Chapter 62
CHAPTER 62
Aefre
Kaelin and I stand near the observation window, watching the footage of Ash’s challenge replay on the holographic display. My breath releases slowly, relief washing over me. She passed. She survived.
The Garden of Shadows Challenge is one of the more insidious trials for female pets. It’s designed to prey on their intellect and emotions, to root out vulnerabilities that can’t be addressed with mere physical strength. Many have failed, not because they lacked physical capability, but because they weren’t clever enough to navigate the psychological maze.
Ash, however, proved she could handle it. She stumbled, yes—over the projection of me, a moment that could have undone her, but she recovered.
“I thought she was done for when your holograph appeared,” Kaelin comments.
“She exceeded my expectations,” I reply, my gaze still on the screen as it replays the hologram of me. It’s an uncanny replica. “That last hologram really tested her.”
Kaelin shifts slightly uncomfortably. “Do you think they did it to undermine your connection to her before the main event tomorrow?”
“Yes. But it won’t work. Now that Ash knows that was only a hologram she knows nothing that was said was real. And I’ve already seen her and told her how much I value you her. I even gave her some chocolates. But it’ll be Ember who convinces her that he never thinks of Fifi when they’re having sex.”
“You’re not worried that Ember will play on her fears, twist this further? That human pet child hologram said, ‘Don’t leave me.’ That came from Ash’s mind.”
“It’s expected. How could Ash not be affected by the talk of Gael the Returner. It seems all anyone talks about anymore. So of course it’s in her subconscious. But thinking about something and actually acting on it are two different things entirely. I’m not concerned. Ash scored well. She and Ember are in pole position to win tomorrow. Why would they consider leaving?”
“To me, it seems like an unnecessary risk. If I were you, I’d keep Ash with me tonight alone to show her how much she means to me. Those words spoken by the holographic you, hurt her.”