I Refuse to be a Named Character

Part 3

No wonder in the book Lucien obtained the Tarif from Serpent Camp so easily. He still could have come here. With his relationship with Blade, even without the favor he'd be at an advantage. Instead he went to Scorpion Camp to face the dangers there?

"Fool." I whispered to myself. Blade patted my shoulder, walking away to face the group.

"Well, let's get to the test." She crossed her arms, smiling down at us. There was a undeniable pressure from her, a sense of barely contained violence and naked threat. Even having lived with her for more than a year, I shrank back from it. A large group of men stood behind her, brandishes weapons and leering.

Graham stepped forward, his face calm, albeit a bit pale. "I am Prince Graham."

"..." Blade raised an eyebrow. "I don't care? Your half brother was a prince too, didn't seem to do him much good." She pointed to a pile off to the side of the arena, and with a sinking stomach I realized what I had thought was just bloody rags on a casual glance were actually stacked bodies. Shuddering, I turned away.

Every time I forget how bloody the plot of this book is, the world keeps reminding me. I realized that I didn't even know that prince's name, although it was probably mentioned in the book. Even without Lucien killing him like in the plot he had still died quickly.

"What do you want us to do?" Graham asked, turning silently away from the body of his half-brother without concern.

"One of your people can fight one of my men. If you win, I give you the Tarif. If you lose..." She grinned viciously. "No one leaves here alive."

Graham looked at the group, one by one, as if measuring our worth. His gaze paused on me for a long time, and I stared back, curious. He had only seen me fight with a bow. He wouldn't risk betting everyone's lives on me.

Feeling relaxed, I watched him come to a decision... "Beth... I can only count on you."

The swordswoman tensed up, nodding before flashing Graham an infatuated grin. "Okay, I'll win for you."

Another one who thinks Graham cares for her. I shook my head sadly.

At least I don't have to fight...avoiding being part of the plot! Hooray!

"Why aren't you sending out your strongest fighter?" Blade asked with a smile.

My heart sank. WHY? My previous internal cheering turned to bitter sobs.

"What do you...?" Graham followed her gaze to look at me. "Her?"

"She's much stronger than the one you picked. Probably the only one with a chance to win against my men."

"..." Graham watched me with a curious gaze, and then waved his hand. "Very well."

"No." I crossed my arms. "Why should I?"

"You're part of our team!"

I rolled my eyes. "I agreed to be a tracker. I never promised to join a fight to the death. Use someone who cares whether you win or not."

"Girl." Blade spoke up, interrupting Graham as he started to argue further. "See who your opponent is before saying too much." She smiled. "I originally picked him out for Luke, but you'll enjoy it too."

A man had stepped forward into the ring, looking slightly confused at Blade's words. His eyes met mine, and we both sucked in a breath.

"YOU!" He pointed at me with a frown.

"Bale?" I glared back at him. The man who had been in charge of the slaves in the Ninth Lord's Household. Who had targeted Luke over and over again. Beating him, humiliating him...