Harper and the rest could see it. The beast was prowling on the maze. Closer and closer to Anthony. However, with the help of the witches, Marion made it happen that there will be an invisible soundproof wall between the challenger on the battle grounds and the audience watching. The boys understand it now, why the crowd was too quiet when they were fighting in the battle grounds. “I can’t watch this anymore.” – says Harper. She could only take ten minutes of watching Anthony being lost and confused in the maze. “You don’t have to.” – Damon said and held her hand.Can she help it, though? She’s in a position that whatever’s happening on the maze can be clearly seen. And if not, there’s a huge screen displaying what the maze has inside it. “Don’t worry Harper. Our guy can do this.” – said Asher“He’s stronger and braver than me. He sure can.” – Norton secondedWhether Norton truly believes what he said is not the issue. It is the sight that is in front of them as of the moment. Ha
In the area where light springs forth, there is a green envelope with burnt edges. Anthony picked it up. It was warm. Perhaps the edges were consumed or intentionally placed to be kissed by fire. There was no seal so when it was opened, the long paper was folded twice. When it was completely opened, the letters were written in golden ink, in cursive. The message read:IN ORDER TO GAIN SOMETHING, YOU HAVE TO LEAVE A PIECE OF YOURSELF.Anthony frowned and looked at Marion onstage. He shook his head, hoping Marion would get that he meant he didn’t get the message. On what he is expected to do. The thing that is required of him must be embedded on that one sentence.For some reason, he cannot get the intent of the metaphor. Marion glanced at the clock. 4 minutes left and the challenge closes. Last four minutes of his one and only chance. Anthony sensed Marion won’t help him so he got back his attention to the message on the paper. He’s not a linguist, not a fan of literature as well.
Damon and Harper disregarded their fight for an hour as they met with Asher and Norton. Anthony has been placed in the infirmary. Three witches were placed for his guidance and treatment. The latter two noticed that the couple weren’t talking to each other, or at least not in the usual manner. Asher knew it was because of that time at the battle grounds because Harper isn’t in favor of the way the Virgo welcomes its new members. “You did great out there, man.” – Damon said as the witch wrapped Anthony’s wound with a thick black bandage.“I know… but wow, there’s two more of that?!” -Anthony exclaimedHarper scoffed beside Damon. The latter noticed but only chose to ignore it. He’s still planning to have an extensive talk with his mate later. For now, they have to be here for Anthony.“Apparently, yes. But it’s random so we cannot tell you what are those other two.” – Norton said and Asher elbowed him. How is that supposed to make Anthony feel better“Wow… that’s sick.” – Anthony sai
Marion instructed some of his men to interfere with Harper’s and Eva’s verbal fight. After they were told, the two females were forced to stop and to go back to their own tables. Eva did, but Harper said she lost her appetite and chose to go back to their room instead.Damon, seeing this, gave Hector to Asher and followed his mate. He was worried of her. Whether this is a form of her adjustment or not, she is his responsibility. It is his duty to take care of her and correct her if needed. Inside the room, Harper crashed on the bed. She picked up a pillow and hugged it. There, she screamed. It turned out to be muffled. Damon entered the room just in time to see her muffled outburst and stood in front of her, both hands in his front pockets. “Are you done?” – he askedHarper realized he wasn’t alone in the room and looked up. She dropped the pillow on the floor. It was Damon who picked it up, dusted it and tossed it on the other side of the bed. “I hate it here, Damon. You cannot c
“So, you have a plan all this time? Do the boys know?” – Anthony askedDamon shook his head. He has thought about saying about it to them a lot of times. However, he thought it would be better if he won’t say anything about it yet. It’s premature, and he’d rather tell them about it when it’s already complete“So I’m the only one who has an idea?” “Yes, for now.”“Even Harper?” – Anthony found it hard to believe“Even Harper. I swear I’ll tell everything to everyone soon.” – Damon assuredAnthony nodded. It’s not like he doesn’t trust him. It’s only a question of knowing when it will be. It would be a big news to the boys and Harper. Still, he chose to understand. That’s Damon anyway. Since then, he knows what’s best for the group.“I’ll go back to my room, now. Just keep it to yourself for now. We don’t want any suspicions from the Virgo.”Anthony grinned and nodded. There’s nothing that excites him but a good conspiracy. Damon stood up and walked towards their room. He raised his l
Brayden has been hurting in every move. He hates it that even the slightest movement equates to a straining pain. He cannot move freely, nor can he have the freedom to stand. “How long do I have to endure this, miss?” – he asked one of the witches who just entered the door“Until your flesh is fully healed, sir.”One of the nurses brought him food. He hasn’t seen what was happening outside of the room yet. Last night, he heard loud noises from the roundhouse, which he really wanted to check. However, the nurse was pretty clear with their instructions that he cannot get out of the room unless he’s fully healed. To emphasize that, a restricting spell was cast on him. Each time he tries to sit up from the bed, he immediately falls down flat in the mattress. “When will that be? this already feels like forever!” – Brayden shouted“Hopefully, it will be by tomorrow or the next day.” – the nurse with the food said. The older nurse only stood by the door as the younger one placed the food
The second initiation rite was scheduled the next night and Anthony was back to his anxious mode. He cannot stop from tagging along with Asher and Norton. He didn’t want to be left alone and the boys were always pestered with a lot of questions pertaining to the upcoming rites. “Come on guys. I’m sure you heard something about it.” – Anthony asked as they were sharpening knives at the training grounds. “We haven’t. For the nth time, I’d like to say that none knows what it is. If you’re really mad about knowing it, you should ask his sons. If you can. Everyone knows they don’t talk to anyone but their father.” – said Asher“The two young boys? What’s their age anyway? Are they even 15 years old?”Both of the boys shrugged. Anthony kept that option open. Anything that will work on his advantage. “Do you guys have any idea on where to find these kids?” – he askedAsher stopped what he was doing, He was kidding when he suggested that. He knows the kids are involved with the planning of
Marion’s sons were both shy, obviously they haven’t talked much to anyone. The younger child, Jay, went back to the table to finish making the cocoa drink. Neil followed and Anthony occupied the vacant seat as motioned by Marion. “I like mine with milk.” – Neil said to his older brother. “Okay, then. Here, you add some.”Jay gave his younger brother the powdered milk. Marion was watching his sons and then, when he looked at his wristwatch, he looked like he realized he’s late for something.“Oh, shoot. I have to go to the roundhouse. Would you guys be okay here? Anthony, do you want to stay or would you come with me? I have a close-door meeting with Damon.”Secretly, this made Anthony happy. Just when he thought the option of appealing on Marion’s sons’ favor appears to be a dead end, a door opens for the opportunity. “I’ll stay here for a bit, dear Alpha. I have to finish the cocoa anyway. Don’t worry, I’ll leave as soon as I’m done.”Marion smiled.“No, I’d rather appreciate it i