Selena
Varick had drawn the arsenic up into the silver-tipped syringe Mercy had given us. I'd guessed what it meant. But I still wasn't prepared for the sight that awaited us in the ballroom that evening.
Next to the stage, was a huge, wooden X, suspended above a crystal fountain. Tethered to the cross by silver chains across his bare chest, was a Vampire. My heart accelerated as I recognised him as Decon. He'd helped me escape from the V cells. And now he was strung up to die like an animal in a slaughterhouse.
The fountain was currently dry, but I knew that wouldn't last long.
“I know him,” I breathed as we headed across the room to our usual table.
Varick lifted a brow.
“Give me the syringe,” I lowered my voice. It was currently buried in Varick's pocket with the intention of him using it. But Decon wasn't some starved Vampire who wouldn't notice Varick injecting him. He might object.
“It's not safe,” Varick hissed.
“He'll recognise me. I can explain the plan.”
“Selena,” Varick growled, catching my wrist as I dipped my hand into his blazer pocket.
“Let me,” I begged and he eased his grip, allowing me to take the syringe.
A shadow passed through his eyes as I stepped away, heading in the direction of the stage. A guard stood at the opposite end of it, gazing around the room. I glanced over my shoulder, catching Jameson's eye. He'd insisted on being the diversion in this plan. And he was clearly prepared as he sprang from his seat, heading toward me.
I slowed my pace and Jameson swayed as he overtook me, pretending to be drunk. I followed at a distance, the syringe clutched painfully tightly in my palm. As soon as the guard looked away, I'd have to act fast.
My heart pounded an unsteady rhythm in my chest.
I took a shaky breath as Jameson stumbled into the guard who immediately shoved him back, barking, “Watch it!”
I crept closer, sidling toward the fountain, passing Hunters in white clothes sitting around tables.
“Go back to your table, sir,” the guard urged Jameson, catching my ear.
I glanced over as Jameson slid an arm around the guard's shoulders, trying to turn him around.
I moved to the far side of the fountain, coming in line with Decon's legs as he dangled above it.
“Hey.” I prodded him and he jerked, gazing down at me through bleary eyes. He'd clearly been drugged.
“Oh it's you,” he said. “Come to untie me?”
“Not yet,” I whispered, barely audible, but knowing his sensitive hearing would pick up the words. “I have a syringe filled with arsenic.”
I gazed at the fountain as if marvelling at it, then dropped my head as I added, “If you let me inject you with it, we can kill the spectators.”
“Then be my guest,” he growled.
I didn't immediately act, glancing around to check if anyone was watching me. I couldn't risk being seen, and plenty of people were admiring the fountain.
I caught Jameson's eye again and he started shouting curses at the guard, shoving him hard in the chest. My heart lurched as the guard seized his arms, forcing them behind his back.
“What the-?” the guard snapped.
His hand was on Jameson's back. In a swift movement, he plucked a gun from Jameson's waistband, his expression fierce.
My heart did a double flip. Why on earth was Jameson armed?
“Where did you get this?!” the guard roared.
“I- er-” Jameson stuttered, looking unnerved.
I forced myself to act. Everyone's eyes were now on Jameson. Reaching up, I quickly took hold of the V's ankle, trying to decide where the best place to inject him was. He flexed his toes and I jammed the needle between two of them, pressing down on the plunger.
My heart pounded in my ears.
My hand began to shake.
I dropped my arm, turning, trying my best to act casual as I stepped away from the fountain. No one was watching me. Jameson was battling with two guards as they tried to escort him across the room.
Rockley strode purposefully toward them. “Enough!” he bellowed. “You insult me as your host.”
I felt Jameson's eyes swivel toward me and I thanked him silently for the sacrifice he'd made. But what would they do to him now? Had he carried a gun for this purpose?
Jameson's eyes swivelled toward me before slurring, “Sorry, sorry, Mr Rockley sir,” and let the guards guide him away.
Rockley turned back to the room, stretching his arms wide. “My apologies everyone. Do enjoy the rest of your evening.”
The music increased in volume as I hurried back to my seat. Varick kissed my cheek, taking the syringe from my hand and tucking it into his pocket.
“Why did he have a gun?” I breathed.
His brows lowered. “He knows what he's doing.”
“So now we just wait?” I whispered, knotting my fingers into the skirt of my dress.
He nodded, the corner of his mouth curling up.
The waiters soon handed everyone a glass of champagne to distract from the recent drama. The alcohol soothed some of my nerves. But I couldn't help sharing anxious looks with Cass during our meal.
After our mains had been served, Abraham rose to the stage, dressed in a deep navy suit, his jaw clean-shaven and his eyes sparkling with happiness. “Good evening all, I wanted to personally thank you for the honour you've bestowed upon me and my family. For the support you've shown in our time of great loss.” He paused for applause and I clapped along with the rest of them.
Abraham continued, smiling one of his white-toothed grins at everyone. I despised him so viscerally that it made me ill. What I'd give for a blade to drive into his heart and wipe that smile permanently from his face.
“Every single one of you have contributed greatly to the continuation of these events. You are the elite; remember that even when you return to your normal lives. When routine grinds you down and you long for the freedoms our games provide. Remember that there is a place where all of your desires are fulfilled. That you are a god amongst gods. That the limitations of your own lives do not define who you are.”
An acrid flavour filled my mouth. How could there be such darkness living in so many people? It was terrifying to think that such evil lived in society, lurking beneath the surface, just out of sight. I doubted any one of them were known for what they truly were back in their everyday lives. Anonymity gave them power. The freedom to be whomever they wanted. And they chose to be monsters.
Abraham was still talking, “Remember all of you, that life is a game. And we are all the winners.”
Cheers rang out as he gestured to the table closest to the stage. “Mercy, come join me.”
I spotted Mercy sitting beside Kite at a table full of Hunters. She rose from her seat in a demure white gown, her blonde hair wound into a mermaid tail down her back. She ascended to the stage, taking her Dad's hand as he offered it.
“My daughter has a grand weight on her shoulders now. One day she'll carry on our legacy, inherit the family home and continue the games as she sees fit.”
She nodded, but she wasn't smiling.
Abraham strode purposefully toward the edge of the stage, where Decon was tethered to the cross. Someone passed him a blade and a crescent-shaped, silver object. I fought back bile as Abraham whipped the blade across Decon's throat, placing the silver clamp onto his neck to keep the wound open. Decon jerked violently against his bonds as blood poured down his chest, filling the fountain one level at a time.
People started clapping and I turned my eyes to Mercy, unable to bear the sight of Decon suffering. Mercy's eyes were round, her cheeks pale, and suddenly she screeched, “This is sick!”
Silence fell as Abraham turned to her, his eyes narrowed to slits. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” she snapped, pointing at Decon, then to the audience. “What we all do – it's wrong! All of you are twisted!”
Abraham stared evenly at her for one second, two. I feared his next move. He was formidable, towering over her nearly two feet. “Off. The. Stage,” he commanded, tugging her toward the stairs.
“Let me go!” she demanded, visibly shaking as she tried to wriggle free.
Two guards rose to the stage at Rockley's command.
Abraham bellowed a laugh, starting to clap. “My daughter is joking with us, of course. Please enjoy your meals.” He gestured to the guards who grabbed her and dragged her from the stage. Abraham pounded after them, looking ferocious.
Nervous laughter broke out and a few people clapped, but the damage was done. None of them were convinced by Abraham's lie. Least of all me.
I turned to Varick. “What's she doing?”
He shook his head, seeming baffled.
Mercy was escorted through the room in the direction Jameson had been taken. Her eyes swivelled to us for a moment, her gaze gripping mine. She tilted her chin up and I gave her a small nod in recognition of what she'd done.
Abraham followed her through the door and it swung shut with a harsh thud. I didn't envy what awaited her beyond that door. She was in serious trouble. But why had she chosen now to stand up to her father?
Rockley rose to the stage, not seeming affected by the outburst. “Dessert will now be served. Then will shall each delight in the blood of our enemy.” His eyes fell on Decon who was now unconscious, his head lolling against his chest.
The crystal fountain was stained red and blood oozed through it, dripping from each level in perfect streams.
It was almost time. I just had to hold out a little longer. Then we'd make everyone in this room pay the ultimate price.