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The endgame was nearing, and our greatest challenges still lay ahead.
But as Talan and I exchanged a final, lingering glance, filled with determination and unspoken promises, I couldn’t help but feel hope.
We had each other’s backs.
The pod’s hum increased in pitch, signaling our imminent return to the arena.
The dance of death and desire would resume.
And while the alien males would surely be more cautious, so would we.
With renewed purpose and deeper resolve, Talan and I were ready for whatever the game threw our way.
The countdown ended.
“Launch.”
Talan
The pod’s landing was a jolt I was becoming uncomfortably familiar with.
As the dust settled, the metal doors slid open, allowing the sounds of this new platform to filter in.
Chirping of new, unfamiliar creatures, the rustling of leaves and a distant roar confirmed one thing — we were back on the platform, the towering trees obscuring most of the sunlight.
Riley stumbled out, gripping my arm for support. “Back again.”
I chuckled, trying to mask the anxiety coursing through me. “Consistency is key in scientific experiments.”
I wasn’t sure if this was an experiment or a gameshow — neither would have surprised me.
Our laughter was short-lived as the gravity of our situation sunk in once more.
With two of the most formidable opponents yet to face, the stakes were higher than ever.
Find a clearing, build traps, make it look inviting…
My thoughts trailed off.
The idea worked in the previous round, but having seen the look on the faces of the two remaining competitors back in the pods, I wasn’t so sure anymore.
If I were in their shoes, I’d avoid the obvious.
I’d outsmart the competition.
Suddenly, building traps seemed like child’s play, far too rudimentary for the cunning minds we were up against.
Riley sensed my hesitation. “What is it?”
I sighed. “Our adversaries know we plan on killing them. They’ve observed our moves, our patterns. They willexpectthe obvious from us. We need to think three steps ahead.”
As I pondered, scratching my chin thoughtfully, a distant whirring sound caught my attention.
I glanced up, just in time to see a small object, attached to a parachute, slowly descending from the sky.
“What’s that?” Riley asked, squinting to get a better look.
“A supply drop,” I said distantly.
