Every Broken Part (Series)

Chapter Thirty-Seven.

D E V I N

"Today is the day."

"What? Your period?"

"No!" I slapped Rayner. "Today is Friday. Aphelia and Locke are fighting at noon today."

"Oh." Rayner casually said. "This one is going to be fun to watch."

"You aren't scared she's going to lose?"

"Are you crazy? Aphelia doesn't lose. Ever. Henrick was way stronger than Locke, and Aphelia beat him no problem."

Rayner frowned as he mentioned Henrick's name. I could tell he was still grieving by his sudden shift in mood. We had stayed up practically all night playing Monopoly. Graizen was winning, until Rayner got mad and decided to flip the board. Everyone finally got some sleep after that.

"Have you guys found any leads on Henrick's killer?"

"No." Rayner shook his head as he looked down at his food. "Graizen has been searching for countless hours. Nothing. He was looking into Demerith, the old Principis of our father's town, but it wouldn't make sense. If Demerith found our city, he would invade it. He would take you. So, it can't be him."

I let my mind wander as I ran through the thoughts in my head. It's so easy to forget that there are people out there who want to take me away from here. People that want to use me as a source. It's an unsettling feeling. But, they promised me I would be safe here. I hope they keep that promise.

"What happens if Locke wins? He would never be able to work with Graizen."

"We won't have to worry about that. Aphelia will put on her show for everyone, then she'll snap his neck."

I simply nodded as I stared down at my food. I need to stop doubting Aphelia. I couldn't help but shake the uneasy feeling I had in my stomach as the dining hall cleared. I looked down at my watch, nervousness settling in the pit of my stomach.

"Are you ready to go? I want to get a spot in the front."

I silently nodded to Rayner as we made our way to the town square. My eyes searched for Graizen, but he was nowhere to be seen. Aphelia was stretching, while talking with Ryker. I felt an arm on my shoulder. Locke turned me around to face him. I gave him a curt smile as I continued to search the crowd for Graizen.

"You aren't still mad at me, are you?"

Locke laughed as my fake smile dropped.

"I'm not mad at you. I just think you're being stupid." I simply stated. "You know for a fact Aphelia is stronger and faster than you."

His face had an unreadable look on it as he looked straight into my eyes.

"She was. Not anymore."

"What does that mean?"

I didn't wait for him to answer my question as my eyes found Graizen. My legs instantly went to him as he gave me a questioning look.

"Graizen, I don't have a good feeling about this." I whispered to him. I made sure he was the only one who heard me. I was so close to him, I could feel his warm breath on mine. Our bodies were almost touching.

"Hey," Graizen softly said as I felt his fingers trace mine.

"You don't need to be afraid for Aphelia. She's my best fighter. I've seen her beat Locke countless times."