There’s power in control, a quiet thrill in knowing that if anyone entered my orbit, these graceful arcs could become deadly strikes. This is where everything comes together—where each elegant line ensures my survival.
A bell clangs twice—sharp and grating. The sound slices through the clash of steel like a knife. Around me, men and women stumble. Blades lower. Boots scrape over packed dirt as every warrior heads toward the posting board. The evening air is thick—sweat, dust, anticipation—and beneath it all, that low, hungry murmur that always precedes match announcements.
Seamus arrives with his usual swagger, a hammer slung over one shoulder as if he’s marching to a throne. His assistant, Marvin, scurries behind him, clutching the parchments as if they were sacred scripture. Together, they move slowly, capturingthe crowd’s attention. I grit my teeth, wishing Razor were here. Seamus isn’t a commander—he’s a shriveled little ballsack in nice clothes.
The first blow of the hammer strikes the board with a sharp THUNK. The iron nail sinks in deeply—and I have a feeling of impending doom. Seamus smoothly reads the names with his characteristic theatrical flair, pausing to let whispers ripple through the crowd. His little shadow giggles after each name, as if on cue.
One by one, names are called out. Some warriors grin, others curse under their breath. My heartbeat remains steady, even as the crowd presses in closer, bodies slick with sweat from drills.
Then Seamus findsmine.
“Ahhh,” he drawls, lips curling in a smile that makes my knuckles itch. “Reverie. Howthrilling.”
He raises the second parchment high, making sure everyone can see it. The ink isn’t still—it moves, as if it’s alive, swirling across the page. My stomach tightens. He slams the nail home.
CRACK.
The board shudders. A pulse of blood-red magic ripples out, hot enough that the hair on my arms stands up. The name beside mine unfurls like a nightmare:
The Varruk.
The crowd reacts as one—ripples of movement, sharp gasps. Even the veterans stiffen. The Varruk isn’t just a creature; it’s a nightmare with bones. A hulking monstrosity dragged from the wilds of Aurathia, with broad shoulders hunched, powerful limbs, and a thick hide that is nearly impervious to weapons. Its elongated muzzle is filled with rows of sharp teeth, and the strangest part of the creature is the horns arching back, forming a strange crown-like pattern.
Grumpy had told me about them. He’d said that hundreds of years ago, they used to be considered honorable warriors, but now they were little more than predators.
Seamus turns to face the crowd, soaking in the tension as if it were sunlight.
“Try not to die too quickly,” he says loudly with a malicious smile on his face. “The spectators do so love a good show.”
Laughter spreads—some cruel, some nervous. I don’t give him the satisfaction of looking away. Instead, I meet his gaze squarely, steady and sharp. The smile that curls my lips is purposeful, thin, and sharp.
“Don’t worry,” I say, ensuring they hear me in the back. “I’ll make it scream just for you.”
Marvin is the first to stop laughing. Seamus’s grin flickers—just for a moment.
I hold his gaze like a promise.
I will not die tomorrow, buttheymight.
Chapter 10
Chloe
The guys had been gone all night, and I was drinking coffee with Oliver in the cafeteria, having slept maybe thirty minutes in the last twenty-four hours. I hadn’t been able to go to Java and Jam since Reverie had been taken. My guys had brought it to me several times, but I couldn’t get through the doors without breaking down in tears.
“When is Deshawn getting back?” I took a big sip of my coffee and grimaced at the strong taste.
“I’m not sure, La’u alofagia. I talked to him about an hour ago, and he’s still trying to locate their contact in Aurathia.” Oliver kissed my cheek, then drank his coffee down like it was nectar.
“How in the hell do you drink this stuff like it’s actually good?” I took another small sip of the hot brew, needing the caffeine.
Oliver shrugged his large shoulders, “It’s all the same to me. Nothing compares to the blend I can get on my island.”
“It’syourisland?” I bumped my shoulder into his side.
He grinned, revealing bright white teeth shining against his beautiful skin, which I envied. It looked like sun-dappled honey, making me want to lick him all over.
“It is. Soon, after this all ends, I’ll take you there. I want to see that beautiful body laid out on the golden sand, with only me covering it.” His eyes gleamed with desire, and I felt my nipples stiffen at the look.
