“Do you need more time?”
“Shut up!”
“I’m right here.” Tynan took a step back, spreading his arms wide.
“Right. We may have a clear winner. I am stopping this fight,” Hanoch stepped closer.
The next moment, a scream filled my throat. Denis had yanked his blade up and threw it right at Tynan’s torso.
“No!” I screamed and this time, Frid did not stop me.
With horror, I watched the rotation of the blade as it neared Tynan’s chest. He just stood still, as if he was amused and did not need to prepare for the attack. But as the blade drew near, Tynan lifted his ax, successfully deflecting the weapon.
“Bastard! Everyone knows who you are. Unwanted son. Everyone hated you. Even your own mother!”
“Enough!” Hanoch shoved Denis back to the side lines.
I saw the look Tynan gave to Denis. There was so much hatred in his eyes, but I could see through it now. Underneath it all, I could see the pain and acceptance of defeat. For a moment, I thought I had seen a side of him I have never seen before. The crowd went painfully quiet. Slowly, Tynan looked up at the sky and stayed like that for a long moment, before walking out of the arena.
I needed to find Tynan. My heart was breaking into millions of pieces and I thought I could physically feel his distress and anguish. I had to be with him right now. I studied the rows of people who carefully moved down the platform in an organized way. I kept watching the fields, wondering where Tynan could have gone.
A sudden tap on my shoulder made me shiver. I turned, expecting to see Frid or Victor, but to my surprise, Gabrielle stood right behind me. Her figure was slight, and she wore a flowy dress adorned with ruffles. Her shiny brown hair was curled, and up in a high ponytail. She was pretty enough, but her eyes bore a sharp, less than friendly expression.
“Your name is Alina, right? I haven’t introduced myself to you, yet. I’m Gabrielle,” she said in a pleasant, soft voice.
“Hello,” I said.
“It is strange to see someone new admitted into the group, you know,” she continued, moving closer to me.
“Oh, really?”
“We were inseparable when we were kids. We did everything together. And of course, me and Tynan were a big deal. We were living like husband and wife, you know. Everyone used to joke that we were mated, if you believe in that sort of thing.” She smiled, looking at my face.
I glanced at the valley, but the girl placed her hand on my arm forcing me to return my eyes back to her.
“Do you believe in love, Alina? I mean true love. When people can’t live without one another?” She leaned in closer.
“Yes,” was all I could say.
“I believe that’s what we had, what we still have.” Gabrielle peered at me as her fingers dug into my arm.
“I thought you were married,” I blurted out.
“It was a marriage of convenience. It doesn’t change anything. I was forced to do it.”
I nodded, desperate to find Frid in the crowd.
“You don’t believe me?” Gabrielle pressed, and the pleasant notes in her voice turned sour.
“I don’t think it matters what I believe.”
“Yes, exactly. It doesn’t.” She stretched her lips into an unpleasant smile.
“Then why are you talking to me?” I looked right back at her.
“I want you to know it too. You don’t matter. Don’t get any wrong ideas. He was, and he still is, mine.” She gave me a hard, menacing look before moving away.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
