chance (n.)
possibility of something happening.
CHECKMATE #2
"am i supposed to be happy that i lived and won? because technically i could never be."
The victor's crown sits upon Gwyneth Anderson's head.
She can't process the horrors she went throug...
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— CADENCE —
A BRAND NEW DAY has begun, and I open my eyes to the sounds of Ariel's yawning, half expecting to see Kacey, Hayli, and Ariana again, but then I remember.
They're dead. It wasn't just a dream - just a nightmare. They're dead and Kunboss killed them. Zoey and Eunice too.
The only people who remain from the group of my best friends is me - and Ariel.
We travel South together after packing up our supplies, and I spot Rylie in the distance. Just as I'm about to yell to get his attention, he notices, and so does Ariel.
I'm ecstatic to see that my friend is alive, but instead, Ariel draws her sword, and so does Rylie. It's only now that I remember their hidden rivalry, always glaring at each other from across the classroom - and immediately regret my decision, rushing to stop the fight.
"Wait, guys, no! Don't fight-" I protest, but it's too late. Rylie's sword makes contact with Ariel's throat, and she falls to the ground, gasping desperately for air. Her sword clangs against Rylie's, making a thin cut on his leg.
BOOM!
Ariel goes limp.
I bend down in pure shock of it all; but I know I should've expected it. "I'm sorry that had to happen," I whisper, and pick up her supplies. "I tried to stop, but he wouldn't listen." I stroke her forehead and bury her in the grass, and turn to Rylie.
I fold my arms. "Now, what did you do that for?" I ask.
"Why? You know why, Cadence. Only one of us can go back home. And I'd like it to be one of us two. Not Ariel," Rylie answers, and my heart drops. I knew that would be his answer, but I still can't help but feel sad.
"She was my friend," I say.
"There's no such thing as friends now in the arena, Cady," says Rylie, using the nickname he gave me all those years ago.
"Only allies. Only allies exist in the arena." He extends his hand in the direction of mine. "Allies, Cady?"
I weigh the pros and the cons.
I pretend to be stuck in deep thinking, and Rylie makes me crack up by putting on a pouty face. "C'mon Cady, I'm sorry, but pleaseee?"
My mouth breaks out into a smile, and I take his hand. "Okay, fine, apology accepted. But don't kill me."
"Oh please, you know I won't."
I wrap Rylie in a bear hug and quickly treat his injuries. We continue to journey West until we reach some rivers, and set up our camp.
"Rylie, do you trust me? Do you still view me as a friend? Even Ariana, Hayli, and Kacey?" I ask.
