Chapter Eight
A loud bang wakes me from my sleep, followed by a familiar crackle and pop. My eyes snap open, and I'm scrambling out of my root cocoon within seconds.
I consider leaving Moonslinger behind, it’s too ungainly to move quickly and was a poor choice if I think about it logically. I’m not the kind of person who does things like picking a weapon because it feels right. I dismiss the idea almost instantly. Whether or not it’s a bad choice, it’s the one I made, and leaving myself without a weapon is also foolish. In the end, I push Moonslinger in front of me as I leave the roots. It may not be useful against the approaching fire, but I don't want to be caught without it if I'm forced out into the open.
Heat from the flickering flames bounces against my skin as I make my way out into the open. I guess I'm not the only one who thought releasing dragons once all the contestants are in the arena was a good idea. If the fire is anything to go by, one is very much on the loose already. Or someone got careless with their cooking fire.
An ear splitting roar sounds from above the treeline.
I guess that answers that then.
There's no time to work out precisely where the dragon is. I have to get out of here before the fire gets any closer. For now, it's close enough for me to feel the heat, but not close enough to burn. I want to put more distance between me and the burning trees.
I retrace my path back to the open space of the arena, glad to find the flames haven't come this way yet.
Though that doesn't mean they aren't going to. The dragons are already dangerous enough on their own, but what makes them even worse is how fast and unpredictable their fire spreads. One spark can wipe out an entire neighbourhood in minutes. Or a wood, as the case may be.
A loud scream breaks through the tension. I freeze. That isn't a dragon.
My head wars with what to do. Should I go find the person and help them get to safety, or put myself first and get out onto the plains so I don't burn into a crisp?
The adrenaline surges, pushing away my fear even though it could help me stay alive. I turn around, knowing deep down that if I don't go back, but still survive this, I'm not going to be able to live with myself. Supposedly, I'm competing against two-hundred-and-fifty other people, but there are multiple winners, and helping others is never a bad thing. If they also get through to the end, then they'll have my back once we're in the Dragon Defenders.
I know I'm rationalising my recklessness, but I don't stop. It will make me more comfortable to act on the feelings I have than not, which is a good enough reason for me.
I step deeper into the woods, only for a screech from above to stop me in my tracks. A stream of bright orange flames cut through the air and hurtle towards me. It takes a second for me to realise what's happening.
The dragon found me.
Either that, or it just likes that particular bit of forest. I don't have time to guess which, especially when the result is still the same. I have no desire to be a giant reptile's lunch.
I spin on my heels and start to run, trusting my instincts rather than my vision to stop myself from tripping and hurting myself. Much to my surprise, it works.
My hand grows sweaty, making it slide up and down Moonslinger's handle, but I still hold on tight. I don't want to lose it on the second day.
A shadow appears in front of me, followed by the silhouette of a man with a machete raised above his head. He steps towards me, though he doesn't seem to have noticed me in front of him yet. Something about him is familiar. He turns and I catch a flash of his face. It's the punching man from the briefing. Fear stronger than that the dragon is causing thrums through me. Somehow, I know what this person is going to do to me if he catches me is worse. I set off in a slightly different direction as quickly as I can, knowing I need to get out of the way before he sees me. I'd rather face the dragon than the man.
I stumble as I leave the forest, but regain my footing easily enough.
Another screech cracks through the air. The dragon.
I take a deep breath, knowing I have to stay calm if I stand a real chance of getting away.
Air buffets against me as I move. Am I running that fast?
Horror sets in as I realise what's causing it. I slow myself and turn in time to see the dragon descending through the sky towards me. It's not as big as the skeleton when I entered the arena, but that doesn't stop it being huge. And definitely not what I want to see right in front of me.
My whole body shakes despite the adrenaline. I've never been up against a dragon before, and my chances of surviving the attack seem slim.
I glance around me in an attempt to find something I can hide behind, but there's nothing around. The mini-forest is the only shelter in the immediate vicinity, and that's burning down right now. Not exactly a good place to hide.
I touch the charm around my wrist, wishing I'd sent it to Mila with the letter even as I'm glad I have it for luck.
With nothing else for it, and the dragon moving closer, I swing Moonslinger up into both my hands. It's not going to do much, especially if the dragon breathes fire, but I want to go down fighting if I can.
An odd feeling comes over me now I'm holding
