‘Happens from time to time.’ He slipped his elbows down quickly and bucked her off, not needing to grip her back, as she went flying over his face, her stomach squashing his nose, and he couldn’t help but laugh as her giggle vibrated through him. ‘I think the chocolate in my pocket just broke.’
He felt more than her weight leave him as she stood, the burden of thinking he had to protect her lifted a little as well.
‘Best we eat it now then, before it crumbles to pieces,’ she remarked, a glint in her eye.
‘It’s for you to use as currency. I want to teach you about that as well.’
‘You’re teaching me a lot today.’
‘Have to take care of my girl.’
‘Hmm. I’m still not buying that line. So, let’s spar for now. We can do money next time.’
He agreed, putting the chocolate bar on the bed. ‘You can get back on the floor.’
‘Yes, sir,’ she mocked, bending to her knees in front of him, and Bear found he needed a moment to compose himself.
They continued to spar until it was time to leave, and he gave her the usual peck on the cheek at the doorway before heading off to their jobs, telling her he would see her at dinner.
The pips went earlyto call everyone in for dinner, which was unusual, but as soon as Bear saw Binnow standing there with a hessian sack, he knew why.
Someone shouted out what everyone in the canteen was thinking. ‘It hasn’t been six months yet.’
Binnow held up the sack. ‘Not up to me. Just doing what I’m told. You lot should try it sometime.’
Bear could see Dionne whispering to Scarlen, no doubt letting her know fledglings were exempt, not that he thought the general would allow the warden to put Scarlen in the Zone.
‘Six names from here, as I’ve already called four from Block One,’ said Binnow. ‘So, let’s get on with it without fuss.’
The air in the canteen stilled as everyone inhaled at the same time, faces turning ghostly, hands holding hands, hearts hammering in chests.
Bear already knew if Wynter’s name was called, he would volunteer in her place, as was allowed. He wouldn’t let anyone in his family enter the Zone, but he knew only Oxley wouldn’t let him take his place. Raven would only agree for Wynter’s sake. Their arrangement had been made before the last War Zone took place.
The first four names were pulled out, one being Varklee, before Bear’s name was announced, which came as no surprise, as he figured a Rebel would be put in each time.
‘That’s not fair,’ someone said. ‘Bear was in the Zone last time.’
There had always been talk of the game being fixed, but there was nothing the inmates could do about it.
‘Less stress, people,’ said Varklee, a sly grin making him look somewhat insane. ‘I’ll be in there this time.’
Bear wasn’t sure if that helped him, and judging by the looks on other faces, they weren’t sure either.
‘And lastly,’ said Binnow, digging around in the sack. ‘Scarlen Smithson.’
Some gasps filled the canteen as a sea of eyes fell on Scarlen.
‘But she’s a fledgling,’ said Dionne.
‘I don’t make the rules,’ snapped Binnow. ‘Smithson’s name was called. She goes in.’
Miss Harnish stepped forward, her finger a touch shaky as she pointed at the stack of trays. ‘You can eat now.’
No one moved for a moment, Binnow the first to walk away, then the inmates quietly went to get their dinner, Scarlen simply staring wide-eyed at Dionne, her face ashen, her body motionless.
‘What the fuck!’ whispered Oxley to Bear, breaking him from his trance with Scarlen. ‘Early Zone, fledgling,her?’
Bear marched her way, people parting to let him through to the Green side, not even a guard willing to reprimand him. He leaned close to her ear. ‘Eat your dinner as though you don’t feel sick. Do not show weakness. We’ll be put in the Zone straight after second headcount. Wrap up warm. Don’t bring food, as they search us. Try not to get cut. The weapons hold magick to make things worse.’ He hadn’t time to say everything he wanted as Jontson entered the canteen, bringing with him an icy chill as he tapped his baton.
