Eight of Hearts: The Vision - Book 2

Chapter 16

The trek back to the barracks passed in silence as Bryce pondered over how he was going to approach the final round now that he had this deal with Circé. He doubted the others would go for it; even Jonas would probably shoot him down. He would have to keep them in the dark until after the tournament was over. They would forgive him, of course. None of them had any real respect for him, and given the threat his eye posed to them, he couldn't exactly blame them. He was made for something greater than whatever James had to offer.

But despite his conviction, Bryce wasn't confident he could actually take down Chad alone, even with his implant. The man was champion for a reason. Jonas was smart enough, he could probably find a way, but if he found out about Circé's offer, he probably would refuse to help. But there was no other way. If they won, they might be freed, but James would still be stuck here. Without him, there was no way out of this world, so that would be the worst case scenario. If they lost, they'd all be stuck here, but there might still be a chance to escape as long as they were all together. Killing Chad was the only way to guarantee the best outcome, even if it did mean getting left behind.

I've already got blood on my hands, Bryce thought, stopping just outside the doorway leading into the coliseum. James already said that if I kill, I'm out. Maybe it's best that I leave on my own terms. He turned and looked out over the bustling fairgrounds as the sun continued to dip lower in the sky. Even if this world was teetering on the brink of collapse, this place seemed so alive, and so inviting. It represented an opportunity that embodied everything Bryce had wanted in his own life. It was just a question of whether he would be able to pay the price when the time came.

"I didn't expect to find you out here," a voice called.

Bryce turned to see Rhea approaching him, walking along the edge of the coliseum. "What about you? Aren't you supposed to be performing right now?" he called back.

"Tournament participants are given leave from their normal duties for the duration," Rhea explained with a slight smirk. "I wanted to discuss plans for tomorrow with you, if you have a moment."

"You want to team up again?" Bryce asked, surprised by her offer. "I thought the deal was for the last round only. What's in it for you?"

Rhea shook her head. "Not here; we should talk back at my place."

Bryce glanced back toward the coliseum entrance, thinking on her question only briefly before answering. "All right then, after you."

The evening air was refreshingly cool as Jonas slipped out the back of the coliseum. He had to get away from the oppressive atmosphere that had fallen over the others after Bryce left to meet with Circé. When they were finally invited to dinner, he had taken the opportunity to seek some privacy for his thoughts.

He had expected them to blame him for what happened--had counted on it, actually. He had been prepared to take that blame should Circé's medical team be unable to save Tavros. He had planned to be arrested himself and force James to take the necessary action to evacuate everyone. As long as James had the blade, no prison could hold his friends. James wouldn't have forgiven him for taking another man's life, no matter the reason; but he would never leave him behind. Even his threat to kick Bryce from the group was bluster, intended only to make it clear how serious he was about keeping their hands clean.

But James had caught him by surprise, sending Tavros through a portal to who knows where, and getting himself arrested instead. The rift blade had been confiscated, and unless they found it again, they were trapped. James had once again sabotaged everything with his inflexible morals, leaving the rest of them to pick up the pieces.