Page 28 of The Kraken Games

But… if the contestant managed to free themselves and rise to the surface alone, they were the victor.

Which was exactly what had happened when Marrick won. No one had expected to see that big green head emerge victorious after only two minutes in the dungeon. Kai and all the trainees had stood, mouths agape at the sight of Marrick’s big green fist pumping the air, and Acha nowhere to be seen. Later they found out he’d hunkered down at the bottom of the dungeon, too embarrassed to show his face.

Perhaps that had been his ultimate downfall: not taking defeat with dignity. Because for krakens, honor trumped all else. You fell on your sword with pride.

Kai knew that. But he wasn’t planning to do it.

No way.

He had to pull himself out of this funk. Maybe getting this whole mess off his chest would help.

He opened his mouth, ready to fess up to Shen—and say what, for fuck’s sake?I had a hook-up with a sour-faced little human who blew my body and soul to pieces.Yeah, right. That would go down well. But… but… she’d been like a bomb detonating inside his hearts, just as bad as the device that had injured him years ago.

How would Shen understand, when Kai couldn’t make head nor tail of it himself? Besides Shen would be furious that he’d had sex before the games.

Nope, he couldn’t own up to his indiscretion. “I’ll work on some visualizations to improve my sense of worthiness,” he said. “I think… it’s just been sudden, you know, being told I’d be taking on the role.”

Shen gripped his hand and stared deep into his eyes. “Don’t let self-doubt take hold, Kai. You are more than up to the challenge.”

Kai nodded.

“Let’s eat,” Shen said. “And then we need to check in on new sign-ups.”

As they unwrapped Hana’s gourmet sandwiches, they sat down at the desk and Shen brought up the Kraken Games site.

A pop-up told them three more contestants had signed up.

“Good, we’ve reached our quota,” Shen said.

It was the last day to sign up, and Shen had been worried, Kai knew, that they wouldn’t get as many competitors now that Acha was gone.

Today there was a minotaur for the Purple Lantern District, a griffin, and a rather unpleasant looking wolf with a torn ear.

No orcs.

“Ah,” said Shen, “there’s one other contestant. Last minute, just shy of the deadline.”

He flicked the screen, and the application came up.

The photo made a cry rip from Kai’s lips. He turned it into a cough.

Shen turned sharply to look at him.

“A piece of sea grass,” Kai spluttered, banging his chest.

Shen looked back at the screen. “Luna Storm,” he said, and then flicked to the photo. “Competing for the East Quarter. Gods of the deep,” he muttered as Kai sat beside him, rigid as rock. “Just take a look at that. A freakin’ human.”

Kai felt like he’d swallowed his own tongue. Shen swiveled and stared hard at him again. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost, lad.”

“J-just surprised to see a human apply, that’s all.” Kai finally found his voice, then huffed out a laugh that sounded fake as all hell. “How does she think she’ll be in with a chance?” He scoffed.

“Beats me.” Shen shook his head. “Maybe she’s got hidden talents.”

Kai nearly choked again.

Already he could feel his tentacles winding around those soft limbs, wrestling her in the mud. His cock stirred in his shorts. Was this some kind of cosmic joke?

Was she having a complete lend of him?

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