Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76256 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 381(@200wpm)___ 305(@250wpm)___ 254(@300wpm)
“Good. Wouldn’t want him starving you out. Not until the trials are done anyway. How’s your father?” He was nothing more than a self-satisfied cat playing with its food.
“Fine.”
He cocked his head, perhaps unsatisfied with my short replies. But, it didn’t matter. The sound system clicked on with a feedback hum. It was show time.
“All right, everyone.” Cal’s voice boomed over speakers nestled along the metal tent supports. “We have a wonderful show for you today. I can’t wait to get started. Make your way up the stairs to the seating along the battlement. Don’t worry, we’ve had special awnings installed as well as heaters, couches, beds—anything you’d want to get comfy on this rainy day.”
People began streaming through the door and up the stairs as Cal continued. “I think you’ll be pleased at the entertainment. We also have plenty of servants to accommodate your every desire. Even yours, Judge Montagnet.”
The crowd laughed, and the judge swiped his hand through the air. “You joker,” he called.
“Acquirers and Acquisitions, make your way to me. Announcements are over. Let’s get the party started!”
CHAPTER TEN
STELLA
SIN FOUND ME AND took my hand, pulling me from the wall where I’d taken refuge. He squeezed my cold fingers as we made our way back to Cal.
His touch—the same one that once chilled me to the bone—now gave me a slight warmth. I would be the one suffering today. It would likely be my blood spilled, my body broken. The touch of his hand told me that he would be right there with me. Every stab of pain inflicted on me would be mirrored in his mind. I wished I could save him from it even more than myself.
We walked against the flow of people heading to the battlements until we reached Cal. Sin dropped my hand, and I was alone again. Brianne, Red, Gavin, and Bob were already assembled. Gavin gave me a slight nod, but Brianne kept her head lowered.
“We’re all here. Excellent.” Cal smiled, still in showman mode. “Acquisitions, head into the fort, turn left, and go down the stairs. An attendant is waiting for you. The three of you lucky Acquirers will stay with me. I have a real treat for you.” He rubbed his hands together, the machinery in his conniving mind clicking and scraping. “Go on.” He jerked his chin toward the door.
Sin gave me one last look, his eyes saying nothing, but I still felt the warmth of his fingers on mine. I followed the crowd through the wooden doors into the fort. They turned right and climbed the curving stairs as Gavin, Brianne, and I turned left and descended. The air was dank, the rain running down the walls and feeding the moss. Naked light bulbs hung in a string along the curving ceiling, and my boots squeaked on the slippery stairs.
Foreboding rose inside me with each step, but I kept going. When we reached the landing, two attendants waited for us. I recognized one of them from the Christmas trial. Mr. Tablet, the one I’d embarrassed in front of Lucius. He didn’t have a tablet for me to destroy this time, though he wore the same sense of smug satisfaction.
Gauging by the smirk on his almost-purple lips, he recognized me, too. “Right this way.”
I reached for Gavin’s hand. He took it as we marched around behind Mr. Tablet, the curving wall obscuring the way ahead of us.
“We’ll get through it,” Gavin whispered.
I glanced to Brianne. “Are you okay?”
She didn’t respond, only darted her eyes up and then back down. She reminded me of a wild animal that had been caught in a trap. One that would gnaw its own leg off just to be free.
“I need to talk to Stella.” Dylan’s voice cut through the damp air. He leaned inside a dark alcove along the interior wall.
Mr. Tablet stopped our march. Gavin gripped my hand tighter.
“I don’t believe we have time. The trial is about to—”
“I didn’t ask.” Dylan rose to his full height and stepped into the light. He was imposing, a brute with a malicious glint in his eye. “Take the rest of them. She’ll be along shortly. Stella, come here.” He gave a little smile after the command, as if the power he wielded was some sort of shiny new toy.
I didn’t know what his game was, but I knew I didn’t want to be alone with him. I edged closer to Gavin.
“I’ll come over there and get you. Is that what you want?” Dylan stepped toward us.
“Back the fuck off.” Gavin moved in front of me.
“This is going to be fun.” Dylan swung his arms over his head, stretching. “Let’s go, big guy.”
“Wait.” I stepped around Gavin. He was strong, but Dylan was a wall of muscle and spite. Gavin wouldn’t stand a chance. “I’ll talk to him. Just go.”