Page 148 of Ignite

“Boss. The final contestant has signed the dotted line. She’s getting dressed now. It’s time to explain the rules.” Rowan keeps his disastrous American accent.

“Got it.”

It’s easier for them to retain the information if I speak it clearly. Reading them when they’re in a state of shock can lead to issues.

I zone in on the security feed for the intake cabin and press the speaker. But my eyes are fixed on the shaking woman standing in the middle of the room.

I can’t see the fear in her eyes from here, but I can feel it. But the way she stands with her spine straight and her chin up tells me she’s defiant. She’s up for the challenge.

Her build is similar to Hallie’s. I rub the ache in my chest. She’s all I can think about.

I press the button on the speaker, which distorts my voice to the contestant.

“Welcome to the Decadence Chase. I am the Hunter of Inferno. As of now, you belong to me. But whether you walk out of these gates is up to you.”

She remains still and I take a breath.

“The Chase is conducted in two phases. Should you survive phase one, you shall enter phase two. Only those worthy will have the opportunity to be hunted.”

I can’t help but imagine Hallie being put in this situation. It makes the guilt kick in even more. I know the truth behind the games, but the girls don’t.

Fuck.

I think she’s brought out some kind of humanity in me, and I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or not.

Chapter 51

HALLIE

Iremain frozen in place. My life is on the damn line, and I need to concentrate on what this robotic voice is telling me.

I’m thinking of this like a race.

“Phase one will start as soon as you enter the woods, as you are the last contestant. The first eight girls to find a key must then find the cabin with the corresponding number to the key. The two losing contestants shall be eliminated. Once inside, you will find your challenges to complete. And remember, this is crafted to test your survival skills in various ways, but also to open your eyes to the rush and the kinks that can come alongside that. Don’t hold back. Let your primal fantasies come to life. We were animals put on this earth, and that’s how we behave here.”

The robotic voice altering is terrifying. Only adding to the fear running through me.

Closing my eyes, I recite the rules: find the key, find the cabin to match the number.

“As for rules on finding the keys: You are now all hunters for this phase. You may fight your way to a key, but you must not harm the other contestants beyond what is reasonable. Weaponsare not permitted. Remember, you are always being watched in Decadence. You break that rule, you shall be eliminated.”

I’m a nurse. I dedicate my life to trying to save people. The thought of killing someone makes me feel sick. But I’m not a fighter either. I’m fit, I’m strong.

But if it really comes down to me against them, what am I really capable of?

I’m on my own here. I have no Conan and Lily fighting in my corner.

“Do you understand so far? Nod or shake your head.” The voice breaks me back to reality.

I nod my head slowly.

“Very good. Should you find your key and cabin, inside you will find instructions for your challenges. You will be watched by a guard. Say your safe word, and you’ll be removed and eliminated from The Chase. Successfully complete them, and you will be taken to phase two.”

I open my mouth to speak, locking eyes with the guard who shakes his head.

“Eager to hear?” The voice chuckles.

I clench my fists. This is fucking sick and twisted. I’m angry and also confused. I’m just a cardiac nurse who lives with her dog. What have I done to deserve this?

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