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❝Our world doesn't play out like a fantasy. We aren't some carefree princesses getting handed happy endings on a silver platter-you make one wrong move, and it's game over.❞
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In a world where all control over their lives is illusory, a grou...
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-- part 9.2 --
An unfortunate situation
"Here in dauntless, mercy is considered a weakness"
-- Hua --
"You're pretty good at this," voiced Anzhi, a dagger in hand as she pointed to my bullseye, "you've got some luck, or you are extremely talented."
I let out a chuckle, flipping the knife nimbly in my hand, "I can convince myself that it's pure talent," I mused, throwing the piece of metal, the tip digging into the wood outside the target, "on second thought, definitely luck."
Anzhi threw hers, the results similar to mine, "looking at the bright side, you're faring better than some who can't even nick the wood," a small smile of encouragement appearing, "the little wins matter here, Hua."
I smiled back at her gratefully, thankful that someone believed in me, "you mean us," I corrected, my head tilting toward her target, "you're faring just as good as me."
Maybe I do belong he-
"Stiff and first jumper," boomed Jaehyun, his voice piercing the noise into silence, "you'll be the first fight for the day."
I felt myself freeze, the fear causing all colour to drain from my face. From the corner of my eye, I see Anzhi turn to me, a look of worry replacing the smile she wore only a second ago before slowly making her way to the mats.
In panic, my eyes met Tsumi's, a reminder of our agreement that loomed over our heads.
I watched as she nodded, turning to make her way to the mats.
Jaehyun let out a deep laugh, "not you, second jumper," he announced, a finger raised and pointed at me, "I meant you."
I glanced over at Tsumi, an apologetic look on her face as she stepped back in her place. I gave her a small smile, hoping that would comfort her, silently thanking her for trying.
It took all my strength not to look nervous as I met his eyes, the enjoyment from torturing others evident as his lips slipped into a smirk, "It would be fun to see how this plays out."
With no choice, I made my way to the mats, my eyes wandering the space around me, hoping that something could distract me from the pit in my stomach. But I got nothing. Everyone around us had stopped, their eyes full of pity and relief as I approached Anzhi.
I'm going to be factionless. There is no way I can do this.
"Jaehyun," Haechan started, his voice echoing around the space, concern evident in his tone, "there is no reason to pick on the transfers. They're new. There is no way-"
Jaehyun raised a hand, causing the lilac-haired male to stop his sentence short, "They chose dauntless, so I'm making sure they know what they've gotten into, that's all."
