The silence in the mess hall beneath Hell's Pit was worse than above.
It was almost midnight (don't ask how I knew), but everyone was present. And when I said everyone, I meant over a hundred people sitting quietly—strangely enough—in the large room we used in the mornings and evenings for breakfast and dinner respectively. The second I walked into the hall, I immediately wished for the ability to vanish into thin air. I'd been allowed to shower and change into the usual gray jumpsuit after the battle, so I knew it wasn't my previously bloody outfit that everyone was staring at.
No. They were all staring at me.
I paused at the doorway for a brief moment, my limbs refusing to work. Then a nudge from one of the guards behind me jerked me into action, and I stumbled inside.
Quietly, I shuffled forward, with no direction in mind. I glanced at the food counter adjacent to the entrance, noticing how empty it was. Despite the lack of service, the hall was set up as usual—several round, metallic tables were positioned haphazardly, with each table being surrounded by seven chairs (though I could point out some tables having up to ten or more). To my right, four large screens were mounted on the wall. Each displayed a different angle of my fight with Goliath, which wasn't surprising given that this hall was where we were also allowed to watch the matches in the arena. Though my cellmates had shown me a secret way to watch fights in real-time.
Speaking of which, relief washed over my chest as my eyes picked up an arm waving me over with excitement. With my eyes downcast, I moved through the glaring crowd and towards the table beckoning to me. My ears picked up mumbles on the way, distinct whispers of surprise and utter disbelief. It was like everyone watched a ghost move past them, but were too scared to run. I would've run myself, but my anxiety had me moving in a beeline until I got to my destination.
"Hi!" Maddison beamed an elfish grin. She was a small redhead with freckles, blue-green eyes, and white, slightly pointed teeth that made up her perfect dentition. Her gray uniform was bigger than most due to her petite frame, but no one made the mistake of taking her size for weakness. The few who did, well… I could only hope they were in a happy place on the other side of life.
"Sit, sit," she urged. As I sank into the uncomfortable iron chair, I contemplated crawling underneath the table for added cover. Maddison must've noticed my distress because she placed her hand over mine and wore a softer smile. "It's okay, hun. You don't have to be afraid."
"That's a crazy thing to say to someone who just deleted Goliath from the census. Of course, she's not afraid."
The gruff voice came from the person seated to my left, Felicia Molotov. In stark contrast to Maddison, she was a large woman with an intimidating figure. Her buzz cut left the bold scorpion tattoo on her neck exposed, which had me gaping the first time I met her. She easily towered over most of us, and if it wasn't for her bust, her dazzling but fierce violet eyes, and perfectly crafted lips, the size of her arms would've instantly put her in the category of a man.
"I knew you were tough, but I didn't realize just how tough you were," Felicia continued. There were four more people at our table; women who'd shown me nothing but kindness since my arrival. But it was Maddison and Felicia who owned a place in my heart. I owed my life, at least what was left of it, to those two miscreants.
"Tell me about it," Maddison added. She turned to me, her eyes sizzling with excitement. "I was horrified when Goliath struck you. But the level of strength you showed after… how'd you do it?"
When I stayed silent and kept my eyes glued to the ground, Maddison's countenance suddenly changed.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to pry. I was just wondering, 'cause for someone who hasn't shifted yet, your display of power was incredible."
"No, Maddy. It's okay." I was finally able to hurl the words out. "It's just… I don't know. I just snapped, I guess."
Oh, but I knew. At least, I was told. Reka's words had come to pass and it left me with more questions than answers.
"At least you had your claws out," Felicia said as she folded her massive arms and sat back. "It means you'll have your first transformation soon enough. Could be during a full moon or when some unfortunate fool pisses you off. I'd prefer the latter."
My stomach twisted at the thought. I looked around again, catching glimpses in my direction. "Why's everyone here? What's going on?"
"There's supposed to be an announcement," Felicia answered. Then she winked at me. "I guess they were waiting for the star of the show."
I blinked at the compliment. "But they summoned everyone. Including the men. Is it that important?"
"We're about to find out," Maddison replied as she nodded towards the entrance. Half a dozen guards suddenly poured into the hall, marching heavily. After they'd spread out, forming a V formation, a man waltzed in slowly. His black hair, slick and long, was combed backward, just hanging above his high, broad shoulders. His navy blue tuxedo glittered like hundreds of stars had made it their resting place. His grim expression was emphasized by a taunt jawline and his sky-blue eyes, which were immediately locked with mine. As I looked away, Maddison scoffed under her breath. "Trust Michael to always make an entrance."
He suddenly stopped, like he'd heard her. He swept his stony gaze around the room, making some people cower in response. Minutes later, when he seemed satisfied with whatever he was searching for, he finally spoke in an oddly high voice.
"As the official master of ceremony, I'm pleased to announce that the preliminary stages of the tournament of Lupa will be concluded in the coming days. Afterwards, the main event shall begin." He turned to me again, his icy-blue gaze making me shiver slightly. "Impressive win tonight, P. 205. But it's yet to be seen if you'll have enough fight in you to win your eventual freedom. In the meantime, you have a visitor."
His gaze lingered for a bit, then he straightened his back and sank one hand into his pocket. "That's all there is to know. Return these dogs to their cells," he added as he turned around and waved towards the guards.
A visitor? I got up with uncertainty. No one in Hell's Pit received visitors. Our only connection with the outside world was during battles in the arena in front of guests. Maddison and Felicia were on their feet as well, and I could tell from their determined eyes that they were prepared to escort me if necessary. I shook my head slightly as four guards marched in our direction. Thankfully, they understood the message and reluctantly merged with the rest of the forming queue leading out of the hall. Taking a deep breath, I followed the guards through a back door exit, where my surprise visitor was waiting.