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The mental image that popped into my head was both endearing and comical: a tiny baby Riley, with a determined expression, all geared up, ready to face Krexar.
The sheer absurdity of it made me chuckle.
“What’s so funny?” she asked, an eyebrow raised in mock irritation.
“Just imagining a tiny version of you, ready to take on the universe,” I replied, grinning.
She laughed, her tension momentarily forgotten, and in that fleeting moment, I was reminded of the stakes — the life we hoped for beyond this platform, beyond the Mating Game.
But reality came rushing back, the fleeting respite interrupted by a sound — a sound we were both dreading and anticipating.
The rustling of the foliage grew louder, more persistent, its rhythm betraying the approach of a deliberate, experienced hunter.
Krexar was here.
The game was on.
* * *
Krexar’s entrance was as grand as the stories about him.
He exuded an aura of unchallenged confidence, every step calculated, every glance filled with intent.
It was difficult not to be intimidated by him.
But having Riley beside me gave me strength, and I felt compelled to protect her, to ensure she never became a pawn in this Mating Game.
I pulled Riley close, feeling her warmth, her heartbeat racing just as fast as mine. “Are you sure about this?” I whispered into her ear.
She looked into my eyes, determination burning bright. “It’s our best chance,” she responded.
Without any more words, I leaned down, capturing her lips with mine.
The kiss was deep, filled with the unspoken emotions and fears of the moment.
It was a show, yes, but it was also a promise — a silent agreement that we’d face Krexar together.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Krexar emerge from the dense foliage on the opposite side of the clearing.
The calculated slowness of his stride was chilling.
Even from this distance, I could see the cold glint in his eyes, the predator sizing up its prey.
“I’ve been looking everywhere for you two,” he drawled, voice dripping with mock sweetness.
The serenity with which he spoke felt out of place in the danger-laden atmosphere. “And here you are, lost in each other. How romantic.”
I broke the kiss, positioning myself between Krexar and Riley. “This ends here, Krexar. The Game, all of it.”
Krexar’s smile didn’t waver. “Do you really think you can escape the Game, Talan? Or me?”
“We can try,” I responded defiantly, my hand instinctively reaching for Riley’s.
“Oh, I have no doubt you willtry,”he replied, almost cheerfully. “But this ismyGame. And Ialwaysplay to win.”
With that, he lunged forward.
It was a tactical move, trying to catch us off guard.
