The Chamber [Sequel to Silence]

15

"Right," I began, but I didn't know how to finish the sentence. Riley raised an eyebrow unimpressed, yawning.

"What?" she said.

"I just...don't know what the hell to do with you. How can I give you advice on how to have the worst interview ever?" I moaned. Riley smirked.

"Want some pointers? I know exactly what I'm going to do. I have plans to fall on Venus Swift's lap "accidently" then sneeze on my dress. Oh, and I'll burst into tears at some point," Riley said.

"Well, what are we supposed to do all day then? I'm meant to be helping you with your interview," I demanded to know. Riley grinned, grabbing my hand.

"Come on. I have an idea."

We rode in the lift to the seventh floor, heading for Riley's bedroom. She began rooting through a draw, pulling out two training swords from underneath a bunch of clothes.

"How the hell did you get them in here?" I asked, as she handed me one of the swords. Riley tapped the side of her nose smartly.

"You know me. I'm sneaky as can be. Hey, ho, it rhymes."

"So it does. I commend your creativity," I said sarcastically, rolling my eyes. Riley chuckled, and swung her sword skilfully.

"What do you say, Ari? Will you battle with me, fine warrior?" she said, putting on a masculine voice and a serious face. I raised my sword, before bowing to my opponent.

"I shall take the offer gladly," I grinned. Riley returned the smile, but then quickly lunged forward, swinging her sword in a smooth arc and knocking the weapon from my hand. Unarmed, I rolled away from her next attack, picking up my dropped weapon as I stumbled clumsily to my feet. But Riley was ready. She jumped onto her bed, using it as a springboard to launch herself at me. She landed like a cat on her feet, swiping at my legs and knocking me flat on my back. Pain shot through my spine and I felt dazed, but I wasn't about to give in to Riley. I made a stab at her, but she was too quick, slipping away like water through fingers, and softly pressing her sword to my stomach. I reclined, shuffling away from her while she smiled smugly.

"Aww. Poor Arrian," she cooed "Don't you want to play anymore?"

All of a sudden, she dived forward, slipping through my legs and leaping onto my back, the sword now pressed against my throat. With a nervous chuckle, I allowed my sword to clatter to the floor.

"Alright. You win, Riley."

"That's it?"

"Give me a break, Riley. I'm getting old."

"You're what? Twenty odd? You're just unfit."

"That's what years of luxury cakes and slobbing around does to you. Come on, let me have a rest. Just for a while."

Reluctantly and full of energy, Riley hopped down from my back, but kept hold of her sword. She rested the tip of the blade under my chin, tilting it upwards.

"You're not a victor, are you Arrian?" she said softly. I smiled and shook my head.

"No, Riley. I'm not. And I never will be. Antonia's a victor. I believe you can be a victor. But not I. Not truly. I don't have the right mind set."

"A moment of madness. That's what your victory was, wasn't it, Arrian?"

"Definitely," I said sure mindedly "If I close my eyes, I can remember that moment. Clear as day." There was no dirt on the windows of that memory. That memory of the first person I killed. The image of their head rolling on the soft grass. I felt sick, dizzy. I stumbled slightly, only to be caught by Riley.