Page 84 of Drop His Mask

My vision didn’t disappear as the new guard walked with me towards the lift. Nor did it as he pressed a button taking us down into the depths below.

“I’m going to be the one to get you after the next game,” he advised under his breath, not looking at me but watching the doors as they opened and guiding me along with him. “I’m Miko. Winner of the third game.” He used his free hand to drag down his uniform, revealing a familiar collar, as we continued on our path.

“Where will you take me?” I whispered back, lowering my head down.

I wanted to see which way we had come, but all the hallways looked the same. All of the doors were solid metal and as we walked it felt more and more like we were in an underground maze.

“To The Host.”

I froze, my heart beating against my ribs.

Miko tugged on my arm, practically dragging me now. “Don’t you want to see him?” Uncertainty entered his voice. “Or was I not supposed to tell you that? It’s hard remembering everything.” His grip tightened on my arm. “But I was made a promise, and you being here will finally bring it to fruition.”

I remembered his year’s games. Remembered the brutality of the winner. Remembered his lack of empathy. It was what had propelled him to the end. Others had formed alliances, but he didn’t have such predilections. It was almost as if he knew exactly whonotto trust. As if he knew that he would need to fight solo to win every round.

“Just come with me when I find you. It’s not like I’m going to hurt you. You’re too fucking important,” he sneered.

It took longer than I cared to admit to realize we were at my new “home” but then he was unlocking the door and shoving me inside. Just before he shut the door, I caught sight of Enzo.

Enzo’s eyes widened as they met mine. “Ra—”

The door slammed shut. And I turned around to come face-to-face with Player 194.

Chapter 44

A Griffin’s Wings Will Only Take Them Part Way

The Host

Two Months Ago

Aknock coming from The Host’s door caused him to lift off his leather chair where he had been staring listlessly out the window. He expected Harold or possibly even Nightingale, but he was shocked to see it was someone else entirely.

“Can I come in?” The man glanced around the hallway behind him. “Quickly, please.”

The Host inclined his head. “Sure.” His mind was still fluffy, still filled with cotton balls from his last dosage, but it was steadilyclearing.

He stepped back gesturing for the man to join him inside.

“Why are you here?” The Host asked.

“My younger brother.” The man shifted anxiously on his feet. His familiar golden mask adorned in red crystals on the corners. “Are there cameras? Can you truly be trusted?”

The Host heaved an exasperated sigh. “Is this a ploy? A Sponsor coming to offer me another bribe?”

“I’m not here as a Sponsor.” The man, apparently satisfied that they weren’t being spied on, walked to the empty couch and made himself at home.

The Host shut the door and turned to face him.

“What do you want, Drago? Or should I refer to you as King?” The Host found no amusement in this, his job now was to know everyone and everything that took place inside this game. He knew exactly who the man before him was. Recognized his mask, his voice. The man that had entered his home was not only a Sponsor but the leader of Grypheem.

“A Griffin’s wings will only take them part way,” Drago murmured. “I need your help. To free my brother’s wings.”

The Host narrowed his eyes. “What an odd thing for a leader of another country to say.”

Drago steepled his hands and lowered his head. “Violencia has captured my brother. Again. And this time he will end up in this game. I could not help him any other way. I need you to keep him safe.”

The Host laughed, walking back to his leather chair and leveling the man with a glare. “So, you are here as a greedy Sponsor? Using your own brother to profit? To line your pockets.”

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