whole tunnel is full of fire and smoke.
