They underestimate me.
What could a scared, scrawny girl ever do handcuffed? Which is why the two guards in red uniforms don't spare a glance as they escort me down the prison hallway. Their faces are covered with a glossy crimson helmet, just like all the other guards. Straight backed, they walk with the ease of someone whose life isn't tainted by ghosts, by paranoia. But then again, they aren't the ones who are going to be interrogated by Rhoden.
I could make a run for it, like I've done a million times before. Past the checkpoint doors, then turn left towards the prison courtyard. The other time I turned right and made it all the way towards the front lobby before being apprehended. Unfortunately, the inmate who was supposed to help me with my scuffed escape plan got distracted by playing Jokoa, (a high risk gambling card game) Rohden was not pleased with that little stunt.
So here I am again, the same hallway I've been escorted through so many times before and the guards barely hold me by their pinkies. This time though, I have a plan. Well, half of a plan. One third of a plan to be exact, but anything is better than being taken to the interrogation room. Back to him.
There's a buzz in the room as I walk down the hallway with my little entourage, the excitement of something big that's about to happen. It floats through the air like electricity. There are inmates everywhere in the large hallway. Despite being a prison of sorts, it is built like a castle. Its white creamy walls and arched roofs speak no less of the Corvian Empire's wealth. Their power.
Holographs line the walls, flashing the same words, "PLAY IN THE ARENA NOW" and "EARN YOUR FREEDOM AND BUY OUT!".
If there's one thing the Corvian Empire values more than their wealth, it's their rules. The reason why so many prisoners are excited is because it states that anyone can join the bloodsport, and it's especially encouraged here. No matter what you do in the arena, if you collect enough points or beat the game, you're free. And very much richer, as the Empire rewards its most ruthless. If I enter my name as an alias, they will not find me, and Rodhen won't be able to do anything about that. I bow my head down, and I smirk.
It's an ultimatum really, either I survive and get out of here, or I die trying. Meaning that these relentless interrogations would have all been for nothing.
I am going to buy my way out of here. I am going to play in the arena.
YOU ARE READING
Valour
Akcja"We're allies now. It would be useless to kill each other, Skylar.'' His voice is masculine and smooth, not in the overly intimidating way I was expecting it to. My confusion deepens. He knows my alias, the name I gave to myself when I entered into...
