Ruby Fridays

Chapter 72: The Lustro's Enigma

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N O W P L A Y I N G

» [ Pit of Souls - Re Quiemm Beatz ] «

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───── ❝ K I L L I A N W I L D E ' S P O V ❞ ────

║ Gregorian Calendar ║ 02 - 28 - 2027 ║

║ Sunday║ Third Day of Olympia's Cup║

The cold white walls felt like they were closing in as they greeted me first as I slowly opened my eyes. The blurry shapes in the room came into focus after what felt like an eternity, my eyes adjusting to the dim fluorescent lights that cast shadows in every corner.

"Ah, damn this," I cursed as my body ached from the hard metal slab this wicked school called a bed. Every joint protested as I forced myself to sit up, my muscles stiff and sore from the unrelenting discomfort. The thin blanket provided no warmth, only adding to the frigid atmosphere that seeped into my bones.

The silence was deafening, only pierced by the buzz of the flickering lights above. No sound came from beyond these walls, no comforting noises of life or activity. It was as if I existed in a vacuum, isolated and alone. My stomach churned from the lack of food while my throat ached for a simple glass of water. Yet, I knew such comforts were not meant for me, not here in this cold place.

Yet, throwing my distress away, I peered over my side to see Haley still asleep, laying all curled up in the corner, her short dark hair sprawled across the pillow in disarray. Her small frame tucked tightly into itself, seeking whatever comfort could be found in this cold, sterile place. Her fragile form looked like it might break at any moment, yet she slept on, oblivious to the bleak surroundings and dim future that awaited us all.

Next to her was Scarlett with her arms crossed tightly, jaw clenched even in sleep, her tall frame barely fitting on the small sheet coverings, her long red curls splayed across her face and partially obscuring her features. Even in repose, tension remained in her body as if ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. The lines on her face, though youthful, spoke of hardships beyond our days.

On the last white, thin sheet laid Maeve's, one of my roommates and close buddy's still form, motionless as if carved from stone. A crease remained between his eyebrows, a permanent line of worry even in repose. His thin form lay curled in on itself, blonde hair reflecting the dim, sterile lights in the room that offered no real warmth or comfort. Though younger than a year from me, his face spoke of burdens no teen should bear and horrors no innocent soul should witness. Still, he slept on, oblivious for now to the darkness that awaited us all.

The three of them slept, sprawled across their thin cots in the cold, sterile chamber that served as our quarters between matches. hey slept, unaware of the shadows that gathered just beyond the locked metal door, drawn to the promise of fresh prey. Unaware of the dangers that stalked us even in their dreams, twisting our subconscious minds with visions of blood and terror. Unaware that the comfort of oblivion could not last forever within these walls. How I wish I could do the same as them too, if only for an hour. But as the team's archer, the first and last line of defense, they counted on me to stand guard while they were defenseless. Oddly enough, though I am not used to being responsible for others, now that we are trapped in this arena, forced to fight for the amusement of the gamemasters, some primal instinct rises within me.