Sadistic Philanthropist

As if he senses my train of thoughts, Mikos's gaze moves across the crowd to settle on me. The moment our eyes meet , I feel it, that prickle at the back of my neck and that familiar chill of terror seeps into my bones.

His eyes lock on me, unblinking, cold and calculating like he can see right into my thoughts and he knows I'm onto him.

He doesn't say a word, he doesn't even need to. His gaze conveys everything he does not say, an unspoken warning, those eyes daring me to oppose him...to get in his way if I am brave enough to face the consequences. His gaze sweeps over me, lingering for a few moments too long and then they shift to Alaric.

His expression changes this time, though I cannot read him completely, I pick up traces of rage and displeasure in his eyes, however on the surface, his lips curl into a faint smile that looks more mocking to me than genuine. He inclines his head to a bow.

Alaric remains unfazed by this, his expression an impenetrable mask of indifference. Alaric doesn't acknowledge Mikos's bow or acknowledge Mikos's existence at all, he just keeps his gaze fixed straight ahead as if Mikos isn't even worth his notice.

But I feel Alaric's muscles tense ever so slightly beneath my hand, a subtle change that is only noticeable because of how closely seated we are.

Mikos's eyes glint with cruel amusement, he tilts his head to the side as his gaze flickers back to me. His expression changes once again and I cannot quite figure out what that look in his eyes mean, I'm not even sure I care to know so I conclude it to be cold dismissal.

He turns and walks away with unhurried strides to stand with the rest of the participants, shoulders relaxed like this is just another one of his shows where he is the main star and everyone else is just an extra. His confidence and arrogance is astonishing.

"Getting agitated won't do you any good." Alaric warns from beside me. "Stay calm, he won't dare come for you with me here."

Only then do I realise I've been holding my breath. I force myself to exhale slowly, my heart pounding in my chest. The chill of terror he left behind remains, and I know it will take me more than a few moments to shake it off.

"He's trying to unnerve you," Alaric says to me. His voice is low and calm. "Don't let him."

I nod stiffly, swallowing down the rage bubbling up in me. "I know." But I wish saying it makes it any easier to shake off the memories of that night and the terror I carry with me, as it all comes rushing back at the sight of Mikos.

Alaric glances over at me, his gaze softens for just a moment before his mask of indifference returns. "I'm here... If you think I'm gonna let anyone touch what's mine..." He leaves the statement hanging, because we both know Alaric will bring down hell on anyone who comes close to hurting me and his child.

I nod slowly and relax into my seat. The assurance in Alaric's tone sends warmth flooding through me and I cling to it, letting it steady me. 

I notice another gaze on me and I do not acknowledge it, but I already know who it is. This person has been staring at me for a while now, even watching the exchange between Mikos and I.

Lana...

She is the first person I noticed the moment we arrive in the arena but I have not acknowledged her gaze and I do not intend to. There is nothing left for Lana and I to talk about, I already know where she stands and whose side she's on.

The games begin with a blare of trumpets, the arena is alive with the deafening roars of excitement. The tournaments begin to unfold and I focus on the scene below, it is much easier than dwelling on Lana's relentless glares.

Even as the tournament begins, I still feel her gaze on me. Lingering...

Each round passes by quickly, the disparity between the elements of the various participants is clear from the first exchange of attack and it does not take long for one side to be overwhelmed and the other emerge victorious.

Round after round passes by and not for the first time, Mikos prevails over his opponent and he passes me a look, a smirk like it is any of my business that he is getting closer to winning the tournaments.

Each and every one of Mikos's matches have ended brutally, far more than any of the other rounds. While there is no need to critically harm one's opponent to defeat them, the tournament still has no rules or limits and Mikos makes use of that to his advantage, rendering every opponent assigned to him to an almost crippled state.

I know what he is doing, he is showing off his strength and how much better than the others he is. At this point, the participants are all wary of Mikos and he revels in the fear his actions have incited.

I find myself wondering what the citizens of Everdale would think when they see this cruel and sadistic side to their saint of a district attorney.

Despite Mikos's actions, the tournament is quickly nearing its end and out of the twelve participants, seven have been eliminated and only five are left. An Alpha with the water element, a Beta with the air element, another Alpha with the air element and two Alphas with the earth element, including Mikos.

The announcer calls out how the rounds will play out and Mikos is called up first, facing the other Alpha with the same element. 

In a flash, the battle begins. Their movements are so fast, it is a blur and hard to keep up with. Finally, I decide to spare a glance at Lana, for the first time since the tournament began.

As if she already expects it, Lana is already staring my way. Her eyes are narrowed into a cold glare, a vast contrast from the concerned and understanding expression she had shown me on that night at the beach.

It doesn't surprise me. But somewhere deep within, I hoped Lana would prove me wrong... but I see it clearly now that her concern from that night was all an act.

I do not contemplate further, a sudden urgency in my heart tugs my attention back to the arena, just in time to see sharp, deadly looking vines that should not have been anywhere near the viewing stands shoot straight for us...not us, but Alaric!