Caelynn
Brielle steps forward, eyes sharp, smile wicked.
I adjust my grip on my twin swords, fingers pressing into the worn leather, and then slip into a defensive stance. The crowd hushes, only swift whispers float around now while they wait for one of us to make the first move.
The arena is large, but the platform is only about thirty by fifty feet. Outside, there is a sharp drop into shadowed depths below. The drop should be only about twenty feet, not enough to injure us, but it’s still unnerving to be able to fall into the darkness with one wrong move.
Rev is my closest opponent. Brielle and Drake on the other narrow end. Two against two.
Drake crosses his arms casually and flicks his eyebrows at Brielle. She walks forward with long, smooth steps. Confidence exudes from her.
“I’ve been searching up and down for a way to get my revenge,” she tells me, “since the day you had the nerve to show up here.”
My eyes narrow. “How’s that going for you?”
“Quite well actually. Thank you for asking.” Her eyes shine, her smile sickeningly sweet. “But it did take me a while. I wanted you dead—still do, if I’m totally honest.” Her head tilts innocently, her auburn hair waving. “But now I have a more appropriate revenge within my grasp. Literally.” She giggles.
I blink, my eyes shifting to her hand that’s within the bag strapped across her shoulder.
“You killed someone I loved—or would have loved.” Her eyes turn to Rev. “Someoneheloved.”
I don’t bother to turn. I don’t care what Rev’s reaction is. I care about what’s inside her damn bag.
“So, it seems more appropriate that I kill someone you love.”
She pulls her hand from the bag, and it takes a moment for my mind to register what she has within her closed fist.
A raven.
