Fifty-Five
Skye
Present
Here I am, feet from a monster covered head to toe in blood, body rippling with muscle. His back is to me as he throws the axe down on the ground and a voice comes on through a voice box somewhere, saying, “Another week, another victory. Turn, Victor, and choose your prize.”
The large monster turns around and peers down at us. His face is scarred, destroyed, and I have to look away. My eyes are pinned to his chest, to the scars and blood and faded bruises. I’m so fucking scared. I glance back at the dying man, heart thudding in my chest.
Once you’re in the Dungeon, you don’t get out.I can still hear Leo’s voice in my head as he told me how devastating his visits here were. I quickly glance at the walls, trying to see the faces of the shadowed figures—
“I am unbroken,” I whisper as I fight to confront this nightmare. To look the monster in the eyes and watch as he chooses his trophy. I am going to be thrown in Cassius’ harem, and this will all have been for nothing.
“I am unbroken,” I whisper, trying to breathe.
“Who shall it be?” the voice carries on. “Pick your prize.”
I am unbroken.
I will be okay.
“He has chosen, everyone!” the man says with excitement. “Savage is pointing at her. He is looking at her. She must step forward and take his hand.”
The name cuts through my haze of thoughts.
I look up at the bloody figure—ravaged, marred, and broken. I look at him like I’m looking into a dark tunnel as he points at me, as he stares at me with his dark, familiar eyes.
I feel the world rip out from under me.
I suck in a breath and a tear escapes my eye as I whisper, “Hunter?”