Page 4 of Sol Survivor

His lack of response was dismissive, as if her name didn’t matter.She trudged after him when they left the massive room behind, its many red doors intriguing, but a curiosity she could live with not satisfying.The long passage was wide enough to fit a skid-car, and the metallic flooring was matte, scuffed, and in need of a good clean.In the high ceiling were skylights fitted with grills.She could work one loose and escape if she could find a ladder.The walls were as smooth as the floor with no toe holds.She would need cybernetic limbs to leap that high.

There had to be an exit somewhere.

Erv wrapping his fingers around her elbow shook her out of her daze.She curled her arm free.

His chuckle grated, as did him holding up his hands as if in surrender.“We’re here.Now show him respect, or you will be knocked out again.”

She nodded.Making an enemy of the most powerful man in New Westlands wasn’t wise.All she wanted was her freedom, so controlling her anger was in her best interest.

Erv preceded her, holding the door open with misplaced gallantry.The office was extensive, all in dark fabrics, and…she gasped, real wood.Farg, even the walls were lined with wood paneling and bookshelves holding actual paperbacks.After the Great Water Shortage most plant life died unless protected by domes.So paper was rare and super expensive.

Downlighters illuminated the room, but they weren’t needed with the floor-to-ceiling wall of glass overlooking the arena.Heavy leather chairs were in front of his desk that squatted like a beast, dominating the vast space.Behind it sat a man too gentle-looking to be the purveyor of blood, pain, indentured servitude, and violent death.White hair cascaded over a wrinkled brow, and hazel eyes warmed when Erv nudged her deeper into evil’s lair.

“Ah, Victoria Harper,” Sebastian Carne boomed, his voice too bombastic for her pinging temple.He gestured to a chair.

She spread her legs and clasped her hands behind her back.“I’d prefer to stand if you don’t mind.”

With a shove on her shoulder, Erv had her sitting.She glared at him but bit her tongue.

“Fire.”Sebastian slapped the desk.“Now that’s what we’ve been missing.”He rose from his swivel chair and faced the arena.His white hair was trimmed an inch from his crisp collar.“Our contesters are boring.The crowd wants someone they can get behind, cheer, or mourn the loss of.”He gestured to Erv.

“Seventeen years old, deceased mother, and a drunken father,” Erv rattled off like she wasn’t sitting there.

“So, no hope of a good future.”Sebastian sliced a glance at her.“Are you still a virgin, gal?”

She gritted her teeth, fighting the wave of heat pouring over her face.“The name’s Vic.”Erv digging his fingers into her shoulder lanced pain through her.She jerked out of his reach, casting him another glare.“Yes, I’m still a virgin, not that it’s any of your business.”Fargen hell, she’d worked hard to keep something of herself private and hers alone.

“Impressive.”Sebastian turned his back on the arena and splayed his fingers on the desk as he leaned over it.She snorted.Like she cared what he thought.“As I see it, you have two things you value: home and your virginity.The former is denied you, but your virginity is a prize many will want.”

“I am not your whore.”She clipped each word, twitching away from Erv in case he wanted to abuse her again.“No, home isn’t valued.”

Sebastian arched a white fluffy eyebrow.“Then your freedom?”

She bit her lip, trying to keep her face impassive.Fargen hell.

“Only after ten years,ifyou survive, can you fight for it.Work your way up the ranks and during a deca-match, you can challenge for your freedom.”

“Ten years?”She gripped her knees.“No, fighting for you makes no sense, not when I have the tokens.”

“Look around you, gal.Why would I need your tokens?”Sebastian sank into his chair, balancing his elbows on its arms while he steepled his fingers.“Test her, determine her rank, and throw her into the arena.”

“As you command, Mr.Carne.”Erv gripped her upper arm and hoisted her to her feet.

Hell fargen no.She tossed a glance at Carne and grimaced.Nothing she said would save her.She had to escape though, but how?Slumping with her ass almost touching the floor, she forced Erv to drag her.

When he huffed and bent to grab her other arm, she elbowed him in the ribs, spun into his embrace, and kneed him in the groin.Without pausing to ensure he crumpled mid-groan, she bolted, sprinting out of the office.The first two red doors were locked so she ignored the doors and headed for the practice grounds.When she burst through the door with Erv’s thundering steps behind her, she swept her gaze across, searching for exits.The contenders paused in mid-kicks, punches, or lunges to gape at her.

Too many doors lined the walls, so she aimed for the double gates on the opposite side.Erv was closing in, and a few kids were eager to assist him, like crabs in a bucket.She didn’t hesitate, taking down those too close.With her hands at her side, she roared like a wounded lioness.When they hesitated, she weaved through them, hoping to dodge their futile attacks.

Her frantic breaths tore from her throat when she slammed into the gates.They didn’t budge.With a shuddering breath, she faced Erv, a sense of helplessness engulfing her .He had halted a few meters away, gripping his side as he too fought for air.Worse, he wore a satisfied grin on his ruddy face.

“Fire.Fargen hell, gal, you may have skill but you lack strategy.”He straightened and gestured behind him.“How many enemies have you just made?”

“Like I care.I want out, now.”She’d intended to sound commanding, but instead, her voice cracked as the seriousness of her situation settled upon her.Her thoughts pinged.Her mind reeled, unable to accept the lack of options closing in on her.A buzzing in her ears drove a blast of agony to her temple.She winced but didn’t dare shift her gaze or appear the slightest bit weak.

“There is no escape.”Erv drew the small black box from his pocket and waved it.“Had you made it through the doors, you would have been stunned.”

Tears threatened to spill, but she shook her head, denying them freedom when she had none.She curled her fingers into fists, digging her nails into her palms as she raised her hands in front of her face.Others had gathered behind Erv, some bleeding or limping, a few running an eager gaze over her body.She smothered a shiver, letting it tingle her knees.

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