Both Inu and Inara smile at the crowd.

"I trust you've all indulged in the special cocktails we've prepared for tonight?"

The audience responds with a resounding yes.

I find myself nodding as well, licking my lips as I remember the sweet taste of the beverage. Just a while ago, I'd chastised myself for drinking one too many glasses, but now I'm craving another one. It's quite the addictive flavor...

"What you all enjoyed was a punch mixed with a drop of ambrosia—just enough to give you all a fair chance in this competition."

I frown at the mention of ambrosia. What is that? I'm not familiar with the fruit. Others seem to be equally confused, but as the complaints resound in the room, they seem to be more concerned about the effects of the drink—or lack thereof.

"No, I'm afraid immortality is not on the menu tonight." Inu chuckles. "Although you can wish for it—and get it if you win."

"The drop of ambrosia was meant to get everyone in peak condition for the game. Shall we, Inu?" Inara shares a glance with her brother.

He stretches his arm toward her. As they join hands, a bright light engulfs the entire room. I squeeze my eyes shut, blinded by the blast.

A panicked breath catches in my throat as I bring my hands to my eyes, rubbing furiously. I dare to blink, moisture clinging to my lashes. Yet I can see—there's nothing wrong with my eyes.

My brows furrow as I glance around, trying to ascertain what just happened. But when I reach for Thea to ask her if she's all right, I'm shocked to discover the ease with which I can use my left arm. There's no...pain. No numbness. No discomfort at all.

I can move it perfectly fine—as if it had never been broken in the first place.

My eyes widen as I incredulously pat my torso, feeling for my bruised flesh and broken ribs. Where they used to hurt with just one touch, now there's absolutely no pain. Still in shock, I pull my hair to the side, searching for the place the doctors drilled a hole in my skull. If before I could feel the ridges of the sutures, now there's only smooth scalp.

"How is this possible?" I mumble in shock.

I'm not the only one in awe. As I look at the other side of the room, I spot someone who'd been in a wheelchair suddenly stand up and walk. Others who'd had various disabilities are healed as well. Even those costumed are rejoicing, although I can't see how the ambrosia worked for them.

The most striking, though, is a guy weeping on the floor. I vaguely remember noticing before that he had crutches and he was missing one leg.

But now...

How the hell could a person suddenly grow a leg?