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“Yep, she gets treated better because she helps them. She doesn’t have to participate in the games as long as she does what they say. I don’t blame her. If I had the choice to save myself, I would,” she admits.
“What does she do?”
“She hides this place.”
My heart stops. “What?”
“She puts a spell on the land in the morning, every day. That’s why my family can’t find me,” she sobs.
“Fuck.” I am screwed if my wolves can’t find me.
“Yeah, if you had plans of being rescued, you won’t be.”
“There has to be a way,” I cry.
“Nope, I haven’t found one,” she says hopelessly.
My mind races. I can’t panic, not yet. I have to believe Kerian and River will find a way. I have to be smart. I have to survive until they find me.
“Is there a game today?”
“Of course. It won’t be until dark.”
“Do they let everyone out then?”
“No, just about half. They don’t want us to work together. If you get caught helping someone, they punish you. So, don’t get any ideas of anyone here helping you,” she warns.
“Do they guard the cages?” I look around for men with guns.
“Why would they need to? If anyone escapes or goes beyond the boundary, our neck ornaments send a signal to them. Not one of us wants to be shocked any more than we already are.”
“Do you see the man in charge a lot?”
“Sure, he walks past us every day and night. He doesn’t say anything; he just watches us. I think he enjoys seeing the pain his hunters dish out,” she says, her face rigid with anger.
“Do you have a mate?” I ask softly.
“No, but I have a family. My brother and sister are probably going crazy.” She gets a faraway look in her eyes.
“I wouldn’t give up hope yet. What’s your name?”
“Stephanie. Yours?”
“Ava, it’s nice to meet you,” I say.
“Wish we were meeting over a beer, not in the crazy man's games,” she snorts. “Being here kills hope.”
“We can’t give up,” I urge.
“Tell me that again in a few weeks when your feet are raw and bleeding from running barefoot in the trees,” she spits, turning her back to me.
Well, shit. I’m usually great at making friends.
I study the witch. She avoids my stare. I wonder what Gill has on her. He must be holding something over her head. She doesn’t look happy. She seems to be around my age, twenty-eight. She finishes the muffin and sits in silence.
I can’t let myself think too long about the situation I find myself in. I have to keep the mindset that the guys will come for me, come for all of us. All I have to do is survive until they do.
“What’s your name?” I say to the witch, and her startled eyes lock on me. I wonder if anyone talks to her at all. I need to get a read on her. Is she regretful for the part she plays in the games?
