Page 78 of Drop His Mask

“Ah, you already seem more relaxed, that certainly acts as an anodyne. Perhaps that was too much though. Let’s try out the methylphenidate.”

Another prick. A wash of anxiety and energy cut through his dull fog. He jumped to his feet.

He feltdifferent,off-kilter.

“Oh, I do love that. Go on now, let’s show them how amazing you will be. And remember–you’re a game show host. You’re excited, you haveflair, you have a connection to the players.”

The Host didn’t respond as he marched away on shaky legs. He knew that this wasn’t okay. He knew that his life had just gotten significantly worse. But there was a wall between his rationale and those thoughts. As if they weren’t his at all. With his brain muddled, he followed the direction of the Creator.

Because after all, his new title wasTheHost.

Chapter 41

The Prize Was Our Life

Raven

Present Day

Iwas hoisted unceremoniously from the box and into strong arms. It was a guard. My own wrapped around their neck, doing anything to get away from the coffin.

We were in a freezing cold, small, clinical room. I watched as the guard kicked a button on the wall and my box was taken back into it, disappearing from sight.

“You look just like her.” The words were a horrified whisper from the guard. “You’re safe,” the man murmured. “Don’t struggle. I’m taking you to yourSponsor.”

Shock coursed through me. This guard soundedsincere. Empathetic.It was a stark difference to the others I had encountered. Adjusting my grip, I attempted to get a better look at my savior, but in doing so, my arms dug into the man’s neck.

He was in full gear, so I couldn’t see it, but the unmistakable feel of a metal collar rested there.

“Who are you?” I whispered.

“A guard,” his lips curled cruelly, but then his hot breath was in my ear. “Felix Spade.”

I stiffened. I recognized the name, and I didn’t believe in coincidences. “But you, but you—”

“Not here. Not now. We need to move.” Felix carefully held me to his chest as he took us out of the room into a long hallway. “You are to be blinded for this. I’m sorry.”

When my vision vanished this time, panic did not set in. No, I was already in my own inner turmoil.

Felix Spade.

A Griffin gang affiliate turned Brutality Faction member and the winner of our country’s first everMasquerade.The only winner whose name and face was ever shown. I hadn’t been conscious to watch his game, but I had heard the rumors, seen the pictures of him. Most guessed that he had gone into hiding, but that wasn’t the case at all.

He was a prisoner here.

The prize was our life.

The prize isonlyour life.

Clutching onto him for dear life, I could not discern how long he walked with me in his arms. The only difference was that the temperature subtly increased as we went. And then it felt as if we were stepping onto a lift, further evidenced by the jostling as it shook us upwards.

“We won’t be able to speak again until I come fetch you, but Raven, it’s going to be okay. You’re going to escape this. I just need you to trust me when the time comes. It will all make sense.”

I hummed my agreement; even though, I wasn’t so sure.

Everyone kept telling me to trust them, but I was currently being marched towards my Sponsor. A man I had trusted with my entire life. A man that I thought would do anything to support me.

We shook and stilled, Felix placed me carefully onto my feet before wrapping an arm around my shoulders and continuing to guide me along.

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