Page 26 of Blackheart

Strategizing for this game was insanity. I just needed to survive, and preferably avoid injury. I wouldn’t last the rest of winter if I couldn’t work. Trying to win would get me killed.

But what if it could also save me?Food, warm clothes, blankets.

Lord Ansel leisurely guided us to our assigned base, his broad shoulders relaxed and hands still in his pockets.

Hedid this. For whatever reason, he thought it would be amusing for us to get absolutely demolished. Or maybe he wantedmedead. Perhaps for using my Nature, or potentially, my attitude.

“Lovely little team we have, huh?” Beck mused. Charles had already gone through several stages of grief and anger, finally settling on exuding a gag-inducing display of confidence at being chosen.

“Of course er team is lovely! I werz picked! I am the best!”

I was ready to kick him in the back of his bald green head.

“You three will win,” Lord Ansel ordered as we reached our base, marked with a Silver Circle painted on the grass. It was on the far side of the field, with one tree blocking the crowd from a full visual of us.

“How does one suppose we do that? Hm, Witchlord?” Beck cooed with a feline smile.

“Don’t lose.”

My veins throbbed, the darkness inside eager to be released. I shoved away the urge. I would find a way to survive without using my Nature. Vomiting all over myself again was not an option.

“Charles and I stay here, while Beck goes to retrieve an orb,” I said. “Then we’ll be done with this.”

Lord Ansel’s eyes twinkled. “Is that the best idea you have, Blackheart?”

My best idea was to smack that twinkle right into oblivion, but it would be logistically difficult at the moment, since his parents must have descended from giants.

“It’s the only idea I’ve heard,” I shot back, crossing my arms. Waiting to hear anything better.

“Charles stays here. Beck will protect what needs to be protected. Blackheart,yougo get the orb,” Lord Ansel declared.

Beck opened his mouth, but ultimately closed it.

“Do you wish for me to die, my lord?” I whispered. How was I supposed to steal an orb from someone’s hands? It was a game to him, but it wasourlives. Could he be so offended about me not wanting to sleep in his home?

“You are only incapable of what you believe to be impossible. Gather yourselves,” Lord Ansel said, catching a swarming insect between two fingers and zapping it with a lightning touch.

My stomach churned. Would Lord Ansel bet against his own team?

As the rest of them moved to the center of our base, I stood frozen in place.

Lord Ansel turned around.

“Eeeee-lor-ah is scared! Scared for game! Scared for game!” Charles jeered. Beck smacked him in the back of his empty head. The Imp scowled.

Lord Ansel’s gaze darkened as he strode towards me. My throat became tight as he seized me by the collar of my shirt, leaning down and pulling me close enough that my ear hovered just below his mouth.

“Don’t be scared, Blackheart. They’re watching you,” he whispered sharply. It felt more like a threat than any sort of encouragement. He pulled away, locking his eyes with mine. It was cruel for them to be such a beautiful, light blue.

It didn’t matter that he’d offered me warmth that night. It didn’t matter that he’d told me of Charles’ dream or offered me aplace to stay. Hechoseto be a Witchlord. I was sentenced to life in this prison, and he enforced that of his own volition.

Lord Ansel could do so much good with his Nature, especially with how well he was able to wield it, and yethe chose this.

“I’m not scared,” I lied, shouldering myself out of his grip.

My fists curled as I entered the base. Maybe I was afraid, but that did not mean my opponents should feel safe.

I am a Blackheart. I am dangerous.