Page 100 of Paper Thin Love

Since my heart was bound to the gladiator.

I exhale.“You know what I mean. I…I have to be there. I have to make sure he wins.”

“You think your presence can provide that?”

I shrug.“I think it fuels Dash with a mix of things.”

“It could hinder him.”

“Or motivate him.” I rebut as Dante’s words take root in my belly. He’s right. Seeing me could distract Dash, but it could also give him a purpose to fight.

Dante steps closer, allowing our forearms to touch.“You’re a light, a beacon that calls to him. He has to concentrate tonight. This is life or death.”

“Light can be an inspiration.”

“Or a pathway to destruction.” My furrowed brows have him revealing more.“Any light in the dark can look bright and hopeful. It isn’t until you reach the source that you find out if the light is guiding you to relief or trapping you.”

“We’re wasting time,” I scoff as I begin to walk. I reach the exit of my dorm and shove the doors open. Fresh air should help me feel better, but the thick humidity filling my lungs churns my stomach violently. I lick my lips and swallow down my nausea.

I feel Dante behind me. His presence is like a gentle breeze inching closer and closer until he's by my side, a strong wind that keeps others at bay. The walk to the woods is done in silence. Other students follow until they disappear in the thickness of the trees as if the branches are swallowing them.

I ask Dante in a hushed whisper,“Do you think he can win?” It’s my greatest fear. Dash’s leg is healed, but it’s still fresh. One wrong kick could re-break his tender bones.

“It’s that question that makes me want to throw you over my shoulder and lock you in your dorm.” Dante steps in front of me,“If you insist on being light, then you better shine bright, Mila, for our world is thick with storms and shadows that seek out light to devour it. Shine far and wide, leave all doubts buried so deep in your mind that you forget how to utter them.”

“Is that what you’ve done in order to survive?” I blurt out in a shaky breath.

His eyes narrow as he leans closer, so his breath hits my lips, forcing me to swallow down his admittance.“I’ve done things that would make you never sleep again.” He stands tall.“I do the things I have to do to protect my family. Dash is my family now.” His eyes hold mine in a fearsome grip I can’t shake.“And so are you.” He says with a newfound softness and trust I’ve never heard leave his mouth before.

I take my next breath with a trembling inhale. Dante reaches out and grasps my shoulders.“I know Dash loves you.”

Glancing down, I stare at his black combat boots.“He won’t ever say it,” I whisper in pain.

“Some feelings can’t be spoken, but rather shown,” Dante responds.“No matter what happens, we will protect you.”

My heart skips a beat. Did Dante vow that because he thinks Dash will die tonight, or are his words meant to soothe my wounded, lovesick heart because the man it wants will never admit his love for me?

The air is electric with energy. You can taste the ravenous bystanders salivating for blood and feel the worry of those who don’t like to watch but do so because, one day, they might be called to participate.

Enclosed by a circle of pine trees in the forest is a clearing at the bottom of a ditch with a spotlight to enhance the fighting stage. Other than the lights, there is absolutely nothing else - no protection, padding, or modern-day equipment. It enhances the barbaric sensation, as if you were hunted by a wolf pack and suddenly cornered in a desolate place. There’s no grass; it’s been stomped away, and it was only given blood to quench its thirst. A few rocks are scattered and dirty; I don’t miss how some have a darkened grayish-red color tinging them.

I wonder if the person whose blood is staining those rocks survived.

The students inch forward, shoulder to shoulder, making the atmosphere feel claustrophobic and inciting more panic within our chests.

Without thinking, I reach out and grasp Dante’s hand. His fingers curl around mine, providing me with the comfort I need.“Where is he?” I ask. I want to go closer, but I’m so short that if I move in, I won’t be able to see, so I’m stuck lingering at a distance higher up on the hillside.

There’s a loud sucking in the air as if everyone’s oxygen was just vacuumed out. Cloaked figures emerge from behind the pines encircling the pit.

Is this a horror movie?No, this is your life; you just woke up, stepped out of bed, and looked under the covers. This has always been the case; you just try to ignore it while you dream really away.

Dante grips my hand tighter.“Shh, Only whisper until the games begin. We don’t want to draw their attention.”

Who are they?

I look at him and see pained memories flash in his eyes. I never considered how hard it might be for him to come here again, to witness the stage where he killed a man in order to survive and provide twisted entertainment for men who remain in the shadows.

“The Cleansing shall begin,” one faceless figure announces.“Tonight is hand-to-hand combat.” The crowd boos, wanting something more theatrical, like a game of hunting or, worse, sword to sword, which I’ve heard they’ve done in the past.“till one man is left standing.”

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