The Orcus Games: Mistress V (Book 2 in The Orcus Games Trilogy) - COMPLETE

CHAPTER TWO - BLOOD BROTHER ARENA (Part 1)

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CHAPTER TWO - BLOOD BROTHER ARENA

(Part One)

Aries announced the contestants from his lectern, while his presentation was beamed back in the separate beings’ arenas on the floating projectors.

Each circle had its own arena to avoid conflict, and each arena had its own sub-presenter, ensuring that the audience were kept updated not only on their own contestant’s progress, but also that of all prisoners in the game. The mystical projectors flickered and crackled in each stadium as the sea animals swam around, leaving each announcer to introduce the Elders as they officially opened the games.

Introducing the games’ rules, the audiences sat in silence, eager for their first sight of blood. ‘There are four zones for these prisoners to get through - each one more daunting than the last! With obstacles and pitfalls around every corner, only the best three will make it to the River of the Mortuus. For those who don’t make it, you will have received retribution for your crime; for those three who do, you will be welcomed to our dungeons. Don’t think your crimes will go unnoticed there, though.’ The announcement rang round every stadium, bouncing off the walls and shaking the seats.

The audiences collectively held their breath, no one wanting to make a sound in fear of the brutal consequences. ‘LET THE GAMES BEGIN!’ the Elders chanted together; the arenas erupted with screams and cheers.

Finally dragging myself away from Ardan’s face, I sped downstairs to carry out a check on all the arenas. Ensuring all the assistants had the schedules and the guards knew whom to grant entry to and whom to send to the cells, there was a pause from the vampire stadium. I popped my head round the door to investigate further. I slipped into the back of the stand and watched the screen to catch a glimpse of Ardan running for his life from one of the persistent harpies. She was flying above him, constantly dipping and diving, and snapping at him like an eagle possessed.

Using her magic to blast obstructions out of her way, there were a few occasions where the game nearly ended for Ardan; trees exploded in front of him, rocks were hurled at him from a height, just missing his head, and seas of swamp water were conjured to drown him at every available turn. I couldn’t watch.

I wanted to go back in and drag him out but there was nothing I could do until he reached the Chandra Zone, the second level of this macabre game, in which moonbeams would shoot at the contestants. These beams would either freeze them or blow them up (according to the Elder’s decision), and would come thick and fast; it would take strong, quick-witted beings to outrun this celestial zone. Due to the moon having a significant role in many beings’ abilities, the deadly moonbeams were not the only concern…

I felt that Ardan had a good chance of escaping this round, because of his extraordinary speed. I planned to use this to our advantage. Watching him hide in a small underground hole, I began to plan how I would be able to get back into the games and get him through to the next zone.

I needed Darcy again.

Running back into the office, I was confronted by a strange scene. Hearing giggles and whispers emanating from inside, I entered the cable room and was met by the sight of Darcy embracing the young, cute vampire who was so desperate to be me earlier.

Shocked and sickened, I backed away; slightly annoyed that Darcy would take such an intimate interest in this bland office slave. ‘Victoria!’ he gasped as he prized himself off the smitten girl.

‘Is this what you call working?’ I snapped, storming into the office. ‘YOU! Go downstairs and get the office some lunch from Dr. Chronos now!’ I yelled at the shaken girl. She did what she was told.

Darcy looked unfazed by my anger. ‘Well, I was bored and while you were off looking for your lover boy, I thought I’d entertain myself. She’s quite cute, you know…’ he jested.

I pretended to flick through the files. ‘I was downstairs, WORKING!’ I snarled.

He chuckled at my rage and mocked, ‘Are you jealous?’ My blood began to boil at the accusation. I grabbed him by the throat and lifted him off the floor.

Taking him to the television screen, I pressed his face against Ardan’s and replied, ‘Do you see what I have here? This is my world - as soon as I think of a way to get him out of there, I will. He is the only man who can possibly revive my dead heart. So, don’t get ideas above your station, Darcy. I will have to bring you back down the only way I know how!’ With that I threw him into the cable cupboard and left the room, listening to the other workers whisperings.

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