Page 26 of A Kiss From Death
Sitting in the center of Lunaria is where the real show stopper sits:The Bubble. That is exactly where we’re headed, where my fate will play out.
It’s impossible to miss, since it soars into the sky, creating exactly what it’s called: a giant bubble. I guess the correct word for it would bemagical force field.
A translucent dome hovering off the ground emits a blue light, trapping the arena inside. Right now, it sits empty inside, but withthe help of magic, it transforms into any nightmare the Empress can conjure in that nasty head of hers.
Residents of Lunaria are able to watch from the outside during the Crucible if they please, or they can watch the giant projection an Illuminist casts in the sky after each round of the game. The Empress also stations an Illuminist in each sector after each round to cast a replay of the games and gore.
Families would gather in the heart of Misery’s Crossing with snacks from vendors to feast their eyes on the mayhem projected for their entertainment. I never had the urge to watch people toyed with by the devil, so on those nights, Theo and I would slip away to Luna Lake and enjoy its vacancy together.
Harsh sunlight streams down, reflecting off the Bubble, making it glow. I have to shield my eyes to take in the entirety of the monstrosity in front of me.
Not only does the Crucible take place in the Bubble, but we will also train and have our evaluation there too. Not that training for a single week will do much for our game play, but the Empress likes to consider it a generous offer. I think she just likes to turn up the tension until we are ready to slit each other’s throats with just a look.
The Bubble grows as we approach it until I have to crane my neck to take it all in.
“You have any strategies brewing in that pretty head of yours yet, little lady?”
“You think I would spill all my secrets to an orange enthusiast? You’re sorely mistaken, Vanquisher.”
He winks at me, and it melts my heart a little. “Right answer. Don’t trust any of those fools in there, Nyxi. My bet’s on you.”
“You’re just saying that because you’re tasked to watch over me.”
He smirks at me. “Good thing I’m the Fib and you aren’t, so you’ll never know.”
I know what Winstons’ doing. His attempt to get my mind off my looming future helps a bit as I banter playfully with him. I don’t miss the way he zones in on my slightly shaking hands clasped behind my back, or the way my steps have slowed a fraction as we approach the Bubble.
He turns to face me and grabs both my shoulders. “I know we just met, kid, but being a Fib means I can read people, and what I see radiating off you is pain. Even more than that, though, isstrength. Give ‘em hell out there and stay true to yourself. You remind me of my late daughter, and I would like to think she sent you to me as a gift to watch over, as a reminder of her.”
Yet another person with a void where their heart should sit. It’s comforting to know others understand the waring feelings raging inside me.
I nod once. “I won’t let you down.”
I see the way he’s looking at me, like he knows this promise is not only just for him, but for another, someone who is more important to me thaneverything.
Tucking another promise in my back pocket, I flash Winston a feline smile as rage slowly takes over my body again. I’m ready to show the world exactly who Nyxi is. That is the sole thought running through my head as Winston presses his hand to the Bubble, the space in front of us opening, an invitation to the start of my revenge.
Metal clanks around me as I take in the giant arena. Some of my competitors have already paired off to spar while others are off by themselves, practicing with their chosen weapon.
These first few days are for us to train and get a good look at our competitors. At the end of the week, we will be broadcasted for all of Lunaria and Fallout to watch as we select our chosen weapon and perform in front of the Empress.
The Empress will rank us from one through ten, one being the most impressive and ten being ‘good luck not getting killed off round one’. The Empress’ scores will be added to the public’s votes to provide our official standing for the start of the Crucible.
Our rankings will change throughout the game by votes from the public and will be important during the last couple rounds—if we make it that far. I have never been one to aim for popularity, so this proves to be my first major challenge. I just need to channel my inner Theo and all should go well…I hope.
Approaching the rack along the edge of the Bubble, I look over the weapons in front of me. Weapons in every shape sit like a wall of death calling my name. I approach a single edged sword first, tossing it between my hands. Too heavy and not deadly enough, so I pass. Setting it back on the rack, I eye a bow and arrow next to it, which I consider as an option. I’m comfortable with a bow, but it’s not great for close combat. Grazing my fingers past the bow, I notice a collection of throwing knives and stars. My eyes instantly snag on one that looks like the perfect death contraption.
I reach up, snagging a leather grip in the center of the S-shaped double sided blade. Each end spears out with deep serrated blades that look perfect for spilling blood. The center is the perfect fit to grip comfortably while not getting too close to the blades on each side. I can use it as a double sided dagger for dueling multiple people at once in close combat, as well as a boomerang. It’s light to hold and easy to strap on my body for traveling.
I glance over the remaining weapons, ranging from spiked clubs and chains to axes and spears. None of them call my name, so I circle back to the double sided S blade and snag it off the wall, tucking it into my boot. Just as I’m about to turn to practice on a target, an arrow wizzes by my head and embeds itself in the rack of weapons.
“Opps, sorry. I’m still trying to get the hang of this thing,” a sly female voice coos insincerely behind me.
I grip the arrow and rip it from the rack while plastering on a feral grin. Spinning on my heels, I face the culprit, cocking back my arm and sending the arrow barreling through the air, spearing the tip of Jade’s boot.
She screams in rage. “You bitch!” Tank rips the arrow from her boot. There’s no blood on the tip of the arrow—pity.
“Unfortunately for you, I havesuperbaim. Just be glad it was your shoe this time and not that pretty face. Would be a shameto add a scar or two to it, don’t you think?” I send her a wink for good measure.
