On the Other Side

Cage

I wake up to someone tapping me. My head and ankle started to throb again. I feel for the wound at the back of my head but it seems to have crusted over.

I'm dry, I must have been pulled out of the there. Was the door not functioning or something

"Here is some water to wash your.....face and wounds and oh some dressings and em a brush as well" a little girl says before she scurries out. I hear a bolt being pulled after

I look around and find myself in a cage. A white room with nothing in it except what that little girl just brought. Outside I can hear the screaming and shouting of people. I peer my head outside to get a better look but a loud pop sends me flying back

"Ladies and gentlemen. Children of the blood kingdom. You are welcome here today to witness the final trial of the Delectus games." It's that voice. The guy from the announcer

"We have the pleasure of our wonderful King being here tonight, so you know the energy is going to be crazy."

The screams get louder

"And I know most of us are here to enjoy the wonderful sight of our future Queen fight, if she is in the contestants of course"

I'm in no condition to fight. I can barely stand and I have no weapons. This is unfair.

I reach for the water and wash my face before rinsing my hair. Avoiding the wound. The cold water greets me well thankfully and it helps with the headache. I wrap the bandages around my ankle and head hoping they it might help with the pain. I stand up straight and wait

"Now welcome the remaining Delectus contestants"

A bolt pops open and the door automatically gets pushed open. I wear my Delectus jacket and step out. The arena is like a circular dome with shining lights and an open roof. There are thousands in the stands, it looks like the whole damn kingdom is here. 12 other cages open. I nearly laugh at the sight. There were 21 of us at the start, we dropped so quickly.

I find Linwood in the box seat in the arena, it's like he has gotten more handsome from the last time I saw him. I watch him as he twirls his ring around his finger. He's dressed in a black cloak with red sapphires around the collar and leather pants but the look of amusement he wears on his face confirms exactly what I thought

He only does this to show that just because they are all high class and well trained, they'll just be turned into peasant looking people for show, for his entertainment. He wants to show who's really in power and he does it well. Even though it's wicked, I commend him.

They all seem surprised to see me. Especially Evan, I forgot about him. The way he acted that night but I can't think of him now.

To be honest, I look the best out of them. It's like they refused to use the water or something. I scan them again and spot my sword in a girl's hand, she keeps it in a sheath and looks like she hasn't used it at all. Pathetic. All these spoiled brats do is focus on their powers. It seems she just wanted to render me useless.

I smirk at the stupid look on her face. Bet she doesn't even know how to use it

"After today we will know, the noble men and women that will be protecting his majesty, King Linwood and hopefully our future Queen"
The remaining girls straighten up when he says the word "Queen" maybe those should be the ones I go for first.

"Contestants, today will be your day to impress the kingdom, your home and the King himself. Do not waste this opportunity."

"You must all fight each other, until there is 7 or 6 of you remaining. Understood"

Everyone looks at me. I roll my eyes, I know that they will come for me first. Get the most important one out of the way

"Also you don't have to be just indebted to your weapons. You can also use the powers bestowed onto you."

Like they're gonna use their weapons. I scoff. The cocky look in their eyes just tells me they are ready to show off everything they've got

I watch Linwood who nods at me. I shake my head, he might see I'm not ready for this but he gives me that reassuring smile in return.

I look down at my bracelet and remember what he told me

You'll be ok

I smile back hoping I make it out of  this alive.

"3"

"2"

"1"

"DUEL"