Chapter 34
Thirty-four
On the morning of the second challenge, I’m staring at my reflection in the mirror of my bathroom.
I secure my golden bandana around my neck and get started braiding my hair.
I’m apprehensive, not ready to subject myself to the torment of another challenge willingly.
Blowing out a breath, I study my gaze in the mirror—time to light up the dark.
I startle, catching Leo observing me from the doorway.
He smirks, walking up behind me and placing a kiss on my shoulder.
Tug, tug. He pulls on the braids lightly.
“We have not survived to give in now. We are not here by chance. You will show them you are not afraid of their darkness, of them. We are figuring this out together. We are in this together. You do whatever it takes to survive.”
The way this man relentlessly believes in me steals my breath. I spin and wrap my arms around him, placing my head on his chest. “I don’t have nearly as good a speech for you.” His chuckle vibrates through his chest against my cheek, making me smile.
“I have to go. I’ll see you there.”
I lightly kiss his lips. “Please don’t die.”
“Never,” he whispers, before he’s gone.
A quiet knock on my door alerts me to Orion’s arrival. He leans against the door pensively. He’s handsome, with light trousers and a crisp white top. His attire is so formal, so at odds with my activewear. A stark reminder of our differences. “Ready?”
“As I’ll ever be.” I ready my false bravado and head towards the door. The faster we get to the arena, the sooner this nightmare can be over. Orion reaches for my arm, stopping me.
“I have something for you.”
My eyebrows crinkle. “Why?”
“Because I care for you. I believe in you, and I want you to be safe.”
“I—I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. Close your eyes and put your hands out.” Anticipation floods me, making me giddy. When have I ever received a gift? Something flat and biting cold is laid in my hands. “Okay, you can open them.”
Gasping, I examine the small dagger before me.
The blade is deep silver, gleaming in the orb lights.
The handle, a clear, crystalline material, is wrapped entirely by an onyx viper.
A solid gold tongue sticks out of the viper’s mouth, matching the gold stars the snake is inlaid with.
The weapon is remarkable, vicious, and beguiling.
A reminder of who I want to be. “I love it. By the stars, Riri, I love it so much. Thank you, truly.”
He tries to cover his sheepish smile by running his hand over his jaw. “You’re welcome. Keep it close.”
I find a slim pocket built into my tights and slide the blade in, smiling. “You’re going to win today,” he reassures me.
“Today, I will.”
His smile mirrors my own. “Today, you will.”
The arena roars with excitement as we enter, taking our places among the other competitors. Unlike last time, our forthcoming task is not masked. Soaring near the tip of the dome, swaying ever so lightly, is a narrow beam. I’ve never been more thankful for not having a fear of heights.
The sight is intimidating, no doubt a ploy of the Kosmos.
Speaking of which, a female voice echoes throughout the arena.
“All of Astralis, we welcome you to the second challenge of the Gemini Games!” Cheers erupt as the order star-shoot into the coliseum, taking center stage. The theatrics know no bounds.
“In today’s game, competitors will face off in groups of three on the balancing platform above.
By whatever means necessary, they will attempt to disqualify their opponents by pushing them off the beam.
” Is this woman serious? There is no way we can fit even more than one person across the beam.
Whoever has the misfortune of being in the middle is going to have to spar with two people at once.
The thought of falling from that height causes me to shudder.
“As always, use your tech pads for up-to-date data on the contestants. The winner of each round will be awarded a moonstone piece. A reminder of the moonstone standings after Game One:
Zellie Toro: one
Solene Lox: one
Leo Vance: one
Who will reign victorious? Contestants, ready yourselves. You’re allowed five minutes with your sponsors. When the horn sounds, a random grouping will be called. May the stars guide you. The constellations are the only constant.”
“This is fucking crazy,” I whisper-shout to Orion.
“I know it is. But you’ve practiced. Anticipate your opponents’ movements and play defense for as long as possible. Let them tire themselves out. If you need to, remember: the neck, the chest, the back.” He clasps our hands together. “You’ve got this.”
“What do I do if I’m in the middle?”
“Multitask?”
I snort as the horn blows. With a reassuring squeeze, Orion star-shoots out of the arena. Will five minutes ever be enough?