COMING OUT

My heart sank as I heard those words. I knew what was coming next. The arena was where Lycan sent slaves to fight for their lives against wild beasts. The victor would earn their freedom, but most ended up dead. And he was sending me into the arena.

I was no fighter, but I had to survive. For the sake of the other slaves. I took a deep breath and tried to steady my trembling hands. I knew I couldn't win this fight, but I had to try.

As they dragged me to the arena, the other slaves looked on in fear. They knew what was at stake. My life. Their hope. They were counting on me to survive. I couldn't let them down.

When I arrived in the arena, I saw the beast I was supposed to fight. It was huge, with fur as black as the night and eyes as red as blood. Its jaws were lined with sharp teeth, and it growled as it saw me. I froze. I had never seen anything like it before.

The crowd roared as the beast charged at me. I closed my eyes and waited for the end. But the end didn't come. I opened my