Page 159 of Ignite

One hundred seconds.

I feel nothing now. Not in a good way. My skin is red and splotched and going pale at the edges. My mind starts to drift, dizzy from the ache.

But then?—

BEEP. BEEP. BEEP.

The alarm sounds overhead.

I’ve done it.

Two minutes.

I gasp as I launch upward, sloshing water and ice over the sides of the tub, slipping against the metal rim as my feet fumble for purchase. My lungs seize from the sudden movement, my body shrieking in protest as I climb out.

I collapse to the wooden floor, my limbs shuddering, my breath ragged.

My lips are blue.

My fingers refuse to close.

But I’m alive.

I did it.

I glance toward him, expecting a nod, a word, something.

But he doesn’t move.

Just watches.

Still.

As I lie there, shivering, frozen, and burning all at once, I realize…

This was only the beginning.

Chapter 56

CONAN

Irace back to my cabin after delivering Contestant Nine to the elimination zone run by Declan. He explains what will happen next as the girls arrive one by one. He’s got the easy job.

He will also work with Enzo to initiate the next part of the games.

The one where they get to start a brand new life, well away from the abusive assholes who sent them to us.

I, however, need to get back on the computer and pull the security feed up from Cabin Six.

Because the way the air crackled and my heart raced when I was in the same space as Contestant Ten is not normal.

It’s only happened one time. Around one woman.

But it can’t be.

I just need to see her. I need to watch. My gut is dragging me to this, kicking and screaming.

The camera feed loads slowly, grainy at first from the steam.

---