Chapter 46
Forty-six
“Welcome all to the third trial in the Gemini Games!” Applause erupts as a Kosmos named Elio greets the crowd and beckons to the competitors. The arena is suspiciously empty; what in all the worlds could they be planning for us today?
“Before we start, a reminder of the standings:
Leo Vance: two
Solene Lox: two
Zellie Toro: one
“With only three games left, five fragments remain to be found. The stakes are high; place your silver on whom you hold your confidence in.” Fuck, I need to get at least one piece today. “And now, the moment you’ve been waiting for…”
The ground rumbles, causing the competitors and sponsors to lose their balance. Orion and I keep each other upright. As the dust settles, a gaping circular hole in the center of the arena awaits. Thanks to Orion’s prepping, I know exactly what lurks below: water.
“As always, contestants will have five minutes with their sponsors. When the horn sounds, the timer will begin. The participants have two hours to emerge. A warning horn will be issued when fifteen minutes remain. May the stars guide you; the constellations are the only constant. Your time starts now.”
“Strip down to your swimsuit; you will not want the added layers.” I remove my clothing piece by piece. “Did you wear the suit I sent last night? With the pocket for your dagger?”
“Yes.” I watch as several, but not all, of the others also remove their clothing. The swimsuit has ample coverage. The top features long sleeves and zips in the front, with shorts on the bottom. A slim pocket on my hip holds my dagger. I pray I don’t need to use it.
“You know your limits. Do not push them. Come up for air as often as you need to.”
“Any tips on what to expect down there?”
He shakes his head, collecting my discarded clothing. “I do not know; I’m sorry.” He did the best he could, preparing me to swim and hold my breath. “Hey, look at me.”
I look up, and he clasps our hands together. “Today, you will win.”
I smile, appreciating the continuity of his words each game. “Today, I will.”
Once the horn blasts, Solene, Miles, Celeste, and Atlas make a run for it.
They jump in, disappearing down the chute, one after another.
I give Lenny a reassuring nod as he and Aria enter.
Leo stops by my side when we’re several feet away from the entrance.
Tug, tug. A pull on each of my braids. I’m not sure who enjoys the ritual more, but I’m grateful for it. “Ladies first,” he motions to me.
I steady my breathing, contemplating my options.
Do I peer in? Will that psych me out? Most likely, I decide.
“Here we go,” I say to myself before lightly jogging, springing off the balls of my feet, and sailing through the center of the entrance.
The hole is deeper than I thought, and I free-fall for what feels like minutes.
As the water rushes up to greet me, I straighten my arms to my sides and slam my legs together, hitting the water in one straight line.
The water is colder than the river, but at a tolerable temperature.
I push up to the surface and take in my surroundings.
I’ve fallen into an alcove. Orb lights hang off cavernous rock walls, but nothing else is found above the waterline.
I look up, the gaping entrance now resembling a minuscule hole.
As I wade, I consider waiting for Leo. But the longer I wait, the more energy I’ll waste, I realize.
Energy will be as precious as time in this challenge, especially for humans who have lived in worlds made of dry gravity chambers.
I take one deep breath, bracing myself, before diving into the world below.