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There was always a coldness about him, a sort of unfeeling exterior that never showed any indication of what might be going on in that twisted mind of his.
His eyes, however, darted over to me, sharp and assessing.
I could hear the distant sounds of bets being placed, spectators discussing the odds, and the inevitable fate of the combatants.
To my surprise, Sneik’s support was someone I hadn’t seen before.
Unlike most pit warriors who were all muscle and bravado, this man was almost the opposite.
He was of average build, with no discernible scars or markings of frequent battle.
His appearance was unremarkable, but the way Sneik stood beside him made me believe there was more to him than met the eye.
The unfamiliar scent of this new player was a mixture of earth and something else I couldn’t quite place, adding to the mystery.
“Why that one, Sneik?” I called out, nodding towards the stranger. “Are you branching out to strategy over brute strength?”
Sneik smirked, an ugly curl of his lips that never reached his eyes. “Always so predictable, Ashale. Expecting a fighter, were you?”
Nova shifted uneasily beside me.
The pulse point at her throat quickened, betraying her anxiety.
I reached out and gently squeezed her hand, offering a silent assurance.
Her touch, warm and steady, was a welcome anchor.
Sneik laughed, the sound echoing eerily around the pit. “You see, Ashale, while you were busy playing house with your new toy,” he gestured dismissively at Nova, “I was strategizing. And I found myself the perfect partner.”
With that, he clapped the shoulder of the male prisoner beside him.
The stranger remained silent, his gaze cool and unfocused, giving away nothing.
“And who might this be?” I asked, narrowing my eyes.
Sneik’s grin widened. “Oh, where are my manners? Ashale, meet Erys. He might not look like much, but trust me, appearances can be deceiving.”
The name didn’t register, and my senses couldn’t pick up anything that might provide more clues.
Erys’ silence, the controlled manner in which he stood beside Sneik, only added to the enigma.
“Enough with the games, Sneik,” I retorted, shifting my weight and preparing for the inevitable combat. “Your strategies never did impress me.”
Sneik chuckled a mirthless sound that sent a shiver down my spine.
The air grew dense with anticipation.
The lights overhead seemed brighter, and the audience’s murmurs and whispers intensified.
“Just remember, Ashale, you asked for this,” Sneik taunted.
Nova’s voice, soft and determined, broke through the tension. “We’re ready for whatever you throw our way.”
For a split second, I felt a pang of pride for her.
Despite her fears and the uncertainty, she stood firm, ready to face whatever came next.
Sneik’s eyes danced with amusement. “Oh, I’m counting on it.”
