Grimm Games

Chapter 20: Split Decisions

The red light cast our surroundings in a blood-colored tinge, including the very murky water that completely concealed the man. A few air bubbles broke the liquid's surface before it went still again.

"Oh, my god!" I called out in disbelief. First, a helpless man was drowning in front of our very eyes, and I couldn't reach him without jeopardizing everything and diving into the water. What made me hesitate was not knowing if the pool was merely brimming with water or something else meant to incapacitate me? I couldn't risk it.

Secondly, an invisible force had made my blade go off course and veer sharply to the left. Never had my aim been so profoundly bad as it was at this moment.

The alarm stopped and the host's voice replaced it on the massive screen above the playing stage. "Well, well, well! Seems like our fiery contestant is eager to dive right into the action, folks! But hold your horses, Kamila. I'm the maestro here, the puppeteer orchestrating this warped symphony. Did I give you the green light? I don't recall."

The cameras switched to the disgruntled audience, revealing a snapshot of their shock and disapproval.

The host's tone shifted from faux surprise to a sly grin. "You're quite the renegade, aren't you? Bucking the rules, challenging the order. I believe that's what makes you so compelling, Kamila. But let's not get ahead of ourselves. I've got the reins, my dear. The games truly begin when I say so."

Chuck Gillian's voice took on a somber note as he addressed the audience, his words dripping with theatrical regret. "We've just witnessed a twist in the tale, a deviation from the script. Kamila's impulsive move has consequences, grave consequences. By disregarding the carefully crafted rules of the game, she's not just risking her fate but the fate of those she's sworn to protect. A reflection of her duty outside of the Games."

He paused for effect, letting the weight of the moment settle. "Now, whether you love her or loathe her, Kamila must grapple with the knowledge that her actions, her defiance, may have cost a volunteer their life. The guilt she bears is a weighty punishment in itself. Now let's see how this unruly twist unfolds in the dark depths of the Grimm Games." The subtle menace in his tone hinted at the escalating stakes and the impending chaos yet to come.

My eyes scanned the dark water as the weight of the man's death washed over me. Chuck's announcement sealed the deal and threw out any possibility of the man surviving being submerged for so long.

Chuck Gillian's dramatic demeanor only intensified the suspense for both the live audience and possibly those watching the spectacle unfold on screens around the country.

The red lights finally disappeared and changed back to the previous stage lights. I had no desire to wait until they found an additional way to punish me for not playing by their rules. I needed Jade and Millie out of danger as soon as possible.

"The magnets." When I looked back at the directing of the voice, Spencer pointed to a large metal panel beside the ropes and pulleys above the stage where the tarps now rested.

Was whatever in the metal box interfering with the function of my blade? Were they cheating, throwing off my aim with a magnetic field?

Cowards.

I threw my blade again, this time toward the metal box. And the crescent metal immediately swerved to the left, barely grazing the edge of it, and producing a spark. As it returned like a boomerang, it hit and clung to my cuff with force.

"Cheaters!" I screamed, pointing to the box like Spencer had.

Chuck Gillian's only response was a dismissive and delayed, "The game starts now."