Page 55 of A Kiss From Death (Oath of Vengeance #1)

“ N ow that we’ve gotten that taken care of, let the real fun begin,” the Empress belts out to the growing crowd outside the Bubble. “Today’s game will test your ability to make strong alliances. Hopefully, you haven’t sided with someone who will stab you in the back.”

I hear Jade and Tank snicker next to me, and heat licks at my cheeks. I won’t let them get to me, not today. I tune them out the best I can as I focus back on the Empress.

“Ignore them,” Ray whispers next to me, and I give her a small smile in return that isn’t very convincing. I just need to get through another round, and then I can rot in bed for the rest of eternity.

“Before I explain the rules of today’s game, you must split into two teams. Since our dear friend Aeron won’t be joining us, there will be a team of three and a team of two.

” Gesturing to her side, she adds, “Before choosing your teams, I will announce the rankings from last week’s game.

I will give you no hints, so choose your partners wisely. ”

A bright flash of light appears next to her, our names flashing into existence mid-air.

Tank sits at the top, somehow earning a perfect score last week, even though he didn’t even get to participate, which seems unfair.

Moving down, his evil twin and Satan’s spawn herself, Jade, sits in the number two spot.

After seeing the way she climbed up the blocks like it was second nature, her score makes sense, even if I don’t want to admit it.

I find my name next, sitting in third with Cartwell right behind me.

Even though he is basically a brain mounted on legs, his agility is what cost him in the last round.

My heart hurts a little bit as I spot my sunshine, Ray, sitting in last place.

None of this knowledge will change the alliances I plan to make, but it’s still good information to have. I spot Jade and Tank fist bumping next to me, giant smirks on their faces, and it makes me want to slit both their throats. I think Hade might be rubbing off on me.

I spot worry in Ray’s eyes, like she fears no one will want to partner with her, but that’s the farthest thing from the truth.

If there’s one person I would trust with my life, it would be her.

She’s perfect in her own quirky way; I just wish she could see it for herself.

She’s fiercely determined, and when faced with trouble, she got right back up and tried again until she got the task done.

She’s an inspiration, and who doesn’t love pink hair?

“You may now split off into two teams,” the Empress’ elevated voice beckons us.

Without thought, I grab Ray’s hand and drag her to my side, staking my claim.

On cue, Tank and Jade saunter over to the opposite side, thick as thieves as always.

I would expect nothing less. That leaves Cartwell standing in the center between our two groups, looking back and forth in deep thought .

I won’t lie, Cartwell could be an amazing ally if this challenge has anything to do with knowledge, but I also know Tank is the strongest among us.

It just depends if he trusts those two, or if he wants to side with someone he would get along with.

I could see them using Cartwell and then discarding him when they are through.

That thought must cross his mind too, because he peaks over at us, and I give him a small, encouraging smile back.

He turns on his heels and slowly walks over until he’s standing right beside us, which puts the biggest smile on Ray’s face.

Jade sends threats across the sand with her eyes, and I smile and wave at her innocently, rubbing it in.

The Empress once again discretely asks each of us if we’ve solved her impossible riddle.

We all fail to come up with responses, making her move to the game.

“Right. Now that that’s settled, are you ready to learn about today’s game?

” She gestures in a sweeping motion to us and the crowd outside, and they erupt in loud cheers and screams. “Today’s game is all about strategy.

Strategy to pick the right team, strategy to make the right moves.

Since we are already a player down, only one contestant will lose today. Pray it is not you.”

The Empress snaps her fingers, and the Illuminist beside her raises their hands. Blue magic erupts from their palms, creating a miniature three dimensional diagram.

“A game of strategy and luck, just like life. Who doesn’t love a good game of Submerge?” She pulls at the edge of the diagram, stretching it for us to see. It depicts two sides, divided by a tall wall down the center. Each side moves fluidly, like flowing water.

“For those of you not familiar with this game, I will lay the rules out.” She plucks a small, glowing boat made of magic and places it in the water on the right side of the wall.

“Each team will have two boats to place on their side of the wall anywhere they would like. There are corresponding squares under the shallow water, laying out the playing field. The number of seats in each boat determines how many squares the boat will take up. Once a boat is placed, it will be locked in place in the water, marking your board.”

She turns to speak to Jade and Tank. “Since your team is short a person, you will both be placed in a boat.” She then turns to face our team.

“Seeing as you have three players, you will decide amongst yourselves which two will be placed in a boat and which player you would like to elect as your game master. The game master will oversee placing your boats, as well as casting your shots against the opposing team. Keep in mind, the game master will be safe from elimination, but they could also win you the game if they are strategic enough.”

Shit.

I look over to Ray and Cartwell, trying to make a game plan in my head.

I’m not selfish enough to vote myself as the game master to save my own ass, especially if it might be at the expense of Ray, but I also don’t want to die.

Logically, Cartwell would be our best bet, but that also means putting our lives on the line.

“Tank, Jade,” the Empress gestures between them. “You will also need to select a game master for your team, but since you will both be placed in a boat, your game master will not be exempt from elimination. You may make your selections now.”

Ray and Cartwell scoot close so we stand shoulder to shoulder in a tight circle, creating a rainbow of blue, pink, and black hair. We all sit there silently for a few moments, unsure how to start the conversation. Taking initiative, I decide we need to think logically and talk through our options.

“Okay, why don’t we go over pros and cons for each person to narrow it down?” They both nod in agreement, and I go to speak, but Rayah beats me to it.

“Flowers, I won’t even lie, I have never had good luck in this game. I used to play it with the neighbor kids all the time growing up with rocks in the dirt, and I have won a whopping zero times. Whew, that felt good to get off my chest.” Clapping, she adds, “Who’s next?”

Shaking my head, I stifle back a laugh—leave it to Rayah to give cons about herself and no pros when fighting for her life. This woman is a different breed entirely. I decide to follow in her footsteps, because at this point, if she’s not volunteering herself, then neither am I.

“Alright, I guess I’ll go next.” I shrug. “Honestly, I’ve never played this game before, growing up in an orphanage and all, so my vote is for Cartwell, since he seems like the most logical answer.”

Cartwell looks between the two of us, his mouth slightly agape from shock. Smiling, he gives us a small nod, accepting the position.

“Thank you for trusting in my abilities,” he says eagerly, like he’s never been picked first for anything in his life.

“I played this game extensively when I was a child and know it well. It’s a game of strategy, but I won’t lie—there is a good chunk of luck involved as well.

I will try my best to keep you both alive.

” He wrings his hands together, looking suddenly nervous.

“Well, that’s good enough for me,” Ray shouts, patting him on the shoulder.

The Empress clears her throat, gathering our attention once more. “Have you made your decisions?” We all nod as Carwell and Jade both raise their hands as the nominees.

“Wonderful! Moving on then,” the Empress says in an excited manner.

“Once your game master has placed their two boats in position, we will flip a copper to see which team will start. On each side of the dividing wall will be a replica of your opponent’s playing field for you to use as reference.

Each game master will take turns calling out a square to attack, hoping it will hit one of their competitors’ ships.

Using the catapult provided, your game master will state the dedicated space they would like to target and pull the lever, which will fling a ball of magic over the wall.

The goal of the game is to sink one of your opponent’s ships.

You must hit each square the boat covers to sink the ship.

Whichever player is sitting in the first ship that sinks will be eliminated from the Crucible.

Each shot taken will show as a circle for a hit or an x for a miss on the dividing wall in front of you to use as a guide. ”

The Empress smooths her hands down her shiny dress, taking a long breath after word vomiting the rules to us. “Do you all understand?”

We all nod, and the nerves start to creep in as my reality sets in. I have zero say in if I survive this game or not. I just have to pray Cartwell can sink one of their ships before Ray’s or mine does, and I can’t do a damn thing about it.

“Right then. Fabricants, you may begin.” She gestures to two Vanquishers standing at the edge of the Bubble, and they saunter over to us.