Perzys Āeterña | Hope Mikaelson

Chapter 14

Rhysaenya's mood was worsening.

"So, Ric got mad at another group of students and sent them here," said Kai, leaning back in one of the armchairs while downing a bottle of Zima. "Not surprising... in the slightest. And you said you're a what, now? A dragon? I remember reading those books when they came out. That's... that's funny."

"Won't be funny when I burn a hole through your face," she threatened.

He pouted playfully. "Aw. And I thought we were really making some progress here."

"What do you want?" demanded Ryan. "Look, we're waiting to get out. Something tells me we're going to be freed soon enough. Dragon Girl has a lot of friends who will come looking. Everyone can just hitch a ride with them. Until then, can we all just do whatever we want?"

"We could," said Jade, the vampire, "but that wouldn't be any fun. No... I think you should all prove yourselves. Maybe... form part of our supernatural Hunger Games."

"Haven't read that series," muttered Rhysaenya. "Not interested in being starved to death."

Kai let out a hearty laugh. "Oh... this one, I like her. No, these are the Supernatural Hunger Games. See, we've been enjoying ourselves for quite awhile. We all try to kill each other or form teams and see who the last one standing is. Keeps the monotony interesting. See, I was here first, and once these three woke me up, they quickly realized my superior leadership qualities. They're kind of like my followers, I guess you could say. And what I say... goes."

He got to his feet. "Us four... against you three."

Sebastian made a face. "Well, that's absurd, we would win." He gestured to Rhysaenya. "All she has to do is turn into a dragon and she will fry you all. Not to mention I'm far older than both of you–" he gestured to Jade and Kai. "As for the pyrokinetic witch, well, sweetheart, your fire won't do much against a dragon, I think. And the werewolf..." he shrugged, "You're the most fragile."

The wolf, Diego, rolled his eyes. "Yeah, not the case. See, when this prison world was made, it was on a full moon. I've turned every single night that I've been here. I can control my form. I don't think you'd fare as well against me as you think."

"Oh, this is stupid," muttered Rhysaenya. "You want me to prove myself? Fine. Outside, now."

"Not a good idea," said Ryan as he followed her out. "They'll use it to hurt you."

"I need to fucking kill somebody," she huffed. "And if it can't be you or Sebastian, I might as well fry those fuckers and get it out of my system! The sooner we make some sort of peace, the better."

As soon as she was clear of the building, she transformed, lifting herself into the air. She could hear Kai cheering below, staring up in wonder as she soared in circles, waiting for him, Jade, Wendy, and Diego to get a bit further from the house. And the moment they did, she sent a blast of fire right at them. When the smoke cleared, Kai was the only one left standing, the other three burnt to a crisp on the floor.

She landed in human form, burning three new circles on her body. "Satisfied?" she snapped. "I need food and I need sleep and I need to not be bothered."

"Lucky for you," said Kai, reaching out to take her hand and kissing the back of it, an evil gleam in his eyes, "I happen to be a great chef."

Clarke and Sebastian followed uncomfortably as Kai led them to the Mystic Grill, firing up the stove as if he'd done it a million times. The three sat on the table, listening to him singing (very badly) as he flipped burgers on the grill.

"I don't like this," said Ryan, glaring at Sebastian, who was already having a milkshake infused with blood.

"I'm fucking hungry," said Rhysaenya. "He's cooking for us. Who cares?"