Enzo I paced back and forth in my lavish bedroom once again, my mind racing. The image of that feral panther was seared into my brain, its wild eyes and foaming mouth a haunting reminder of what could become of me if I didn’t turn out the way Mila had… hoped. Or at least, that was what I assumed

Nina The weathered old leader rushed to the unconscious man’s side, cradling his sweat-drenched face in his calloused hands. For several agonizing heartbeats, the newly-cured man didn’t move or make a sound. Matt, Jessica, Lori and I stood off to the side, biting our lips. We watched silently, h

Enzo “Today is the day, my love.” Mila’s voice, soft and sweet, pulled me out of my reverie. I found myself sitting beside those pools of unfathomably deep water again, although this time, I couldn’t quite remember how I had gotten here. Furrowing my brow, I turned to see Mila’s face smiling d

… The narrow path sloped downward at a steep incline, the rocky walls slowly closing in around us. I maneuvered carefully, trying to keep my breathing steady and calm as the hot, oppressive air grew thicker and harder to draw into my lungs. We continued on like this for what felt like an eternit

When he was finished, my heart was in my throat. “So you’re going into the arena anyway,” I breathed. Enzo nodded. “While the panther and I create a distraction, you, Luke, and Tyler can join the crowd. Start spreading the word: that Mila is planning to kill everyone after the ceremony. Those wh