I woke from a brief dreamless sleep the next morning. It was still dark, sunlight creeping around the edges of dawn. The golden rays still merely a gentle kiss upon the ridges of the silver horizon.

My sleep, however, had been so short that I wondered if I had slept at all. The moment I was awake, my stomach clenched nervously. 

My mind drifted back to the conversation I had had with my father the previous day. I had told him that I didn't need help, that I wanted Arvinna to be fair. But the closer that dawn crept, the more my stomach twisted into uncomfortable knots. I felt like I had been an utter idiot to proclaim that I required no help. Arvinna was a brutal contest, and the Ellermans were much better equipped to deal with any distress that came their way. I had zero skills. The only combat that I knew was hiding from danger or running away from it. I hadn't stood face to face with it. And a part of me told me that I couldn't.

I sighed and turned in my bed, gazing at the window. The naked tint of sunlight was tinting the gardens just visible in the ground. I shut my eyes, trying to calm myself as the time ticked ever closer.

I skipped breakfast that day, assured of the fact that if I did eat, it would just make my nervousness worse. We were supposed to assemble in the hall at seven in the morning to receive instructions. I hardly thought any preamble would make any difference to me, but I knew I had to follow protocol.

I was still cursing my own stupidity as I assembled in the hall where the Ellermans were already seated. The halls were located in a large central building. Granted, it was just one of the many. It was massive, about double the size of the mess hall at Stonewall with a polished marble floor that was brighter than my future. There were rows of tall white marble pillars with gold and silver tendrils etched on it. A huge rustic chandelier hung low on the ceiling. 

 An uncomfortable silence spread around the room, palpable tension hung in the air. I knew no one had forgotten the little incident at Evie's birthday just a couple of days ago. I glanced at them from the corner of my eye. Meredith looked poised as ever in a flowing long robe and pants. Elijah looked stoic, his jaw clenched. His grey eyes slightly narrowed as they gazed into the distance. Evie looked oddly cheerful, her eyes were twinkling and even gave me a friendly, tiny wave which I was too shocked to return in time. 

The silence was so deafening that I almost wished for drawling taunts.

After what felt like hours, my father mercifully joined the party and gave me a curt nod. My nerves seemed to worsen as I sensed that he seemed unsure. By the way his eyes kept darting among all of us, it was clear that he was more nervous than he was letting on. He was soon followed by a few members of the Guard who held wrapped parcels and started handing them out to each of the Ellermans before finally reaching me. No one asked any questions, which meant that they, of course, already knew what the package was. It seemed to be moderately heavy and containing metal.

"I suggest you all should go and prepare," my dad said, as if speaking through gritted teeth. His eyes seemed to flit towards me for a tiny second before moving back to the others. "They will be escorting you to the stadium," he continued, without elaborating who 'they' meant.

We were led into what I expected were storage rooms, from the musty smell and many coats on hangers. I opened the hastily packed parcel to reveal what seemed to be an armour.

I gazed at it for a while, reality sinking in. A part of me wanted to run away, hide in the closet until they gave up and left. But I knew that was not an option. With some difficulty, I managed to put the armour on in what I hoped was a respectable manner. Thankfully it wasn't as heavy as it appeared, which was little assurance considering that it only protected my chest and abdomen.

By the time I walked up to the palace entrance as instructed, the others were already present. I noticed that all the armours seemed to be of a different colour. Or perhaps, it was merely the amount of usage each had got from it. Mine being the first time was new and shiny, again, little assurance since it also emphasized my lack of experience.

Few of the many men who had accompanied dad earlier walked towards us with a line of horses. I had only ridden on horses as a child many years back. I had even learnt to play polo on them. However,  I  wasn't confident about riding one after so many years. Horses at Evimeria were simply tradition. Obscura was almost as far into technology as the mortal world. In places where they weren't, they simply 'borrowed' science from the Earth sceptic of magic. Nevertheless, the thought of being accompanied by another living and breathing organism did make me feel a tiny bit better. 

I was handed the reign of a beautiful black horse. Tall and stately, it was clear that he was well looked after. All but one man left after courtesy.

Taking a cue from the Ellermans, I climbed onto the horse saddle, feeling slightly comforted by his warmth. Silence prevailed as we started making our way to what I expected was the stadium.

My heart seemed to spiral deeper and deeper into an abyss as the horse trotted forwards. The palace grounds slowly disappeared past me. I stole a glance at Elijah and was somewhat shocked to see that he looked as tense as I felt. His face, for once, did not have the cocky smile or condescending glare. His twin, on the other hand, stared straight ahead, a sparkle in her eyes. Her shoulders remained straight, still as calm and collected as ever. Evelyn, lagging a little behind us with a barely concealed grin, seemed like she was just happy to be part of Arvinna.

"How much farther, Aidan?" Evelyn piped up suddenly.

The man in front of us stopped and turned around slightly. "About a mile, ma'am."

I was taken aback by how young he looked. I was used to seeing huge bulky men on the Guard, but he seemed barely out of his teens.

Realization dawned over me. I had been so intent on Arvinna since the last few hours that I had completely forgotten about having to face the public. I gulped as my heart seemed to leap out of my throat. I could envision walking into a stadium where thousands of strangers would be scrutinizing my every move. They perhaps knew me as the delinquent. Maybe they merely knew me as an enigma. Whatever their perception was, it terrified me.

A mile to me suddenly seemed too short when about half an hour later, we came across a vast dome, a stadium structure that seemed to stretch on and on. The stadium was built on the ground, which was still part of the Evimerian Palace. However, it was secluded enough for it to not be a security threat. From what little I knew about the country, the stadium was only opened during extraordinary occasions. This did qualify as one.

We walked into a tunnel, on the other side of which I could see only darkness. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do and simply decided to follow the others. Elijah, Meredith, and Evelyn dismounted from the horses who promptly went and stood near the back of the barely lit tunnel. I dismounted with some difficulty, my legs feeling like blocks of ice.

"The moment you leave this tunnel, you will be entering into the arena," Aidan said. "I have been informed to warn you of the terrors that await-"

"We are aware of all that, Aidan," Meredith said curtly. Her blue eyes flashed as she looked at him. "I also warn you not to heed to my father's advice."

Aidan seemed to shrink under her glare before regaining composure. I didn't understand what she was talking about, neither did Elijah nor Evelyn from the looks of it. What I could sense however was unmistakable fear masked expertly behind her words. It was impressive how well she imitated nonchalance.

Aidan continued. "In case things get too out of hand, you are allowed to call for help by pressing the button you will find on the inside of your left sleeve on your armour."

"I would love to press the button no one has since the last millennium," Elijah scoffed sarcastically.

Aidan took a deep breath, his eyes flitting to me momentarily. "I am aware. However, it was my duty to inform. Victorieefchi."

I didn't know what the ancient phrase meant. However, it seemed to be something along the lines of 'goodbye' because, at that moment, he stepped aside for us to pass through. The one good thing about the arena was that I did not have to face the thousands of unfamiliar faces that I knew were out there. Watching my every move.

The only thing outside the tunnel was the dark forest. It was terrifying, although perhaps a little less so than thousands of pairs of curious eyes. I waited behind as the Ellermans stepped into the woods. They did seem hesitant with the way they kept glancing at each other, but in no way ready to concede. I gulped and stepped into the dark wombs, taking a step into the suffocating shadows when a sudden slithering noise behind me made me whip around.

My eyes hadn't yet adjusted to the darkness, and I could barely make out the dotted obscurity of trees. Looking back, however, I could see nothing except that the tunnel entrance had disappeared into a thicket of bushes as if it had never been present. I gazed around as my eyes slowly adjusted to the inky blackness. I stepped onto the ground, dead leaves crunching under the soles of my shoes. I could barely make out the shadowed canopy and clumps of trees that seemed to stretch as far as I could see. Mobility was difficult in the restrictive metal gear. I slowly started walking through the forest, my palms cold.

My blood turned into ice as an ominous feeling seemed to penetrate my skin.

I walked through the forest for what felt like hours, thankfully, not meeting any predators. The only sound was that of my feet on the ground, and the occasional scurrying of tiny animals that I hoped weren't beasts. The absence of any obstacles was ironically somehow increasing my fear even further.

My nerves rose in a crescendo, the forest felt quiet, like the calm before the storm. I walked on aimlessly in the darkness for a little while longer when suddenly there was a low, guttural growl from somewhere too close behind me. I froze, slowly turning around for the source of the sound. I assumed it was a big dog, perhaps a wolf of some kind. It hardly mattered, either way. I was unprepared to tackle one on my own. I was cursing my decision to go ahead with the process. A part of me wanted to flee the scene. However, I knew there was a scarce chance that I would be able to outrun whatever it was. Before I could reach a rational decision; however, a huge shadowy figure walked into my vision, and my blood turned to ice.

I staggered backwards as what looked like a cross between a wolf and a tiger came into focus. The breath rushed out of my lungs as all rational thoughts left my body. The beast was humongous, towering several feet above my five foot eight. I could smell the dirt, grime, and musky bestial scent from the matted fur on its massive body.

Its face was wolfish, with bloodshot eyes and dagger-like fangs that drooled with thick saliva. It made guttural sounds from deep within its chest as it prowled closer. The wild brute looked beside itself with fury. Large, spiky, jagged scales protruded from its back, maliciously glinting under the faint light.

I took a step back, blood finally rushing into my body as I tried to reason. The fiend prowled closer as I took another step backwards. It seemed to have just one thing on its mind. I turned as all thoughts left my body and tried to make a run for it. As soon as my back was turned, however, the beast gave a satanic roar, and the wind was knocked out of my chest as I fell painfully down on the forest floor. My armour broke open, and I felt shards of metal poking into my back where the beast had pawed me down. My vision faded in and out of darkness, the weight of the fiend on my lungs contracting them and stopping blood flow to my brain. I felt daggers pierce my shoulder and tried to scream out in agony, however, the lack of air prevented me. I could feel the venomous fire coursing through my body speedily as all my senses started closing up.

I could feel its scent, its warmth and its massive paw as it growled menacingly. I reached for the button in my sleeve, unable to think of anything else. I pressed it desperately, but nothing happened. With a burst of strength, I broke free of its clutches and scrambled forward. I could feel hot blood trickling down my shoulder. The rusty smell paralyzing my senses. The absence of throbbing agony in my shoulder scared me. I felt numbed.

Its towering figure loomed malevolently above me, and a part of me wondered if this was the end. Gross, glistening saliva trickled out from between its jagged rows of dagger-like teeth which looked ready to shred me apart. I shut my eyes, trying desperately to call for the powers that had mysteriously appeared before.  Through the thin slit between my eyelids, I saw the beast rear and pounce.

I didn't feel the impact. I didn't feel any pain. A series of gunshots rang clear in the forest, followed by the strangled, anguished cry of the beast. A loud thud was heard as its lifeless body hit the forest floor, and I finally opened my eyes.

I saw the massive beast shrunk in death as dark ink pooled around its body. Its eyes remained open, glassy as the starlight was reflected on them. Its body was perforated by gun wounds.

"Are you okay?" I heard Aidan's shaken voice as he crouched beside me, placing the gun back into his belt. I nodded, still gazing at the defeated beast.

I took painful gasps, a dull ache shooting up my back. "What...what is that?"

Aidan looked at the creature, breathing hard. "A Zverya."

There were loud yells as the bushes beside us were pried open to reveal a dishevelled looking Evelyn followed by her sister.

"What happened-" both the girls stopped in their tracks, their eyes widening. Meredith came and crouched in front of the beast. "A Zverya?" she asked, glancing at me. "Did it...attack you?"

I nodded my head, still shell-shocked from what had happened. I hadn't received much Obscuran education. My scope of knowledge on magical creatures did not extend enough to know about the Zverya.

Her eyes widened when they landed on my shoulder "Oh my god...it bit you."

I nodded my head, not trusting myself to speak. I could feel the dull ache on my back increasing from where the Zverya had knocked me down. Apart from the spurting blood, I seemed to be okay. I couldn't understand why the bite wound wasn't aching.

"How did it get here?" she mused, her voice barely above a whisper. "He's...he's losing a lot of blood."

"Are we still going to go ahead?" Evelyn asked, her eyes studying me. "I don't think Ezekiel should. He doesn't look too good..."

I knew I was paler than usual, and my heart refused to settle down.

"This..." Meredith glanced at Aidan. "It's ...illegal to hunt Zveryas. You know that, Aidan."

Aidan sighed. "I didn't have a choice."

Meredith took a steadying breath, "I think we should take Zeke out of here." She slowly rose to her feet. "Evie, come with me."

"No," Evelyn said firmly. "I...I will complete it. You go on without me."

"Evie," Meredith said severely. "Understand the situation. Come with us right now."

Evelyn stared at her sister for a while, as if weighing her options before finally relenting. We walked through the forest towards the exit. My right leg seemed to be a little sore, pain shooting up when I placed any weight on it. I was slowly coming to my senses; my heart was gradually calming down as we walked further towards the exit. Aidan tried to support me by holding on to my shoulders but with the negligible strength I had left, I shirked him off, wincing at the stranger's touch. Mercifully, he didn't react nor insist as I started dragging myself pathetically. 

A part of me wondered if we were still likely to meet any obstacle. The other part of me was worried as to what would come of Arvinna when only one of the four participants were able to complete it. I glanced sideways at Meredith, my mind a flurry of questions. Dad had told me that traditionally, only the ones who completed the arena were eligible to be an heir to the throne. The Ellerman dynasty had always been a stickler for draconian rules, which meant that both Meredith and Evelyn had just given up their right to the throne.

We finally stood in front of what looked like a cave, however, instead of simply a hole in the rocks, there was a wooden door which I expected led outside. Aidan opened the door, and slowly, our small party squeezed through. We found ourselves in a long white hallway reminiscent of an infirmary. The pure white walls seemed to glare at me, making my head hurt. Aidan slowly led me to a corner of the hallway and made me sit on a rickety chair. "Wait here."

"I think I'll go prancing," I snapped at him sarcastically. He looked blurred around the edges, his voice muffled as if coming from the end of a long tunnel. 

"I...think his head is affected."

I heard Meredith's voice from what felt like an infinite distance away. The white tiles seemed to float in my vision as I felt a wave of nausea.

"I think he has been injected with venom," Aidan whispered. His voice, although calm, had an edge. I knew what he was saying, but my slowing responses couldn't comprehend the meaning. "Ezekiel, do not close your eyes, okay?" Aidan said, his pitch higher than I remembered.

The excessive blood loss was making my head dizzy, my world warping in a vortex of sound and colours. His blurry brown eyes were all I remembered before I passed out.