Aidy caught Kennedy’s eye and flushed. They glanced at one another when they thought the other was not looking.

“I’m sorry your ex was a spy,” Kennedy offered, unsure how to flirt. Talking about the betrayal of exes could not be the best conversation.

Aidy’s blonde hair was messy. The tracksuit clung to his muscles. Kennedy coughed, forcing himself to look away from him.

“Yeah, me too. There hasn’t been anyone here worth getting to know in that way until recently,” Aidy whispered, winking at Kennedy.

Kennedy blushed, all the blood in his body rushing to his cheeks. He wished he knew how to be charming.

“Yes, well ... I like ... you’re ...” Kennedy stammered, uncertain what he was trying to say.

A dimpled grin emerged on Aidy, his pink lips forming a smile that knocked the breath out of Kennedy. Before Aidy could respond, they were interrupted by a loud voice on the radio.

“If you have agreed to participate in the tournament, return to the arena,” Garrett ordered, his voice excited.

The four of them were startled. Aidy looked around his room, his eyes worried. This could be the last time he was in it. Kennedy forced himself to breathe.

“Come on. We will be fine,” Becky said, her voice uncertain.

Those who did not compete were not allowed to attend. Some bid farewell to friends on teams who were competing, hugging people as they walked down the hall.

“Fight hard,” a crying boy said to a girl who readied herself for competition.

“Next lifetime, we will be able to do everything we wanted,” she said, wiping away tears.

Kennedy looked away, keeping his eyes focused on cement floors. He was starting to understand why Aidy did not get attached to others unless he had to.

The auditorium was less crowded. There was more space between benches. Tension coursed through the room. Kennedy could feel his own heartbeat in his chest.

“Welcome! Half of you will die today. You know how this works. Lose and die. No goodbyes, no last meals, nothing. Your team will be escorted away. Death will be painless,” Garrett declared, grinning.

Kennedy bit his lip, drawing blood. Becky’s nails cut into her hand as she stared at Wilhelma. The familiar heat and sweat covered him. His body was summoning his powers. He wondered if he lost complete control if he could destroy the entire building.

Matt had returned. He looked at Kennedy with contempt. It was a look that still surprised Kennedy.

“With so many teams competing, our first competition will be simple. A battle to the end. The last person or team conscious wins. If your team wins, you’ll return. If you lose, you’ll never be awake again. Aidy and Trinity, prepare your teams,” Wilhelma read, her fingers following a script she had printed.