Rae’s POV   Left alone. It’s quiet. The chill of the concrete floor running up my legs. Looking at the barrier, I can’t help but wonder if this truly is safe. I feel like a prisoner. What wrong have I done? I didn’t ask for this. Why am I being treated like this? Why are all the women being treated the way we are?   I drape the blanket around myself and huddle down into the corner pulling in my legs and feet trying to get warm. Maybe this is better. Less people means I can practice more. I listen for a moment and hear nothing. I take in a deep breath and begin casting orbs and dismissing them. It’s almost second nature to me, at least I feel confident about casting them. Now, how do I use them?   Sitting here for a while looking at a light floating in my hand I start wondering what to do with it. I remember those two guards concentrating a lot trying to move theirs but the way Jeong and Zviad used their powers seemed eff

Rae’s POV   Jeong is leading me around this place. If I ever tried to escape I’d be so lost. He’s leading me to an open door making my eyes flinch at the blinding light. “Where are you taking me?”   I hear him let out a sigh “The Hunt is about to begin.”   Once outside my eyes begin adjusting to the light. As I look up I see the expanse of the blue sky littered with fluffy white clouds. A gentle breeze caresses my face as my hair flickers tickling my nose.   I notice two strange cage like structures. They are floating a couple feet off the ground. Each cage holding half of the women from the cell. There is a high wall and buildings surrounding us. Jeong tugs me towards the last cage taking off the rope and motions me to climb inside.   It was difficult to climb inside. Even though the cage wasn’t far from the ground, the floor of the cage reached my mid chest. I wouldn’t consider

Jeong’s POV   Looking down at my wrist I can’t help but feel slightly annoyed at the securely placed tracer. The tracers are meant to link together to initiate the bonding ceremony once the chosen target is acquired. At least all the formalities are out of the way and I’m sure no one else besides Zviad dares to challenge me for her.   I find myself walking to one of the windows watching the landscape move underneath. It amazes me how a structure as big as this stays floating in the air. Artifacts are truly surprising. An all to familiar voice pulls me from my observation.   “You think you can claim her?” with a voice laced with anger.   Turning around Zviad is standing tall glaring at me arms crossed. I cant help but let out a chuckle. “I don’t think, I know.” It’s a pity we are restrained from using our powers against other competitors otherwise it would disqualify us from claiming a woman. But that

Jeong’s POV   I’m not sure if I should be impressed or upset as I continue forward past the barrier. Looking at the distance there is no way she could have jumped between some of these rocks. She must have learned how to use her power, that’s the only logical explanation. No normal person or team of people can get past the amount of beasts that lay in wait from the other side. And, I don’t think anyone else would have realized she would and could cross the barrier.   I am worried seeing the amount of blood showing. I even notice there was some blood on a few thorns. “Not good.” The thorns have a toxin, when it enters the blood stream it causes server drowsiness and an over dose can be fatal. Not finding her body is a good sign showing she hasn’t taken in to much of the toxin yet. That’s why this barrier works so well, it doesn’t matter human or beast it affects the same to both.   I felt relief when I saw the edge of the

Rae’s POV   After cleaning all the blood it seems rather awkward now. I’m still not completely sure if I should trust him, but something is pulling me to. I’m in no position to run and barely understand my supposed power. What do I do? I don’t want to become some sex slave popping out babies.   Jeong breaks the silence “I’m going to give it to you straight. You have two options.” holding out one finger “One, you can die.”   I burst out “How is that even an option?!” is he crazy?!   Annoyed “Let me finish!” as he shouts then looks serious as he holds up one finger “You can die either by killing yourself, go back and have those beasts kill you, or die by my hands. Option two.” holding two fingers “You agree to be bound to one of the two men who want to claim you. There are no other options available. If you want to leave this place that is.”   Clenching my teeth and holding back te