"Congratulations apprentices, round one of the Bellum Games is complete," the announcer stated. Then he said, "Your second challenge is the Lava Tunnel challenge... in this challenge we will be going underground into the lava chamber tunnel. There are obstacles set up inside the tunnels. You must get from one side of the tunnel to the other. Once you get to the end you must collect as many pieces of coal as you can and throw them into the bucket that your instructor will be standing in front of... then from there the end of the tunnel will lead you to your last challenge that I will explain once I need to," He said as he took a step down from the fallen tree.

I sat next to Phibi and Lynx on the grass, listening to the instructors talk about the game plans. Phibi had a bandage around her waist. She was leaning on Lynx's shoulder slowly getting her energy back.

Revenge...

The word whispered in my head every time I looked at Phibi. Why would Mira do that? Who is she trying to impress? My body boiled with anger thinking about it—

"You okay?" I heard a whisper behind me. It was Drake of course. He was looking at Mira. His eyes looked determined. Mira was cradling her arm that was in a cast.

"No. I'm not, and I'm done pretending I am. I've had enough. By the end of the Bellum Games that rat is going down," I said as I scooted myself back to sit next to Drake. Finally, one perfect moment in the middle of all of this—

"Alright apprentices, time to ascend down to the tunnels," The announcer said as all of the instructors started walking toward a hole dug up in the ground. "Who wants to go in first? Just a warning, though, your body may not be used to the heat once you get down."

I walked up to the hole. You couldn't see the bottom. Drake stepped in front of me and put a foot over the hole. He held his breath and jumped in.

"Drake!" I yelled quickly as I heard a crack from deep in the hole. I have to make sure he's okay. I hovered my foot over the hole and jumped in.

I screamed as I fell deeper into the darkness. Then I felt arms catch me. Drake. I opened my eyes and saw lava everywhere. It was way brighter now as the golden, sunset colored lava flowed down the tunnel.

"It's hot in here," I said. I realized that Drake hasn't put me down yet.

"That's because I'm here," Drake said smirking. I laughed and shoved him away. I stood on my feet and looked around the tunnel. I then heard other people coming.

As the tunnel started filling up, I whispered to Drake, "Don't die, okay?"

He whispered back, "If I do, It's only because I'm dying for you."

My face reddened. I kissed him on the cheek and walked over to my team. I looked back to find Mira walking over to Drake.

"What was that?" She asked frustrated.

"That was what we will never have," Drake replied as he stepped away from her. She gasped. She turned to me and made her finger run across her neck. Well... now I know she wants to cut off my head.

Fun.

We stood on the small piece of land that wasn't lava covered. Then the announcer started shaking a bell. He said, "Be prepared for the gong... and do your best and try not to melt."

Everyone started laughing... including myself. Mira then walked up to me and said, "Can you guess who's not gonna make it out of this tunnel?"

"Let me guess... you?" I asked as I shoved passed her.

"You wish," She spat back.

But I still had more I wanted to say, "You're right I do.".

She glared at me just as Drake walked over. She looked up at Drake and her eyes softened. But she asked, "How can you like this brat?"

"Because this brat..." He took a deep breath and said, "Is what I'm fighting for."

I felt tears come in my eyes. I looked at the ground, "I'm ready for us to stop fighting for each other... but for us to start living for each other. This game needs to end," I said as I smiled up at Drake. He nodded as Mira dramatically rolled her eyes and faked a gag.

"Well, enjoy living... but life is a war. You should know that better than anyone, Cara," She said as she stood next to Drake.

"Of course, I know that. Why do you think I'm still fighting?" I asked as I stood in front of Drake. "How's your wrist by the way?"

Mira's eye twitched, "It was a lovely gift, thank you. You jerk," She said as she shoved me away from Drake. Drake stepped in between us.

"Enough," He said.

"But—" Me and Mira started at the same time.

"Enough."

Me and Mira sighed and glared at each other. Drake smiled at me and mouthed, I hate her to. I smiled and mouthed, doesn't everyone? He laughed out loud. It was the most gorgeous sound I've ever heard. Then—

BANG!

We heard the gong from above us. This is now the start of challenge two.

Before I started running in the tunnels... Drake smiled and winked at me.