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I sighed, momentarily lost for words. “She’s my guiding star, Uhah. And right now, she’s in danger.”
Uhah’s gaze softened even further, filled with a profound sadness. “I’ve lived long, seen many things, Tix. I’ve witnessed countless pit battles, watched the rise and fall of Champions, seen Prizes won and lost. What you two have…it’s rare. It’s love. Protect it. Cherish it.”
His words hung in the air, a heavyweight that grounded me.
I nodded, tears forming at the edges of my eyes. “I will, Uhah. I promise.”
The old alien’s eyes flickered with a distant memory. “You know, back in my day, I had someone too. We shared a bond not unlike what you have with Grace. I lost her… to pride, to ego. Don’t make the same mistakes I did, young one.”
I knelt beside him, grasping his frail hand in my own. “I won’t.”
Uhah chuckled, the sound brittle but genuine. “I always knew you were a good one, Tix. Now, go. Save your star.”
With newfound determination, I stood, steadying myself against the sharp pain in my side.
I gave Uhah one final look before turning towards the exit.
I had a mission, and I wouldn’t let anything stand in my way.
As I limped toward the door, a frantic voice called out from behind me. “You can’t leave! You’re not healed yet!”
I glanced back to see the nurse, her eyes wide with concern.
I couldn’t be deterred.
Without another word, I pushed through the exit, leaving the nurse’s pleas echoing behind me.
Grace had been claimed by Fleth and now Uhah was on his deathbed, not long for this world.
We were quickly running out of time.
20
GRACE
The cold atmosphere in Fleth’s cell was almost palpable.
His dark, shadowy chamber seemed more evil than the warm colors I had grown used to in Tix’s cell.
It felt weird, hostile.
With every heartbeat, I could feel his penetrating gaze, like a hunter observing its prey.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment,” Fleth said, his voice dripping with mock sweetness.
I glared back, hiding the nervous tremble in my voice. “What do you want, Fleth?”
He tilted his head, circling me like a vulture. “Isn’t it obvious? You’re my Prize. Tix had the audacity to humiliate me, and now, I’ll return the favor by using you.”
A chill ran down my spine.
I was no damsel in distress, and I would not be played with like a pawn. “You didn’t win fairly! Tix would have beaten you if he was there!”
Fleth chuckled. “He wasn’t there, was he?”
Suddenly, he lunged at me, faster than I anticipated.
I had learned a few things, both from Tix and our shared dreams.
