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CONAN

“ B oss. The final contestant has signed the dotted line. She’s getting dressed now. It’s time to explain the rules.” Rowan keeps his disastrous American accent.

“Got it.”

It’s easier for them to retain the information if I speak it clearly. Reading them when they’re in a state of shock can lead to issues.

I zone in on the security feed for the intake cabin and press the speaker. But my eyes are fixed on the shaking woman standing in the middle of the room.

I can’t see the fear in her eyes from here, but I can feel it. But the way she stands with her spine straight and her chin up tells me she’s defiant. She’s up for the challenge.

Her build is similar to Hallie’s. I rub the ache in my chest. She’s all I can think about.

I press the button on the speaker, which distorts my voice to the contestant.

“Welcome to the Decadence Chase. I am the Hunter of Inferno. As of now, you belong to me. But whether you walk out of these gates is up to you.”

She remains still and I take a breath.

“The Chase is conducted in two phases. Should you survive phase one, you shall enter phase two. Only those worthy will have the opportunity to be hunted.”

I can’t help but imagine Hallie being put in this situation. It makes the guilt kick in even more. I know the truth behind the games, but the girls don’t.

Fuck.

I think she’s brought out some kind of humanity in me, and I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or not.