The Phoenix Society

Chapter 34

It didn't take long for me to figure out what was happening. And as soon as I did, I was embarrassed I didn't figure it out sooner. I heard the thunderous chatter and cheering sound from above me as people entered the arena. I was surprised it filled up so quickly. According to Elias, it was a big event.

My eyes were trained forward on the backside of the rising door as I awaited my fate. On either side of me were my guards, in between them Elias. He hadn't said a word since we arrived behind the door. His insulting tone from before had been wiped away and replaced with a more nervous tension instead.

Though Elias was standing with his back towards me, I could tell he was anxious by the way his breathing had picked up. I couldn't help but wonder what he was nervous about? It couldn't be about us; he had shown how much he clearly cares about us.

My fingers picked around my nails nervously as my mind immediately began producing worst case scenarios. While I had determined I was going out into the arena, I had yet to figure out who I was fighting. There was no one else in the cells beside Banks and Marley. My heart skipped a beat. I would not fight them. They were my family. I wasn't even entirely sure I could fight. With every breath I took, a searing pain sourced through my body immobilizing me. I would do my best to put up a fight, but there was no telling how long I would last.

"Seems like there's quite a turn out." Elias spoke, breaking the silence in the room we waited in. He turned his head to the side, hoping to see my reaction to his comment. I didn't give him one as I kept my gaze forward. I needed to stay focused. If I let Elias get to me, I would lose before I even had a chance to fight. When he realized I wasn't going to respond, Elias turned his head with a scoff.

I took a deep breath calming my growing nerves. I can do this. It's going to be fine. Everything is going to be fine. I just hoped and prayed Marley and Banks weren't brought into this as well. I didn't know what Monroe had planned for them, but I hoped it was a better fate than me. Who knows, maybe they escaped. Banks is smart. With Marley there with him, maybe they came up with a plan to get out. I found solace in that thought. At least they were safe.

The aluminum door groaned as it began to slide up, revealing the inside of the arena. I squinted as my eyes adjusted to the bright light that lit up the inside of the arena. The crowd roared at the movement. Their excitement was unmatched. The familiar feeling of nausea filled my stomach as I remembered how sick the people were who attended these shows.

"Let's go." Elias instructed the guards. Elias entered the arena. I was a pace behind him as a guard pulled me along. The arena looked identical from when I had witnessed the games. The only difference is this time, I was part of them. My eyes landed on the three columns in the center of the arena, where I was being pulled to. My heart sank.

Banks' worried eyes met mine as he watched me exit the holding area. I could tell by the way his eyes were flickering that he was scanning me, taking note of all my injuries. His eyes narrowed when he saw my bandaged arm and bruised face. Banks' arms were attached to the column and tied above his head. His hair was dirty and matted and his eyes looked tired. He had a small cut on his lip that wasn't there before, and his shirt was torn. It looked like he had gotten into it with one of the guards.

Marley stood next to him in a similar manner. Besides a large bruise on her forehead courtesy of Elias, she looked untouched. I could see Marley trembling, even from where I stood. Tears fell from her eyes as they anxiously scanned the crowd. She looked terrified. And the worst part is. There was nothing I could do to help either of them.

Elias led me to the last column, beside Banks. He flicked his wrist, signaling for the guards to hook me up. I yelped out as the guards forced my arms up, connecting me to the chain on the column. A stabbing pain flew through my body. Those stupid ribs are going to be the reason I die today. I clenched my eyes shut, willing the pain to go away. I didn't want to give anyone the satisfaction of seeing me in so much pain before the fight started.