It took them an hour to reach the location for the next challenge. The area was buzzing with activity. Technicians scurried around, adjusting equipment, checking sensors, and avoiding eye contact with the competitors as if afraid of being caught in the crossfire.
The moment they spotted Blaine, Vaelor stiffened. His entire body went rigid, muscles coiling like a predator ready to pounce. He took a step forward, eyes narrowing.
Mara grabbed his arm. “We’re close to ending this. Don’t let him get to you.”
He inhaled deeply, chest rising and falling with controlled effort. After a moment, he nodded. She released him only when she felt the tension ease slightly.
“Come on,” she said. “Let’s see what the Game Master has planned for us now.”
They checked their bags with a trembling technician—poor guy looked like he expected Vaelor to snap his neck—and stepped into the red circle marked on the ice.
Blaine stood across from them, half his face covered with a bandage. His one good eye glared at them with pure hatred.
Mara felt Vaelor tense beside her again, but she squeezed his hand. He stayed still.
Blue lights shot upward from a massive ice boulder, forming the holographic projection of the Game Master. The audience holograms erupted in cheers.
“Welcome all to Challenge Six: The Pulse Labyrinth!”
The crowd roared.
“We have two formidable teams left,” the Game Master continued. “Mara and Vaelor—our showmance. And Blaine and Dugan.”
Mara rolled her eyes. Vaelor muttered something under his breath that sounded very un-Crytharian.
“Competitors,”the Game Master said,“you and your partner have been biometrically tethered since the beginning of the Games. Your heartbeats, stress levels, and neural responses are linked. But until now, you haven’t had to rely on your tether.”
The audience leaned forward.
“The time has come to show just how well you have bonded.”
Mara’s pulse quickened.
“Before you is an ice labyrinth. It responds to your bond. Distrust your partner, and the walls will close. Lie, and the floor will crack. Panic, and the ice will turn against you.”
The labyrinth shimmered into view—towering walls of translucent ice, shifting and twisting like a living creature.
“Only those who have learned true trust will find the safe path. Fail to sync with your partner… and the labyrinth will consume you.”
Mara swallowed hard.
Vaelor’s hand found hers.
“Players get ready,”the Game Master said.“Three. Two. One. Begin!”
The labyrinth opened.
The challenge began.
Chapter 42
Vaelor
The moment Vaelor and Mara stepped into the labyrinth, the temperature dropped sharply, as if the ice itself exhaled. The walls shimmered with a faint blue glow, shifting like living things. The air vibrated with an eerie hum that resonated in his bones.
And then—
He felt it.
