Page 29

“You’re lying,” the slimeball said without looking away from me.

“No, he ain’t,” one of the other milky-eyed guards muttered behind him. “Heard as much myself.”

Seeming reluctant to admit defeat, the miscreant wound his blunted finger around one of my lavender curls. “Explains the purple hair, I suppose.”

At his harsh tug, I winced, gritting my teeth.

Finally, he released me, backing away and unlocking the door. “Into the cell with you then. Any trouble from either of you, and I’ll deal with you personally.”

I sensed the last part he meant for me. I stifled a shiver of revulsion, entering the space.

Behind us, the heavy door slammed, and the lock hammered into place.

The minute the guard’s footsteps faded, I shoved my hands into Victor’s chest, knocking him back a step. “Stay out of my business, vampire. You’ve done enough damage for one span.”

Lips pressed into a thin line of irritation, Custodis took several steps back from me. “As you wish.”

I scanned our surroundings, Victor doing the same.

Along opposite walls were a multitude of open rooms. Two small cots in each. At the back was a large pit filled with sand where a pair of grunting women grappled. In the center of the communal space were several long tables. Seated on the matching benches were a handful of prisoners. Among them were a mix of males and females, all various races. At our appearance, their heads swiveled, calculating eyes taking our measure.

“Greetings, contestants,” said a gentle voice.

I shifted to face a woman, who, unlike my cell mates, wore a simple, homespun shift. Two thick braids, the color of wheat, hung over her shoulders. Also, unlike the others, her smile was welcoming. In her hands was a tray with bread, cheese, and meat. My stomach growled at the sight.

“My name is Milani. I will be your servant for the durationof the games. I’m here to answer any questions you may have. Of which, I’m sure you have many.”

I suspected Milani was abrownie, a race of beings who thrived in the service of others. Essentially, they needed to be needed. Without that need, they often withered and died.

“Prisoners get servants?” Unable to resist, I stole a piece of bread and stuffed it into my mouth.

“Yes, all contestants receive a servant to assist them.” She led us to the closest table, setting down her tray. “Meals are served here twice a span. I brought you a snack since you missed the last one. King Idris wants his competitors in top form. I’ve also prepared your sleeping quarters. You’re both in the third room on the right.”

“Together?” I coughed, breadcrumbs sweeping into my lungs.

“Yes, cell blocks are communal. The others are full.”

“Of course they are,” I grumbled, catching Victor’s raised brow and scowling in return.

“Each morning and night, a bell will ring, signaling when it’s time to rise or sleep. The guards reprimand those who do not comply.”

No doubt, Snodd would be all too eager to put me in my place. “What else?”

“Engaging in violence outside of the trials is forbidden.” She glanced over her shoulder at the others, whispering, “However, you should exercise caution, as there are those who sometimes break the rules.”

Great. Threats surrounded me on all sides.

I met the vampire’s unreadable expression, having little confidence in whose side he would fight on. Likely his own.Bula-hole.

“What can you tell me about the trials?” I’d heard rumors but never witnessed one.

“First, you will attend a demonstration to display your skills.That done, each challenger receives a score so that wagers may be placed.”

I feared asking but… “What sort of wagers?”

Milani’s gleaming eyes widened. “All kinds. From whom may win, to which of the fallen will be the first to lose an appendage. First to drown. First to catch fire. First to—”

“I get the picture.” Bubbles rolled in my empty gut. “And what of the trials?”