38

The flashing cameras temporarily blinded me as I tried to get a look at Kira’s expression. Unable to focus on her, I glanced at the crowd and quickly found Kolton. He was right where he’d said he would be. He nodded gravely. He’d been the only person I’d told about this. As a close relative of the female lead, he’d been put up in a nice hotel, though not as nice as Kira’s. He’d literally been throwing up from worrying about his sister. When I broke the news that I was going on the show to help protect her, he’d wept with relief. He’d spent the last few days thanking me profusely, but I could see his worry had returned. Why shouldn’t it? Now, not only his sister but his best friend were going to compete in one of the most dangerous shows in the world.

Kolton raised a hand, waving but not at me. He was trying to get Kira’s attention. My heart thundered. What was he doing? Kira spotted him, and I watched as the two siblings made eye contact. Kolton glanced at me, then back at Kira, shaki