I frown, taking in this mysterious fellow. Unique is an understatement. Persian blue hair compliments his tawny skin tone that is riddled with navy blue tattoos. Like a freshly baked biscuit drizzled inblueberry sauce, his ink traces around his biceps, dipping beneath the cut of his sleeves.
My stomach growls at the thought, and I place a hand over it to negate the feeling.
“That’s good to hear,” Rebecca tosses out. “Our deliberations are concluded. She will be your number two for House Fire, Niro.” He nods, joining the others.Niro? Interesting. And why are you staring at me; we don’t like you, sir.Yet my hooded eyes follow him over.
Elizabeth, who makes a b-line towards me, smiles in her normal warming way, and I change my scowl into a more pleasant smile. “Hey, Kyra. How are you?”
“Fine, I think. What’s going on here? Did he beat Ashlyn?”
“Niro? Yes. A last-minute change for House Leader position. But don’t fret, my team’s taking her to the medical wing for recovery. A few broken bones, concussion, and a near severed arm. Nothing serious.” Her smile widens.
“Nothing serious? She sounds on the brink of death.”
“We’re all surprised, trust me. Niro sustained a few cuts and bruises himself, applauding her for a well-done match while admiring her strength.” She leans in closer. “His records say he’s never been injured, killing every opponent he’s gone up against, so yes, it could’ve been worse.”
Peeking another glance, I see Niro stand against the wall with his arms folded, boring a hole into my skull with some kind of small, white stick hanging out of his mouth.
“Regardless of what transpired, I’m here to check on you to ensure you’re ready for your match.” She flicks a wrist and embeds her energy beneath my skin. It exits as fast as it entered. “I see. Much better than when you first passed out on one of my beds.” Even her giggles are warmhearted. “Do your best. I’ll be around in case things become life threatening.”
Elizabeth gives Rebecca an ‘all clear’ sign, and I don’t think I’ve been more surprised, confused, speechless, and calm all at once.
“As per the rules for an official ranking match, the fourHouse Leaders will decide which amongst themselves shall face off against Kyra.” Air freezes inside my lungs, and I swallow another lump, which blazes down my throat, melting the ice, and forces me to choke on my next breath.I have to fight a House Leader. How the fuck is this fair.
“Congregated is myself,” Rebecca continues. “Our Elders, the four House Leaders, Horus since Yasmine could not make it and incase Angie has to depart, and…Marcel,” she sighs, mentioning his name. “Elizabeth will stand watch as our medical aid.”
My legs urge me to run. Flight subdues fight in a unanimous victory. I note that each House Leader appears ready to have me lying beside Ashlyn in the medical wing.
“Shall you face defeat, Kyra, your rank will be based on displayed magical properties, strength, agility, wit, skill, and recovery. However, if you prevail, not only do you obtain their ranking number, but you will also become the leader of said House.”
Remaining mute, I simply nod at this arrangement despite not agreeing in the slightest. This is complete bullshit.
She faces them. “Has an opponent been established?”
“Yes,” Caspian answers, standing with his hardened expression glued to my frightful face.No! Not you!I am ready to forfeit, because how the hell am I supposed to fight–him.
“Perfect.” Rebecca claps, and I stare at her in disbelief. “House Earth against House Death. Let the match–”
“No,” Marcel chimes in, and I retract everything said about this beautifully handsome God of a man. Damn it, if he can get me out of fighting Caspian…
“You don’t have a say in this,” Ethan states, and I huff. But before interjecting what little voice I have, Marcel continues.
“You’ll find, I in fact, do,” he growls, tightening his broad, muscular frame. On cue, the same door Elizabeth and Niro entered, opens. Hooding my brows into tight creases, I see Tish make her way towards the center, andenergy ruptures from my core. My fists tighten to contain the intensity. “Kyra, House Death shall match off against Tish, House Fire.”
Marcel snares me in his gaze, offering one thing. Redemption. I will not fail.
“If no one objects–” Rebecca starts, but a golden sigil appearing beside me halts her speech.
My days of cowering from his invasions are long over. Instead, I face Ethan head on as the gleam of his magic fades. Unpleasant describes his expression, and my Hostility…Attachments…Tenderness…Enmity grows. Like a higher being is interfering with my emotions.
“I’ll say this once, Kyra.” My name flings from his lips as if made from poison. “If you allow her to kill you before my hands can end you myself, you won’t find peace in the afterlife. Because trust me, these rules do not prevent all deaths.” I take a step towards him to ensure he sees I’m not backing down from this threat. “I’ve seen your power. Use it. Show me I haven’t wasted my time by allowing you to live.”
“Understand me, Ethan.” Craning my head up, I return the disgusting taste of his name. “I’ll win. Not for you, but for me.” My nails dig deeper into my palms as a sting manifest and warm liquid puddles beneath them. “And the next time you have the balls to threaten me, I’ll show you mine are much bigger.”
He smirks, glancing down at my hands and displaying one of his extended fangs. Golden light encompasses him, and he is gone in a blink, hinting he knows my bark is much bigger than my alleged balls.
Rebecca signals Tish to stand facing me. Her shit eating grin awakens and fuels this fire burning through my veins.
Manifesting a blue, ten second timer, Rebecca shares her last bit of advice, “Prepare yourself. Both of you know our rules. Keep in mind, here, death isn’t final, but fight as though your life depends on it.”Good thing I’ve been warned.
