Book 16: My Why

Kaleb

I rush through the chaotic swell of guards scrambling to access the arena, pushing and shoving my way through the fray. Silas shouts my name, but I ignore him as the dragon breaks free of its chains and soars into the sky, bellowing a roar that shakes the entire city.

I catch a glimpse of Lexa. She falls to her knees, and blaring bright lights fill the arena.

Guards with swords and spears race for her as the gates to the arena open, allowing them access, but I run faster, breathless, skirting around the open pit and over puddles of blood until I reach her side.

She moans, curling into herself as she succumbs to what I know is shock. Shock from the games, from the dragon, from the physical and mental agony of entertaining the crowd above, which is now being hastily dispersed.

Shock from watching her friend get executed by someone she loved and trusted.

Her cheek is ice cold against my palm.

But the guards are closing in