The only place I want to go ishome. My heart aches knowing I won’t be able to save Tilly. I have screwed everything up and my death will now be in an unfamiliar place, instead of being around those I love. But I follow, even though I don’t want to. My feet move, but my mind screams not to.
But what other choice do I have?
None.
We push through the metal door, and it leads us to this long tunnel filled with cobwebs and torches that light up the way. I can hear the echoes of men chatting up ahead,all of the men. A guard squeezes by us, his silver armor reflecting the fires against the wall, and begins organizing us. He pulls men to the front of the line and behind us. I bite my bottom lip as he halts by me and with a grunt, he yanks my arm and drags me up ahead, leaving behind the only two men in here that don’t want me dead.
Shit.I glare all around in a panic, trying to catch my breath as sweat begins to bead across my lip. Unsure if it's from the fire or the fear of being alone with men who aren’t afraid to kill someone. Who aren’t afraid to rip a soul from someone's body without hesitation. My stomach tightens as I hold my breath, wondering who the lucky man is that will get to kill the first woman ever to participate in the games.
It would be funny if I am theProphecy Queenand whoever kills me is cursed forever. I at least would die knowing once my heart stopped beating, I would take revenge and they would have no idea it's coming.
I’m lost in thought, grinning ear to ear, internally laughing knowing that’s impossible but still a fun thought to toy with. However, the guard pushes me in front of…you have got to be kidding me.
“Well, hello.” He scowls.
I shut my eyes, feeling his eyes boring into me but I don’t want to look back. I can’t. Maybe if I don’t, he’ll leave me alone. I hesitantly open my eyes as I let out a shaky breath, glaring at the ceiling above that leaks water droplets against my cheek.
My jaw clenches with each drop, and I’m desperate to control my racing heart. I turn slowly and meet the eyes of Dryden.
“Hi.” I force a smile.
“So, a woman in the games?” His voice peaks with a curious tone. “How interesting.”
“As I have heard.” I swallow, my hands fidgeting behind my back, and try to control the tone in my voice.I cannot show them I am scared.
“Well, I am sorry.” He gives a slight nod.
“Sorry for being thrown into the games?”
“Sorry for having to die in them.” He leans forward. “I’d be glad to end your life so you won’t have to endure the agony that comes with being in here.”
The knot inside my throat grows by the second, my jaw clenching as my nostrils flare. I will not be scared. I am Serene Quinnell,I am not going to let these men kill me.
“What makes you think I will endure pain?” I snarl, my head tilting to the side. “Because I’m awoman?”
His lip tugs into an amusing smirk. “I’ve seen men, strong and fierce, die by these games. I’ve had them beg for me to kill them, to take them out of their misery. Men who have fought the deadly sea with me die within seconds and yet you…” he takes a step, hovering over my petite body, “you think you are stronger than these men?”
“The thing is… all you speak of is,” I pause, taking a step towards him, “men.”
A thick, midnight-black brow lifts before he lets out a scuff.
“You have yet to witness the strength of adamn woman.” I smirk, raising my brows high before turning around and clasping my hands behind my back. “I’ll see you in the pit, Dryden.”
“I look forward to it.” He drags out the words slowly, pronouncing every syllable.
Goosebumps form along my back as I know, as his eyes are locked onto me, that he more than likely will be the death of me. But until my death,I will show no damn fear.
“QUINTON TARLIESK.” A WOMAN SPEAKS, introducing the men of the battle games. I believe forty-nine names have been called, but I might have lost count.
I know my turn is coming soon, the light from the tunnel is brightening and the torches are being replaced by colored stones in the shape of dragons.
With each step I take, my eyes close and I take a deep inhale.
“Lyrusk O’linado,” she continues. Fifty.I think.Which means… we are halfway through the names.
I peek around and begin to count; seven men are ahead of me. I pull back into line, quietly breathing so Dryden cannot hear my breath shaking. If he even senses my fear, I am dead. I could be dead already, but in order to try and survive this, the only way to do so is to force the fear away.
Become numb.
