Sang is chosen for the Culling, a series of fights to the death that are generally played by men. In fact, Sang is the first woman selected, well, ever. As the games start, and Sang forms bonds with a group of nine men, she comes to realize that the...
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Victor
It felt like only moments had passed before a foreign cry echoed throughout the area.
In response, my opponent, a former classmate of mine named Efrain, had begun to let up on his assault slightly. Now it was as if he were preparing to retreat, which was an action that I never would have expected from him.
That, combined with the fact that seconds before Sang's sudden surge of fear had already put me on edge, only confirmed that something was wrong.
We had basically grown up together, but never were friends. I did know enough about him though, to know that while he wasn't an aggressive person, he was determined. I knew that if he had found a cause to be passionate about, that Efrain would never back down from a fight.
Therefore, his sudden attempt at retreat indicated only one thing: whatever his desired result had been, it had been a success.
And clearly it had not been to win a battle against me.
My eyes widened in realization and my heart leaped into my throat.
I leaped towards him as I aggressively tried to pin him down, an attack that he easily parried. Despite being blocked, I had been able to get close enough to witness the satisfaction reflected from in his brown eyes, and fear surged through me.
Sang.
"What did you do?" I demanded, my voice was furious despite my rising horror.
He looked slightly shocked at my tone. Because while we had grown up taking the same classes and socializing in the same circles, never before had he witnessed me losing my temper.
His mouth dipped as he studied my face. "Only my job, for now." Was his only response as he broke out of my hold and jumped back as he moved to retreat. "I suggest that you do yours."
What did he mean by that? I was torn between rushing after him as he retreated into the forest, and needing to see Sang with my own eyes.
Actually, no matter what he intended by his statement, it didn't matter. He wasn't the more important thing right now. I had to see Sang right now - visions of coming upon her dead body flashed through my mind, and I almost cried out from the fear of it.
