LOGINCHAPTER 72: WISE COUNSEL.BARAKAR'S POV. All the while during the fight on the second day of the King's Games, while everyone spoke, making one remark or another, I watched the game keenly. Not to be entertained, and not just for the sake of fulfilling all righteousness - being there mandatorily. Although the latter was my original choice. But in the end, I got sucked in. It was more than entertainment either. I sat by the open window of my chamber as I reminisced. The perpetual cold wind of Winterhill blew into the room, somewhat defeating the purpose for which the fireplace was lit in the first place. But I didn't mind. The rest of the nobles and Alphas were quite taken by the event. They were enthralled all through the event. I was honestly glad they were having a great time - a great time at the cost of lives. Diabolical.As I gulped some wine and looked out the window, the city was still wide awake and abuzz with activities like it wasn't yet late at night.I heard a knock o
CHAPTER 71: HE ALREADY KNOWS.The secret base of the Rebellion was abuzz with activity. Children ran around, playing with their peers. The adults were up and about, carrying out various tasks. Women sat in groups, engaging in chit-chats. Even the men joined in this time. Word of the King's Games had reached even them in the base.Despite the limited space, there were plenty of things to keep one engaged. You just had to look in the right place. The base was indeed becoming a larger community by the day.Vira and the twins, Rooni and Nooni, walked through the base, heading to a particular spot that was solitary, just the way Vira liked it. "The King's Games has got everyone in the base talking since yesterday. It hasn't been this vibrant around here in a while," Rooni said. Vira and Nooni eyed him."I mean, it has always been lively here, but let's be honest - it hasn't been to this magnitude," Rooni still maintained."Having corrected yourself, my brother, I totally agree. The King
CHAPTER 70: THE CHALLENGE.RAYA'S POV.The fights that followed after the first fight didn't come with as many twists as the first. Well, I guess we expected the worst from the fighters after that. Indeed, we were all taken off guard by that betrayal. I should have lost interest, at this point; rather, my interest only increased. All the folks I hoped would scale through did scale through. The girl with the Shadow Guard had become a force to reckon with. She was much more confident. They all scaled through, providing us all with maximum entertainment at the coliseum. Only one person remained.Commander Benek was the last of the original selection to fight. His was to be different, since he wasn't paired with anyone. "As instructed by the organizers, the last original contestant is free to choose a partner!" The commentator announced. That sounded quite interesting to me. I wondered what he was going to do. All the nobles looked, all having different expectations. King Barakar look
CHAPTER 69: DISHONORABLE DEATH.RAYA'S POV.Just as we were all shocked, the contestants were also shocked. Perhaps, even more than we were. "Oh, dear. It's about to get serious," Talia commented. "You truly outdid yourself, lord Xavier. I'm impressed," Jabin commended."We couldn't fall short of expectations," lord Xavier replied, obviously glad from the sound of his voice. The constants looked troubled by the moderator's announcement. They looked around at each other, none seemed to know what to do."Contestants, the games have begun, and it is time to forge alliances, quickly," the moderator pointed out. They all just kept looking at one another, until one of them walked right straight to the girl who had command of the Shadow Guard.Looking at her, I saw that she nodded her head, agreeing to team up with this stranger. He looked quite capable himself."That was a wise move," Cliflan said."Sponsored by fear," Jabin hissed. "He's a coward, trying to latch on to the advantage sh
CHAPTER 68: SECOND DAY OF THE KING'S GAMES. RAYA'S POV. It was quite an awkward moment at the dining hall. No one dared to speak at this point as they continued eating. I'm sure they were all being cautious not to enrage the King any further. I looked at the King, feeling bad for him. Shortly after, the King set down his cutlery, wiped his mouth, and sighed. "Well then. We all have somewhere to be, don't we?" he said as he got up. Thank goodness I was done eating. Well, not like I emptied my plate anyway. I lost my appetite earlier after the indirect attack on the King, which was partly my fault. So, I quickly got up as well.Everyone at the table stood up and bowed, and then I followed the King out of the dining hall. I thought he was headed for his study, or somewhere else, but rather, I found out that he was headed outside. I thought he'd like to go blow off some steam. But not King Barakar.He was a man with such an iron will and strong resolve. Why was I expecting such a thi
CHAPTER 67: STRENGTH OR WEAKNESS?RAYA'S POV. I arrived at my quarters and quickly changed. Redchild and Ayana were of great help as always. We hurried up so as not to keep the King waiting. The games were scheduled to kick off not long after breakfast with the King and the Lords. Looking at myself in the mirror as I changed, I honestly preferred the new dress to the previous one. Kieran was always so thoughtful of my affairs. Seeing that we were done with the switch-up, we headed back to the dining hall. I was hit with the aroma of the sumptuous delicacy being prepared, and mild chattering at the table. Right before I sat down, I caught Enock staring at me. It seemed like he was angry, then it quickly morphed into a smile, accompanied by a slight nod. I responded with a nod, forcing a smile also. I wondered what the matter was for a brief moment, then I shrugged it off. "Your dress is amazing," King Barakar commended. "Thank you, Your-" I quickly halted, gulping as I chuckled
CHAPTER 50: KEEPING THINGS FROM EACH OTHER.RAYA'S POV. For the next few minutes after we were served our meal, King Barakar and I ate in silence. It was awkwardly silent. Just the clattering of our utensils on the beautifully decorated ceramic plates filled the atmosphere around the table. I thr
CHAPTER 49: BITTERSWEET. RAYA'S POV. Although I had a restful night, well, it wasn't quite peaceful. I kept finding myself turning in bed and waking up at certain times during the night. It wasn't due to the cold. The fireplace was lit, warming my chamber. And I adjusted and added wood during
CHAPTER 48: SISTERS IN BLOOD.Talia was on her guard as she got up from the floor and looked around. She recalled the sensation she felt right before she flung open the door to her study and found Ighor standing behind it. But this was her territory. She didn't need to be worried. But for some rea
CHAPTER 47: DEALING WITH THE AFTER EFFECT.BARAKAR'S POV. Walking back to my chamber, it felt like my head was in the clouds - as though I was in another dimension. The sensation of Raya's lips intertwined with mine was still strong. I could think of nothing else but her - her touch, her smell, h







