Page 200 of Deviant

Chapter 36

Rowen

“How is he?” Abigail asks, while I double-check that Elias’s fever hasn’t come back.

After the group games, it took me, Abbie, and Five, to carry Elias back to our room. He was so bloody and beaten I was sure that David and Big Mike had killed him. Especially when David got creative and started using his crutches instead of his fists.

But thankfully, even after some high fevers, Elias seems to be pulling through.

“Better. I’m hoping he wakes up today,” I say optimistically, while lightly running the pads of my fingers over the dark blue and purple bruises on his face.

“I’m not sure that’s a good thing. Won’t that mean he’ll have to enter the games tomorrow?”

“To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t put it pastThe Scourgeto force him to participate even after what he had to go through,” I seethe, hating that even at his most vulnerable state, Elias might still have to play.

“Hmm. I think you might be right. On the upside, last night at dinner, I heard David saying that tomorrow might be our last game. With only three couples left, I think he might be right. Or do you think they’ll force us to play the games on our own?”

I hear the fear in her voice and offer her an encouraging smile.

“I don’t want you to worry about such things. Whatever happens tomorrow or the day after that, we’ll deal with it as it comes.”

She scrunches her nose as if there is something else she wants to tell me, but can’t seem to find the right words to.

“What is it, Abbie?”

“I don’t know if I should tell you this or not, but I also heard him bragging how they think that tomorrow, Elias will be the one to die.”

“David sure likes to talk, doesn’t he?” I snarl, hating that everyone in this house is on pins and needles to see Elias dead. But I know Elias won’t give them the satisfaction. He’s too stubborn for that, thank God.

“I knew I shouldn’t have said anything.” Abbie bows her head.

“It’s fine, Abbie. They can talk all they want. I’m just sorry that I can’t be there to defend Elias or you against those vultures.”

“It’s okay. I understand why you prefer to have your meals in your room.”

“You know, you’re more than invited to have them with me too.” I smile at her.

“I know.” She grins back. “But I like having dinner with them. It’s not only David who talks a lot. They all do. And sometimes I don’t think they even register that I’m sitting there listening to them. I like having that advantage. What I don’t like is not being prepared for the worst.”

“Fair enough, my little spy,” I tease to which earns me one of Abbie’s bigger than life grins.

When Elias stirs, my attention falls back on him.

“Elias?” I whisper while caressing his cheek.

He lets out a grunt, having difficulty in moving without hurting himself.

“Try not to move too much. Your body is still healing from the beating they gave you.”

He lets out another frustrated groan.

“Abbie, can you bring me a glass of water for him please?” I ask, point to the table near the fireplace where a bottle of water and cup sits.

Abbie rushes to help me while I stare into Elias’s beautiful face. Though a bit beaten and bruised he’s still the most handsome man I’ve ever laid eyes on.

“I’ll leave you two alone,” Abbie says as she places the glass on the bedside table. “I’ll come back in a couple of hours to check on you.”

“Thank you, Abbie,” I say gratefully as she rushes to leave.

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