Page 46 of The Kraken Games

He had sacrificed his win to let her take the prize.

Did that mean he believed her, about Tomas? That he cared enough to help her? She had the craziest urge to throw herself into his arms, hug him, kiss that beautiful mouth…Thank himover and over and over again.

But a second later he let go of her hand. Striding back toward the dungeon, he gave a final wave and dropped down into the water.

Luna froze. Where was he going? Was there some secret escape route for the defeated? Suddenly she feared he would not live this down with his people. He would be humiliated, and it was all her fault.

His people killed your family, remember.

Left you for dead.

But she couldn’t access anger, couldn’t feel hate.

And what was even weirder… she didn’t even want to.

Suddenly Marrick was at her side, handing her a towel and water. His big arm came round her trembling shoulders.

“You did amazingly, moon girl,” Marrick crooned in her ear. Leading her into her corner, he poured warm water over her to rinse the sticky acrid mud from her limbs.

Her teeth were chattering now, but not from the cold. “I—I don’t deserve this. Kai let me?—”

“Hush. You won, stop doubting yourself.”

The cheers died down slightly and then resonated again as the Mayor of Motham entered the arena. A gelfin in a g-string brought forward the cup. It shone in the lights from the arena, golden tentacles curled around the base.

“I remember receiving that like it was yesterday,” Marrick said. “And now it’s yours. Congratulations Luna. Shine bright, moon girl.” He gave her a bear hug and pushed her forward.

The mayor, a rather stout goblin, came forward, grinning his head off.

As if in a dream, she took the cup and raised it above her head, forcing a smile that felt like she was baring her teeth. This was everything… everything she’d wanted, but now it felt like all she wanted was to run away. Hide her head in shame.

“Do a victory lap,” Marrick whispered when she stepped back to his side.

“I can’t.”

“Do it, moon girl, they expect you to.”

Somehow she managed it, jogging around the outside of the ring, hearing the cheers, seeing the faces of so many different species, all happy for her.

She heard Harper scream, “Luna, Luna, you rock!”

When she reached the front of the arena again, she looked around desperately.

Where was he?

Oh gods, would he even show his face?

Finally, Kai entered the ring, head bowed.

He held up his hand for silence.

“I had the honor of competing this year, and was defeated fair and square by Luna Storm. She put up the most amazing fight, and I congratulate her. She deserves that cup. I am bitterly disappointed of course, and I know it is unlikely you will see me again next year. But I thank you for welcoming me as the krakencontestant for the twentieth year of the games. It has been an honor.”

The applause and roars of approval were deafening. Clearly the audience liked that Kai had taken defeat on the chin. With dignity.

It made her heart rip in her chest, and the urge to run after him as he disappeared into the shadows was unbearable.

But she couldn’t, she had to take the limelight next.

---