Page 13 of Thrill of the Hunt

“You look fine,” Greyson grumbles, pulling me toward the entrance.

The men in black watch us as we approach, and I decide now isn’t the time to open my mouth. They’re tall, muscular men. In a way, I’d suppose they’re the bouncers for the Reckoning.

Greyson stops at the men as we reach them, and he says, “Evening, gentlemen.”

The man to my right responds, “Good evening, Elder.”

He clicks several buttons on the device before holding it up, motioning for Greyson’s neck. Complying immediately, Greyson bows slightly, exposing the back of his neck to the bouncer. The device scans a red line of light over his skin, then the line turns green as it beeps.

“Enjoy the Reckoning, Elder Grey,” he says as he reads the words that popped up on the device after scanning Greyson’s neck.

They’re chipped?

I cringe, wondering what the process of chipping someone feels like. Can he feel it under his skin? Can they track him at all times?

Neither of the men give me a second glance, giving me indication that it’s normal to bring an outsider to the Reckoning. Greyson gives them a final nod, then leads me up the stairs and into the lodge.

Two more men stand at the top of the stairs, and they silently open the grand doors for us as we approach. Greyson doesn’t give them as much as a glance when we pass, keeping his head forward and poker face on.

The lodge is filled with people of all kinds. Just as Greyson had said, there are naked people everywhere. Some half-clothed, some completely nude. Others wear the finest attire, accompanied by the most expensive jewelry money can buy.

Above us are men and women dancing in ribbons and silky fabrics attached to the vaulted ceilings. Most are dressed in the skimpiest outfits, but some wear nothing at all as they bend and stretch for the party-goers below. I get a full view of one woman’s crotch when she does the splits, opening herself wide for her spectators.

I’m surprised to find Greyson’s attention isn’t on them when I avert my eyes, focusing on him. He’s still leading us through the crowd, not saying a word as he walks.

Masks of all kinds sit upon the faces of the people. I don’t know who’s part of the society and who’s not, but every single person wears a mask. Black and gold seem to be the primary colors, but several people stand out in vibrant colors.

“What do the colors of the masks mean?” I finally ask as we break through the crowd. “Why are some masks colorful while others are not? Who are they?”

Greyson exhales, then looks down at me through his mask, leaning into my ear as he speaks, “White is the bishop, gold are elders, black is the lower ranking members, or in your case, an initiate, and everyone else will die tonight.”

I jerk my head back, looking in his eyes for the truth. “Die?” I mouth.

He nods, seemingly unphased.

I spin around, surveying the room.Hundredsof people are here, and at least a quarter of them are wearing vibrant masks.

“Do they know?” I ask.

Greyson shakes his head softly. “No,” he pauses for a second before meeting my eyes. “They don’t. They were invited to help fulfill the games. Most of them only came because they knew there would be a significant number of wealthy individuals here this evening, and you’ll find most of them flocked around whoever appears to have the most money.”

It feels like now would be a good time to have tears welling in my eyes, but I’m in such disbelief that I can’t find it inside myself to have sympathy for these people. I’ve always hated most of the people in Vail. If they don’t have money, they spend most of their time trying to get in with someone who does. I lost count of the number of fake friends I had growing up. None of them cared enough to ask about my bruises or why I disappeared for months at a time. They only ever wanted to exploit my family’s money and go on shopping sprees. One girl went as far as asking me if I’d purchase her a new car she’d had her eye on, and that was the last time we spoke. The money is great and has bought me a lot of happiness regardless of whether or not people think it can, and it’s been there for me more than any human has in the years following my mother’s death.

I find myself wondering if I know any of the faces behind the masks.

Greyson picks up on my thoughts immediately, and he warns me, “Don’t look too hard. They don’t want you to know who they are. You’ll end up dead if you cross paths with the wrong person.”

Chills run down my spine, making me shiver. “I don’t know why you’re so intent on protecting me whenyou’rethe one who brought me here.”

A smile tips Greyson’s lips upward. “Your life was in danger long before I brought you here. The society has had their eyes on you since the moment your father died. You’re a liability. If I hadn’t stepped in and taken responsibility for you, you’d already be ten feet under, rotting into the ground as maggots feast upon your flesh.”

“But I haven’t done anything,” I say, growing impatient. “I’veneverdone anything.”

Greyson doesn’t miss a beat. “You know too much. The society is well aware that the majority of your father’s doingswere done within your home, whereyoulive. Regardless of if you think you’ve done anything, you’re guilty by association. It’s as simple as that.”

My lips remain closed as I process his words. Is this why he never let me leave? Because I was a liability?

“Your father knew what he was doing when he brought his business home. From the very first day, he sentenced you to life with The Exodus or death. Your fate has been sealed for far longer than you think.” Greyson extends his arm to me, encouraging me to take it once more. “Come, we have much to see and do.”

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