The next three days were a flurry of activity all over the compound as the court prepared for The Provokar. From what I read, most Provokar challenges were pretty informal affairs other than that one stretch of five hundred years or so. The competitor’s close friends, family, and sires and anyone who was bored that day might show up to watch them duke it out.

But because both Niko and Arsen are princes and Arsen is so well respected among the Draugur this was being treated as a major event. It was the first time in a while that a Provokar had this much political significance apparently, so they were pulling out all the stops.

Everything was being cleaned and decorated and a massive feast was being orchestrated, including not just the finest of human cuisine but apparently someone in the court had tapped their 'reserves.' I wasn't surprised to find out that some of the higher members of the court had little farms and villages where they discreetly raised humans as livestock. That seemed pretty par for the course. I was not only appalled but surprised by the artisanal farm-to-table approach they seemed to take.

A few of them were all too eager to gush about how they paid for their humans to be raised in complete comfort, fed incredibly precise luxury diets to keep them in peak health and flavor.

Apparently, most of the humans being farmed this way didn't even know what they were being used for. They lived in small communities in the middle of nowhere where their every need was seen to by a mysterious benefactor, with the only caveat being that they donated blood once or twice a month. And occasionally, for special events, a well-aged human or three nearing the end of their ability to donate quality blood would be quietly escorted out of town, never to return. Talk about the perfect plot for a Hollywood horror story.

I listened in quiet horror as the courtier in question explained how the chosen humans were treated to a night of celebration in which they were encouraged to gorge themselves on whatever would make their blood taste the sweetest. After which a coma would be painlessly and humanely induced through an herbal tea and the comatose humans would be served up on the banquet tables.

Their dedication to preventing any undue suffering is... admirable, I guess. But I think it'll be a few centuries at least before I'm that callous about human life. Maybe eating 'free range' isn't all that different, but it feels less cruel to me than the courtier excitedly talking about his attempts to perfect 'century humans' who could be reliably aged to a hundred years before consumption.

One of these guys has apparently been feeding exclusively off the same village in the Balkans for several thousand years and claims no other blood has the same depth of flavor. Good for them, I guess.

While all this bustle is going on, I've been running back and forth between the lab, the library, and the gym. And I do mean running. I only have three days to get back into shape for the race of my life. I'm not walking anywhere if I can help it. In-between laps, I'm studying previous Provokar and trying to decide the best plan of attack for my own challenge and setting up my ongoing experiments with the protein I found. It shows real promise for a cure. Too bad I can't focus on it because of this bullshit game. When I get in the arena with Niko I'm going to wring his stupid neck for this.

When I do bother to rest, which isn't often, Arsen is there, frequently with water and an ice pack. We're carefully avoiding asking each other what either of us is up to. He knows I'm not pulling out of the contest, obviously, but he isn't pressuring me to drop out anymore. Maybe he's just that sure that he'll win. Well, he's going to be in for a rude awakening come the day of the contest I can tell you that much. At least he's easy to distract with sex. And it's nice for me too, not having to think about anything for a few hours.

The day arrives too soon and I feel vastly underprepared. It's like trying to crunch for an exam you had no idea you'd be taking. I can't even be 100% sure I studied the right subjects.

Before The Provokar begins we gather in the banquet hall where hors d'oeuvres and plasma cocktails are circulating. I snatch one of the cocktails for myself as soon as possible. Everyone is decked out for a formal event. Most of the women, including Claudette, are dressed in the same traditional style as the gown I'd refused. I stand out like a sore thumb in leather pants and a tight, strappy top that, in addition to looking fantastic, will also allow me maximum range of motion in the arena. My hair, tied back in a no-nonsense ponytail, is similarly practical. I can feel the disapproving stares from every other vampire in attendance. Tradition really does mean a lot to these assholes.

Fortunately, before anyone can grab the torch and pitchforks, I hear a disturbance at the door. No prizes for guessing who it is.

Niko arrives dressed to the nines in a black satin and velvet suit that matches the gown that I gave to Claudette. That would almost be cute if I wasn't so pissed at him. He's flanked by what looks like a significant portion of the Baetal court, all equally dressed up and doing their best to look like they were too good to be here.

Arsen steps out of the crowd to greet him. He's also dressed in his best. I'm starting to feel bad about not wearing that gown. I hurry through the crowd to join them, half worried they'll start the fight without me.

"Arsen," Niko says, tone frosty.

"Your highness," Arsen replies, equally chilly.

"Hey assholes," I interrupt. "You ready for your well-deserved ass kicking?"

There are a few giggles and a lot of scandalized whispers from the crowd and Niko and Arsen both give me a look that says they'd have preferred if I kept my mouth shut. I stand a little taller, crossing my arms over my chest.

"I see you decided not to wear the dress I sent you," Niko comments, taking in my outfit with a raised eyebrow.

"I'm not going to fight you both wearing a petticoat unless you have to wear them too," I reply sharply. "This is stupid enough without handicapping myself on top of it."

"I never expected you to wear the dress during the actual contest," Niko says, looking a little baffled. "It was for the opening ceremonies. And the banquet after I win."

"That... seems really obvious now." I can feel myself turning scarlet. "Whatever. Let's get this over with. This stupidity has gone on long enough already."

"I agree," Arsen says, looking a little put out, maybe because I didn't tell him about the dress. "Let's get started."

With a wave he parts the crowd and we head towards a dais at the back of the hall where the Draugur prince and some elders deliver a few tedious speeches about tradition and we all light a candle and it's very symbolic or whatever. I'm bouncing on my heels with eagerness to begin. Let's just do this already!

Finally the Elder officiating the ceremonies turns to Arsen.

"As the one to whom the challenge was directed," he says. "It is your right to declare the first contest."

"I've choose a race," Arsen announces loudly. I cast Claudette a grateful look for the info and she winks, smoothing her new dress. "On foot. Through a course I've prepared that runs the length of the compound."

I feel a touch of worry at that. He's got an advantage over both Niko and I there. He's lived here for years. Niko's only been here for official functions and I've only been here a few days. This just got even more difficult.

"Don't worry," Arsen says, smile a little smug as he looks at Niko. "I've marked the course. Follow the red scarves and you'll be fine."

He pulls a scarlet silk scarf from his jacket to show Niko, who scowls.

"You're great at following orders, right Niko?" Arsen teases, tucking the scarf into the front pocket of Niko's suit. Niko looks tempted to take Arsen's hand off at the wrist, but he apparently has better self-control than I thought. Instead, he only turns away, hurrying off. Arsen heads away in the opposite direction. I stand there feeling like an idiot for a minute until I realize they're going to get changed. I suck down another cocktail while I wait for them to return.

I forgot how nervous I used to get before track meets, but it's all coming back to me now. It's why I eventually quit. That and not being able to keep up with a serious training schedule while I was pursuing my degree. But mostly the nerves. I used to throw up before every big race. I really hope being a vampire means that shit doesn't happen anymore.

I wait near the door, and before long Arsen and Niko return in appropriate athletic wear, though Niko's still looks like it's probably designer. I can't help thinking that Arsen's backside looks fantastic in compression pants, and then wondering if he's intentionally trying to distract me with his ass. His grin as he catches me staring makes me feel like the answer is probably yes.

We line up at the doors to the hall, which are opened wide to show the long, winding front drive. There's a red scarf tied to one of the trees that line the drive.

"There are three scarves at the halfway mark," Arsen said, stretching as he took his place at the door. "Grab it and get back here first. Simple as that."

Niko eyed Arsen suspiciously, like he doubted it would be that straight forward. Frankly, I was expecting shenanigans as well.

"On your marks," cried the officiating Elder and I took my spot, eyes on the scarf ahead of us, blocking out everything else. "Get set... Go!"

I took off like a bullet from a gun, leaving both men in the dust. I had been one of the best sprinters on the university team and I was pulling out all the stops right now, finding a rhythm for my breathing. But as I neared the first turn I stumbled as something exploded behind me.

I looked back to see Niko catching up with me, not at sprint but at a flat out run for his life. There was a smoking crater just behind him, and Arsen laughing as he jogged after, already summoning another fireball into his hand.

"You didn't think I was going to make it that easy, did you?" Arsen shouts, roaring with laughter.

"How the fuck does he have fireballs?" I yell at Niko as the other vampire catches up to me, both of us running for our lives.

"The Draugur have the ability to manipulate the elements," Niko shouts back, looking pale. "Arsen appears to have mastered fire!"

"You think?" I shriek and jump aside as another fireball explodes just behind us. I can feel the heat on my back, the sparks singing my clothes.

"I know, right," Niko laughs a bit hysterically. "The name should have been a dead giveaway!"

We both turn sharply at the first scarf and I scan ahead for the next one, ducking low branches and trying not to get caught up in the brambles. There's a narrow deer trail between the trees, but mostly this is just the overgrown woods that surrounds the edges of the compound. Not exactly friendly running terrain. In ideal circumstances I'd be doing a good job not to sprain my ankle on a tree root. But I'm currently being chased by my lunatic boyfriend with fireballs, so I just running blind and hoping for the best. Niko has figured out pretty fast that Arsen won't throw fireballs directly at me, so he's doing his best to stay close, but I can hear his labored breathing. He's doing pretty well, but I don't think he's a practiced runner. Which is going to suck for him soon. Arsen still isn't pushing himself to run too fast, waiting for us to wear out and come back in range of his fireballs. But I've found a good pace and I'm about to hit my second wind. I pull ahead of Niko as we turn at the next scarf and leave the woods behind. There's clear grass between us and the next scarf, which is hanging on the doorframe of a nearby building. I hear Niko swearing and Arsen laughing as I leave them both behind, only for the ground to suddenly vanish beneath me.

"Son of a bitch!" I shout, grabbing the edge of the pit before I hit the bottom. I see Niko sprint past as I'm trying to drag myself out, still stunned by what just happened.

"You dug fucking pit traps?" I yell back at Arsen.

"All's fair in love and war, babe!" Arsen shouts back, grinning.

"I am going to kick your ass later!" I scream, pushing myself to catch up with Niko.

Arsen answers by throwing a fireball at my heels, which if nothing else helps motivate me to run faster, catching up with Niko just as he reaches the door. We dive inside, slamming the door behind us.

"Why didn't you tell me Draugur have fireballs?" I ask Niko, wheezing, as we start running again, jogging down the hall. I'm paranoid now, keeping an eye out for traps.

"All the clans have unique abilities," Niko says, panting, clearly struggling.

"What can we do?" I ask, lungs burning from the effort of talking and running simultaneously.

"We can locate any object we can clearly visualize," Niko said, dropping back holding his chest.

"We're good at finding shit?" I say in disbelief. "He can throw fucking fireballs and our superpower is never losing our car keys?!"

"It's a bit more nuanced than-"

"It’s bullshit is what it is! Complete fucking-"

"Look out!"

Niko's warning saves me just before I clothesline myself on a wire strung across the hall. I duck under it, only to trip over another at knee level. I hit the carpet and skin my knees, only to roll out of the way with a shriek as the tripwire brings two massive book cases crashing down, blocking the hall.

"Really?" I shout in frustration.

The door slams open at the end of the hall and I look back to see Arsen, grinning with a fireball in each hand.

"Heeeeere's Johnny!"

"Up, up, get up!" Niko grabs me under my arms and shoves me towards the narrow gap between the shelves blocking the way. I squeeze through as quickly as possible, reaching back to pull him through after me a second before the shelves burst into flame.  

The hallway turns and I curse under my breath as I realize it’s packed with small desks and end tables from one end to the other. It’s not an unbeatable obstacle for me. Vaulting was my best event in track. But it’ll slow Niko down to a crawl and, much of a douche as the guy undoubtedly is, I don’t want to see him torched either. And Arsen is catching up fast.  

“There,” I push Niko towards an open window. “Go!” 

He doesn’t question it, diving out at once. I follow him, hoping we were fast enough that Arsen won’t have seen us as we take off across the grass.  

“We’re off the track,” Niko gasps. “What’s the plan?” 

“We have to get a lead on Arsen,” I say. “And this shit clearly has no rules. So use your Baetal powers and find us the midpoint scarves. We’ll take the fastest route there, skip all his stupid traps, and run back to the finish line.” 

Niko frowns and for a minute I think he’s going to refuse or tell me it’s impossible. Then he turns sharply to the right.  

“I can feel the scarves there, there, and there,” he says, pointing out a line through and around the nearby building. “It looks like the track leads in that direction.” 

“The library,” I say, taking the lead. “It’s on the opposite side of the compound from the banquet hall. They’ve got to be there.” 

Niko nods in agreement and we put on speed, running directly for the library. I’m keeping an easy lead on Niko. I’m confident I can beat him to the finish line in an honest race. All that really matters is that Arsen doesn’t win by torching either of us.  

The library comes into view and I can see our goal immediately. There are three blue scarves hanging from the statue of Enlightenment out front.  

“It’s too easy,” Niko says, suspicious.  

“Stay alert,” I say, agreeing with him. I scan the ground and spot another pit trap in time to avoid it. Otherwise things look clear up to the statue.  

“I think we’re safe,” I say. Niko hurries past me to grab his scarf first. Just as Arsen steps out from behind the statue with a fireball at the ready.  

“Look out!” I grab Niko by the back of his shirt and yank him clear just before the fireball explodes right where he would have been standing. We both reel backwards to avoid the second fire ball that follows it… and land directly in the pit trap I spotted before.  

I hit the bottom of the pit, knocking the wind out of me, before Niko lands on me elbow first. 

We roll away from each other, bruised and wheezing, to lie on the bottom of the eight or nine-foot-deep hole.  

Arsen snatches his scarf from the statue and comes to stand over us, grinning.  

“You alright babe?” He asks. I groan miserably. “Sorry about that. I was only planning to go after him. I didn’t think you’d try to work together. Not a smart move, Sasha.” 

“Fuck you,” I mutter, rubbing the developing bruise in my sternum from Niko’s elbow. At least he probably won’t throw any fireballs down here since he wouldn’t be able to avoid hitting me too.  

“Alright, you guys just relax,” Arsen says, waving. “I’ve got a race to win!” 

He jogs off, leaving us behind in the dirt. Slowly, Niko and I recover. He gives me a boost out of the hole and I pull him out after. As he scrambles out into solid ground, we hear faint cheering from the other side of the compound. Arsen probably just crossed the finish line.  

“You had better have something amazing planned for the second challenge,” Niko says, dusting himself off.  

“Don’t worry,” I tell him, rubbing the sore spot on my chest. “I’m going to humiliate you both.”