Page 51 of Eternal Sacrifice
I tilted my head, staring into Justice’s swirling green eyes for more. He gave me a conspirator smirk but nothing else.
“Let’s go get our seats then,” I said, pulling Jasper’s hand to lead him around Justice and into the arena.
The inside of the building looked like a replica of the Colosseum. The center is a vast, open-air arena surrounded by towering walls and tiers of seating. The stadium was oval, and I could see wooden boards beneath the thin patches of sand. We headed for the balcony-type box above the announcer’s station, where we would have the best view of the upcoming fight.
Demons were already filling the seats, and the noise of excited discussion filled the space, along with the smell of blood and sweat. The atmosphere was electric and intense as everyone found their way to their seats and awaited the start of the first fight.
I wasn’t sure how the guys would have been able to get the word out so quickly, but then again, demons didn’t have much of a schedule to clear.
Jasper followed behind me as I pulled him through the throngs of demons that parted as we advanced. We made our way up the steps toward our balcony, where Jax and Jace sat and waited.
There went my chances of sparring with Jasper.
I took the middle seat, and Jasper took his place on my right. I settled in and looked at the sweeping view of the arena and the thousands of demons gathered around to witness the spectacle. Only apparently, I was the only one that had no idea that a show was planned for today.
“Elite and common demons, welcome to the first pop-up arena event!” Justice’s voice boomed through the speakers, and the entire Amphitheater quieted to a low murmur. “Are you tired of using outdated and, frankly, weak invisibility spells? Ones that only protect you fromsomebeings, while others notice you like a neon sign. Do you want to feel truly powerful and unstoppable? Tonight’s arena winner will feel just that with their new and improved Invisibility spell! This one-time use spell will allow you to blend into your surroundings seamlessly, become completely invisible when moving, and remain hidden for an entire day without sacrificing power or strength. No more worrying about being detected or discovered! Signup sheets are in the back. The cost of entry is one fragment. But don’t hesitate to tip your spell weavers.”
A roar erupted from the crowd as Justice finally took a breath. Many demons moved to stand and headed toward the area where spell weavers stood, exchanging fragments for warrior entry tickets.
I settled into my seat with a smile, basking in the hungry excitement that filled the space. This is what it meant to rule well and take care of your people. My subjects were happy, and as I felt the emotions drifting from my mates, I knew they were comfortable and relaxed. Justice arrived like a stampeding horse, jumping into his chair from behind.
“Did I do good, Fox?”
I laughed as he settled into place and adjusted the green-gem crown atop his head.
“It was beyond perfect.”
His smile widened further.
“I don’t know what I expected you all to be able to pull off in such a short time, but this is beyond my wildest dreams,” I said, looking from one side to the next.
Jax sat on my left, with Jace beside him, and they gave me twin grins.
“We’ve been working on the arena for a while now. Aggie is in charge, along with the other spell weavers. Most of the setup was already in place,” Jax explained.
“We appreciate you keeping Jasper busy lately,” Jace added.
I felt Jasper’s stare on the back of my head, and I slowly turned to face him. “Surprise? In all honesty, I had no part in all this.” I gestured toward the rest of the Amphitheater.
“We know how important hunting and going to the arena is for your war,” Jax said.
I closed my mouth and leaned back to let the others talk.
“And we piss you off too much,” Justice added.
“But now, whenever you are feeling cranky, you can tell Aggie to start up a pop-up event,” Jace said before sliding his gaze to me and winking. Of course, the pop-up event part would have been his contribution. Like the pop-up concerts, he used to build an army of fledgling vampires.
“I don’t know what to say, guys.” A rumble came from Jasper’s chest and a waft of something that felt like shame.
Before I could think of what to do or say, Justice pushed calming energy into the entire balcony, forcing me to take a breath.
“No, sad. Only fun,” he quipped, and then fire roared to life all along the edges of the wooden floor of the arena.
Silence fell like a heavy hammer as every demon’s gaze fixed on the mesmerizing red-purple flames. A seductive feminine voice purred through the speakers.
“Welcomealldemons of Hell. I’m Amira, Prince of Pride.”
The demons gave a round of applause, and I found myself clapping along.
