Page 97 of Captured By the Alien

All around, the crowd watched avidly. Kara was heartened to see the banners supporting her now outnumbered the ones spewing hatred.

She glanced towards the royal box. Vahn was in his customary place, flanked by Rhyn and Baelon. He caught her eye and her resolve strengthened.

Ela paced in front of the six Potentials, ignoring the bot-cams that buzzed overhead.

“There will be no attempt to land fatal blows. Nor any attempt to deliberately maim or seriously injure your opponent. If I discern any effort to do so, you will be immediately disqualified. Is that clear?”

“Yes, general,” they answered in sync.

“Each of you will face one opponent. The goal is to force your opponent out of the ring. The three victors will be theshaa’baarafinalists, from whom the Zhaal will choose his mate. Any questions?”

Vysh raised her hand.

“Are there any time limits?”

“No time limits and no breaks. If your fight takes all night, so be it. Are you ready?”

They all nodded. Kara turned to Vysh.

“Good luck.”

“You too.”

Ela consulted her list.

“The first combat round is between Hespia and Risane. Take your positions.”

The rest of them fell back as Hespia and Risane stepped into the ring. Ela took up her referee position next to them. She raised her hand.

“Bow to me. Bow to each other. Fight!”

She dropped her hand and immediately Hespia launched herself at Risane in a flurry of kicks and blows. Taken by surprise, Risane was driven back to the edge of the circle before rallying.

But though she managed to get in a couple of retaliatory strikes, she never really stood a chance against Hespia’s superior technique.

It was over in less than five minutes. Ela raised Hespia’s arm and declared her the winner.

“Bad luck, Risane,” the others commiserated as they gathered round. Risane was stoic about her quick defeat.

“I lost to the better fighter. Bye, everyone. It’s been fun.”

And then there were four.

Ela took out her list again.

“The next round is Lyrith versus Vysh. Take your positions.”

Kara and Layahn retreated to watch. The Vraxian leaned in so she could whisper to Kara without being overheard.

“You and me, human. I’m going to gut you like a fish.”

“Yeah, you do that and you’ll be disqualified.”

“Not if they think it’s an accident. And I’m an excellent actress.”

“You’re wasting your time, bitch. The Zhaal wouldn’t choose you if you were the last female in the universe.”

“Why? Because he has a taste for human cunt now?”

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