Game of the Vampires

Chapter 36:

Hello, lovlies! I am an awful person! I've been neglecting this story with everything going on, and I have exams this week, so I am publishing this. It's shorter than what I usually publish, but it's the best I can do at the moment. Oh, and I apologize for false updates notifications. I was adjusting to a new upgrade. Song is "End of Me" by A Day to Remember. Enjoy :)!
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"How has life on the other side been?" Mai asked.

I shrugged. "Boring, quite frankly. How's it been with you?"

"Same old, same old. Grayson has done very good in the entertainment, and I've been promoted to head of the new slaves."

I smiled. "Congratulations to the both of you."

She returned my smile, but it seemed forced. She leaned in closer to me.

"I worry about you being here. With the games soon... it just worries me."

I took her hand in mine. I noticed that they weren't as soft as they used to be. The harsh work had callused her hands.

"I'll be fine."

Her eyes looked watery. "How can you be so sure?"

I chewed my bottom lip. I couldn't tell her the truth. "I have to hope, right?"

She gave me a sad smile. "Just be careful with those two men."

"What do you mean?"

"The son and the watcher."

I shook my head. There's nothing to worry about there."

"Just be careful."

Eventually, the party ended and we had to say goodbye. When I returned to my room, I pulled off my dress and went straight to bed. I dreamt of a room filled with agonizing screams.

Which now brings me to now as I am practically sleeping on a punching bag. Blake, Valerie, and Col entered the room. All three of them surround me.

I peek up from the bag. "What's going on?"

Blake was grinning from ear to ear. "You're getting a hardcore fightication."

Valerie rolled her eyes. "Today is the real deal training."

"With two weeks until the actual games, we'll have enough time to teach you everything you're going to have to know to try to survive."

My eyes widened. "Two weeks?"

Col gave a curt nod.

I stood up, running a hand through my hair. "Where do we start?"

"We're going to the territory," Blake said. "Time to play with the wolves."

As soon as we had portal jumped, I had the air kicked out of me when I landed flat on my back. Col outstretched his hand, not making eye contact with me. I took it and thanked him.

"Ok, first you're going to train with Blake," Col said. "He's going to take you through the trails."

I nodded and followed Blake deeper into the forest. I thought Col would go with Valerie, but he surprised me by leaning against a tree to watch.

"The trail is simple... well for wolves. Anyway, you just have to make it through obstacles and beat me to the end. Easy peasy, baby."

I noticed Valerie tensed up when Blake said that to me. I smirked. I guess yesterday turned out good for them.