On the Other Side

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Linwood steps out of the car, leaving me with Togo.

"I'll miss you" he licks my face. "Just be a good boy to Linwood. I love you"

He barks in reply and licks my face. He has grown, I wonder what he will be like when I get back probably bigger than Corasi. I shudder at the name.

"Love you" I repeat

I leave him in the car, blowing a kiss before stepping out

"Put the jacket on" Linwood says to me

I slip it on immediately. We walk towards what looks like the main arena area

"Through the next set of doors, we will be on a balcony where I will introduce you to your opponents."

I make my way there but he stops me and pulls me close. His hand lies on my waist and his hand reaches into his pocket.

"Another gift"

He pulls out a box and inside it lies a bracelet with red rubys and diamonds all around it. It shines in the natural light

"I thought you would want to have it" he smiles almost nervously

"It's the same as your ring" I whisper in awe

"Yes, it is"

"Oh" is all I can say.

He removes it from the velvet case as I extend my hand. He slips it onto my wrist

He smiles "Think of it as a promise"

I pause.

"What's the promise"

"That.....you'll be ok"

I jump into his arms not caring if the guards are staring.

"Do I have to go" I pull away to look him in the eyes

"Yes" he whispers over my lips, teasing me as he brushes his over mine.

Linwood intertwines his hand in mine and drags me towards the door. It pushes open and the smell of wax hits me. With a nod, he lets go of my hand and steps forward.

Candles burn everywhere. People chatter in different groups but silence clouds over when Linwood appears

"Salve amnos. Welcome back to the 190th Delectus games"

"Salve, King Linwood"

"Before we pick teams. I would like to introduce my select." The girls squeal, obviously expecting a gorgeous male opponent

When I step into their view, they all gasp. I keep my head held up high and look each and every one of them in the eye. The looks full of hate ruin their beautiful faces.

Great, I'm already popular

"Meet your main opponent"

I try not to grin. He looks at my face and tilts his head forward. I take my time with each step and study each of the other 20 opponents. They all wear the same jacket as me but their symbol silver while mine is gold. I stop at the last step and turn back to Linwood, his face is cold but his eyes are shining with amusement. I wink at him.

I lean against a column, not bothering to join the line of other people.

"You will be assigned to your dorms. You will given tomorrow to train and the ball will be held in the night time. The days after will be the competition"

My eyes meet with Linwood's, he smirks his signature smirk and makes his way down the stairs. I expect him to stop in front of me but he walks straight past to the exit.

Whispering "no falling in love" so quietly I almost don't hear him

I can't help but laugh at the edge in his voice

I hear whispers behind me. People must be making allies already. I remember what Linwood told me

The dumb ones will befriend you, the smart ones will despise you. Either way don't trust anyone. Understood

I smile, happy that I will do this by myself. I make my way to the door

"Where do you think you are going" a deep voice booms, catching everyone's attention.

I look up to see a handsome tan-skinned boy who looks at me with hatred of another level. I give him a puzzled look back.

"You probably don't want anything to do with the rest of us, you're too special huh" he scoffs

A girl hits him on the shoulder. Her face angelic almost but her eyes are piercing. Why is everybody here so good looking.

I look both of them straight in the eyes and walk past them. A hand catches my wrist and turns me around. It's the same guy

"Is there a problem" I sigh

He just glares at me and I do the same to him.

"Evan" the girl shouts. He doesn't budge

I glare at him "Let go of me"

When he releases his grip, I notice everyone staring at us. Some with amusement, some with astonishment. I turn and exit the door, following the room numbers to find my own. I lock the door behind me and lay on the bed. I don't bother studying the room, I just fall asleep.