He drifts off, but I’m already on my feet, running, leaping over small plants and rocks, my arms pumping to gather speed.

I seem to have landed in quicksand.

Fuck.

I weave through a dense tangle of trees and plants while the crowd screams all around us. I try to tune them out, knowing they’re here as a distraction. As I run, I catch the slither of movement in the corner of my eyes, but it’s too fast to identify what’s lurking out here.

Given the nature of our environment, I’m sure there will be deadly monsters or creatures, and who the fuck knows what else waiting for us.

Dry grass crunches under my feet, dust kicking up. I focus on the spot where I think Nadir was standing, hoping I’m headed in the right direction.

I chance a glimpse to my left and then to my right, checking for any signs of danger, when my gaze snags on a small pile deposited against a tree. A sword, a canvas pack, a bow, a quiver of arrows—and my dagger with the heart-shaped stone. I was still wearing it when Rion knocked me out. This is another part of Herric’s sick game.

How much time will I lose if I go for them? I make a split-second decision.

They flicker in and out of focus as if in warning that they won’t remain there for long.

Nadir needs me, but we need these. I swerve right, maintaining my pace as I scoop up the items with a triumphant whoop, when suddenly I’m hanging in the air, upside down, one ankle bound by a rope.

Lor? What happened? I heard you scream.

I’m coming. I’m fine.

I decide not to enlighten him. By some miracle, the dagger is still clutched in my hand while the pack, sword, and bow lie on the ground. Swinging up my top half, I use the dagger to saw at the rope. It’s awkward and difficult, and it only takes a few seconds before my abdominal muscles are screaming. Releasing myself, I dangle upside down for a second before heaving myself up again. I flip up and down until only a few threads remain intact.

Lor!

I’m coming!

I swing around, trying to catch my breath for one more solid slice. Magic burns in my fingertips, and I wish I could use it, but I have to keep this wild card concealed until the right moment. This will be over once Herric realizes the cuffs don’t work on me.

With a final heave, I swing up, slice the rope, and then fall. I hit the ground so hard the wind is knocked out of me, but I force myself to roll, grab the pack, and swing it over my shoulders as I scoop up the sword and the bow and quiver, and then I’m running again.

“Nadir!” I scream.