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
“I don’t think we’re allowed to disclose such information, sir.” – Jay saidDeep down, Anthony was thinking of something else. A manipulation tactic. He already got their interest by offering his help with their trainings. What he needed now is to fan that out so that it would be effective. “I know… but he doesn’t need to know, does he?” – Anthony saidJay and Neil looked at each other nervously. “Go on. You two can talk about it on your own. I’ll be waiting in the living room’s couch. But please, let’s help one another. You help me with this and I’ll help you with the trainings. That way, we would be reciprocally helpful.” – Anthony said and placed the empty mug on the tableAs he turned his back on the young children, he crossed his fingers and uttered a prayer to the moon goddess. Damon and the rest may be right, that he can survive the next challenges. However, their trust and reliance on him made him doubt his own capabilities. What if he won’t? What if the next challenge woul
“Don’t stare at me like that, Harper. I don’t want to commit any felony.”Harper frowned. What was Brayden thinking? She was only surprised to hear what he said.“You’re still so full of yourself. I was only wondering whether the concrete fall knocked some sense into you. I didn’t expect you’ll say something like that.”“Tss…” – Brayden said and turned the other wayHarper wasn’t finished yet. She has a lot of accumulated words to say to him. All of this simply because she doesn’t have anyone else to say it to.“Go on. I’m listening.” – Brayden said.Harper almost smiled.“Thing is, I tried talking to him. I said I’m not comfortable with what he’s doing. I’m not in favor that our friends had to undergo these series of tasks first before they’re welcomed. I was immediately welcomed because I’m a woman and Hector did too. What difference does that make? I really don’t see the principle they’re practicing here. When I said all that, we only fell into a fight. In the end, Damon only assur
Harper shook her head, a part of her’s glad that the spotlight is no longer in her. “Come on, man. You don’t need to tell Harper about it.”Asher licked his lips and told Harper the opposite of what Anthony wanted. Instead of all his assurances of getting what he wanted, what Asher told Harper was the possible consequences of his actions.“I agree with Asher. How would you know they won’t turn the tables against you?”This got into Anthony’s temper. He had enough of people telling him or what or what not to do. Besides, he’s the one who’s fighting in the battle grounds the next night, not his friends. They could only watch from the benches, with no harm or risk on their lives. After all, it’s going to be him alone. They can’t help him with what’s he’s going to face.“Just stop, okay? I got this.” – Anthony said and left the two He locked himself in his room and thought of what he’s supposed to do. He’s not a fan of the waters and never has he tried fighting in one. Not just one pers
How many times does he have to feel all these drum rolls on his chest? Is there really an assurance that the last challenge will be the last? Will the third and last challenge end his constant struggles? What if it won’t? What if it only makes way for something worse?Anthony shook his head, as if to do so would make the thoughts go away. He cannot be thinking of such things when he needed his focus the most. As Marion was speaking about bravery and pride of being a Virgo, he couldn’t listen to the words carefully. He can only hear the sounds but couldn’t cater it with comprehension.“Sir, you have to get in the lake now.” a lady who works as an assistant of the event whispered on his ears“Now?”She nodded. Turns out, Marion has finished what he was telling everyone. As of the moment, the spotlight was on Anthony, and everyone was looking at him with either fear or excitement in their eyes. He gulped, being the center of attention didn’t bother him. What did is the intensity of th
The two enemies reached him in a heartbeat and they both attacked him simultaneously, almost at the same time.Anthony held his breath for the last time. Just two more kills and he’s good for the third and final challenge. It has to be done this time, maybe a single thrust of a spear… or two. This would be the epilogue of the night. But they were quicker than him. They attacked him with a spear and the knife. It didn’t sound threatening but to have two strong men attack him at the same time was overwhelming. They all missed their hits and this led to Anthony’s advantage. When suddenly, the light flickered, he saw that as an opportunity to escape. It was hard but it’s all he has at the moment. He has no other choice. Anthony knew he would be in great peril if he doesn’t grab the chance. So, with his left foot kicking the surface of the lake, he paddled and paddled until he reached the end of the lake. The flicker of the light happened again, making the lake look like aendless black
Brayden was on his way to his room. The minute he heard the drums earlier this morning, he asked his witches on what’s the fuss about. He got an answer that it’s the night for Anthony’s second challenge. The information piqued his interest and he asked if he could watch. With no hesitation, the witches said yes. It has ended. Back when Harper went to him for talking, he couldn’t imagine what she meant. Maybe it was pure exaggeration or something. However, seeing it firsthand made him think that it wasn’t exaggeration at all. The danger and the life-and-death thin line are real. Harper wasn’t overstating anything. “I’m sorry, sir!” Someone accidentally bumped him. Because of the impact, they both fell on the grassy ground. It was a girl. Brayden got up first and tapped his white shirt for some dirt. When the lady looked up, there was a hint of recognition on her eyes. On his side, he didn’t know her at all. He’s sure because he’s the type that doesn’t forget a face.“You… you’re
“Come on, Neil. You can do it!”The trainings for the boys have now started as part of their deal. The two sons of Marion know nothing about trainings and battle skills. Which was much worse than what Anthony anticipated. It’d like the children knew nothing but make hot cocoa since they were young. Like it’s the only thing they’re good at. Anthony started with honing and improving the children’s physical fitness. He started with Jay earlier and he seemed to be more physically fit than his younger brother. Neil, on the other hand, is now struggling with carrying a long stick with two large pails of water balanced on each end. What he’s tasked is to bring those to the other end of the line, which is in a significant distance from the bleachers. Jay was seated beside him, his hands crossed at the back of his head while standing, checking on his brother’s every move. Anthony gave him a glance. “He can do it. It only seemed hard in the beginning. Over time, he’ll learn to know his bala