Page 41 of Vivian

CHAPTER 21 – Viv

The crowd filled thestands around the arena which opened up to the bright blue sky. Brendon and Ace told me that vampires from all over the world had flown in to see the fight. No one thought I would win, and came to see the great execution.

In truth, not many of them believed that I am really from the Vasile family. I wasn’t sure I believed it myself. The thought of my parents and siblings being butchered by the people who raised me wasn’t a pleasant thought.

Shaking off those thoughts, I looked into the stands above me. I could see the smiling faces of the vampires as they looked down on me with part pity and curiosity. I knew that Ace and Brendon were somewhere in the crowd, watching and waiting for me and that was the only thing that was keeping my nerves together.

I was dressed in white supple leather pants and a sleeveless white tunic. I suppose they really wanted the contrast with the blood to be dramatic, because I couldn’t imagine another reason for picking white for a battle.

Cian, on the other hand, was dressed in a vibrant red, his eyes were amused as they met mine across the field of play. To my surprise, he raised a hand in greeting as if we were meeting at the park and he wasn’t going to try and rip my head off.

Bastard.

In the corner of my eye, I saw the billowing cloak of the grand elder. It wasn’t often that he came out of his rooms in the castle, but apparently, today’s event warranted an appearance.

To his side, there were no less than seven grandmasters in attendance. Their pious faces were pinched with sour looks and beady eyes. I could feel them watching me, judging me.

A booming voice startled me from my thoughts and quieted all of the guests in the arena.

“There will be three rounds of competition, only ending when one of the contestants surrenders or is dead. The only rule is that the contestants are unarmed when they enter the arena. Contestants, are you ready?”

Was I ready?

Seriously?

I was about to get my ass kicked, and most likely I would end up dead. But was I ready? Shit, yeah, I was all over it.

I raised my hand to indicate that I was ready, and then I saw Cian do the same. Squaring my shoulders, I took a deep breath and started walking to the middle of the arena. Clearing my head, I tried to forget all of the crap that was clogging my mind and focus on what was really important.

I needed to survive.

“Darling, you are looking amazing in that outfit.”

Cian looked like one of those old-fashioned toothpaste commercials when he smiled; his canines seemed to sparkle in the sunlight.

Focus, Vivian.

“I can just see the round curve of your nipple through the white tunic I picked out.”

Fire began to lick at my belly. The bastard picked this out. Why didn’t this come as a shock? Oh yes, because he was a complete asshole.

Out of nowhere, Cian attacked, his arm shooting out and connecting with my jaw. Startled, I stumbled back. I hadn’t expected him to hit me; I was waiting for his stupid mind games.

“Come on, Viv. Don’t give up so easily; we need to give them a show.”

His eyes danced, and I could see the slightly manic look in his eye.

Dropping to the ground, I kicked out and knocked him off his feet.

He bounced back with a laugh, “Well done, Viv! That’s the spirit.”

More fire churned in my stomach.

He zipped toward me and grabbed my hair. I yanked my head back, not caring about the stands I had lost, and headbutted him.

Blood began to pour from a cut on his lip, and he released me.

He is weaker on the left side.

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