AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The Prize Pool was elevated, safely away from the raw energy of the pit.
From her vantage point, the fights might’ve seemed like choreographed dances, the noise a distant rumble.
But here, in the thick of it, the reality was much more visceral.
“I know it’s overwhelming, but you’ve got this,” I assured her, trying to make my voice audible above the crowd’s cries.
I pulled her close, allowing her to momentarily bury her face in the crook of my neck. “Remember our plan. Use your spirit animals to keep Sneik and his supporter off balance. They will be your shields, your distractions. They are a part of you, and they will not let you down.”
She nodded, pulling away slightly to look me in the eyes.
Her irises shimmered with determination mixed with a hint of fear. “I trust you, Ashale. And I’ll do everything I can to help.”
“I know you will,” I whispered back, allowing my lips to brush lightly against her forehead.
The silky touch of her hair, and the softness of her skin provided a much-needed reprieve from the tension building around us.
Our moment was broken by the booming voice of the announcer, introducing us to the crowd.
With a final squeeze of my hand, Nova stepped back, assuming her position.
As I prepared to face Sneik, I couldn’t help but let my gaze roam around the arena, trying to discern who his supporter would be.
It was a nagging thought at the back of my mind, like an itch I couldn’t quite reach.
Sneik was a formidable opponent on his own, but with an unknown element by his side, our strategy could fall apart.
Closing my eyes for a split second, I let my senses roam, hoping to catch a hint of our adversaries.
But all I was met with were the distinct sounds of the crowd, their fervent shouts and screams, and the heady mixture of a thousand different scents.
It was nearly impossible to distinguish one from the other.
Opening my eyes, I looked towards Nova.
Her presence was a beacon of hope in the overwhelming storm around us.
She was ready, her face set in a mask of determination, her body poised for action.
The weight of the unknown pressed heavily on my shoulders, but as the gates at the other end of the pit began to open, signaling the entrance of Sneik and his yet-unrevealed supporter, I pushed the uncertainty aside.
We had a fight to win.
And no matter who or what was on the other side, Nova and I would face it together.
It bothered me, more than I cared to admit, not knowing who was about to join Sneik in the pit.
But one thing was certain — we were in this together, and together, we would rise above it all.
* * *
The arena was a cacophony of voices, each trying to overpower the other.
But when Sneik stepped into the pit, the noise unified into a synchronized symphony of boos and jeers.
I couldn’t help but smile slightly at the public sentiment towards him.
As the audience’s disdain washed over him, Sneik seemed unfazed.
