And Then There Were Four (Lilith Carrie)

Chapter 217: We have a Winner

Lucas.

The cool, crisp morning air left white puffs of clouds coming from my breath as I stood on the starting line waiting for the starting gun to go off. After the conversation with Finn, I made sure to put his words far from my mind. He stood to my left. With Mani at my right.

Both men wore the markings of their people, and though the hungry determination in their eyes would make most people fear them, it didn't bother me.

I didn't even bother to look back to see if Cassie was in the stands. While the other two were distracted by whatever they saw, I couldn't be. I had to stay strong. I had to make sure that my mind was clear and focused—otherwise, I'd fall.

“Get ready!" the announcer bellowed out through the arena, causing us each to take our marks. The dark forest laid ahead, its shadows calling me home. There was no stopping me from getting what I wanted. I was ready to take both Finn and Mani on—no matter the cost.

With the blasting sound of a horn, the three of us took off as fast as we could to the treeline. It was under the shadowed canopies that our bodies disappeared out of sight to those who waited patiently for the winner to come back through.

It was impossible to cheat and skip the line. We had to make our way through the trails, fighting one another only to obtain a talisman at the other end we needed to bring across the finish line to win. Yet, this was always where bloodshed became possible and often people didn't return across the finish line at all.

I wasn't as fast as Mani or Finn, and quickly their figures disappeared from view.

I had to pace myself though. I couldn't allow myself to get winded. That was how I would end up losing this race, and as I continued in a slow jog down the path the eeriness of the forest slowly got to me, my beast on full alert.

Something or someone was out there, slowly stalking me.

Finn and Mani didn't pose the only threats out here in these woods. In fact, these were the same woods I had once visited because of Inanna. Within them were dark beasts that laid in wait to prey on those who ventured too far off the path.

Steady was the only way forward. Keeping my heart calm and steady.

One wrong move, and everything I had worked so hard for would be over. My life would be over.

A flash of light blinded me for a split second as a direct hit to my side caused me to tumble. I hadn't seen the blow coming, and by the time I got my bearings and spun around to take in the creature or person who had caught me off guard, all I saw was the amusing smirk of Mani.

“Did you really think that I would allow you to continue to the finish line, traitor?"

I would never understand why it was this man thought to piss me off at every turn. He had no reason to act the way he did or better yet, be jealous of me, if that was why he acted like a d**k.

“This isn't a road you want to go down. Turn around and continue on your way." To my surprise, I didn't threaten him like I thought I would. I didn't even try to rip his head off. Instead, I saw him for the weak and insecure man he was. If he was smart, he'd walk away.

he stared at me shaking his head. “Are you f*****g serious right now? You have a

“who the hell

the air between the two of us was electrified and not in a good way. Mani bulked up huffed like a raving lunatic while I… felt the beast beneath my skin as I always did. As much as I wanted to let it out and let it loose on Mani, I knew I couldn't. If it got out, there was no telling what

swiftly to attack. Dodging to the left, I missed his punch but not bouncing back quick enough, I took another hit to my right. Back and

as I was able to dodge him, I was

me?!" Mani laughed

of blood in my mouth. My eyes slowly slid up to meet Mani's gaze before I spit

cousin, you

I watched Mani drop to his knees, clutching his neck

win this. I could have

you mean you'll never understand?" I snapped, completely confused as to what the

he scoffed. “You seriously don't see

pretty sure he was insulting me. Regardless of my confusion, Finn, a man who barely knew me, saved

its

a thank you is in order," I stated slowly as I climbed to my feet. “However, I don't understand why you would

you were that stupid, Lucas, I would have let Mani kill you. Yet, I didn't. So let's try not

he was right. There was no need to be stupid. It was clear that Finn was more than able to kill me

she needed in life. He could

get our

was accepting the offer, and that was

about we go get her

*****

Cassie.

the guys took off running down the field until the tree line swallowed them whole. There was no telling which of them would win, but the fact that Mani was even

looked at me before the race started. The eagerness and desire not be with me but prove that he was right. He wanted to prove I wasn't able to do anything and by winning me, he won the title he wanted. He could give a s**t less who

of them come out?" I muttered softly, my eyes refusing to glance away from where they had disappeared, but seeking Sansa's confidence

what typically happens in the race?" Sansa replied, finally

dread. Of course no one bothered to tell me what happened during this race. One, I had been gone, and two,

now then before I had

of my seat to give me a