Page 30 of Escape from Amazdom

Now he's talking. I know I can beat him in a fight.

"What do you mean, winner takes all?"

"Exactly what I say," he says, clicking his fingers. "Watch this."

Tebos disappears from the tower, and my gut tightens. I hear a familiar voice, and my heart rips into tiny pieces.

"No, fuck off and leave me alone."

Shit. He wasn't bullshitting me. He has Stella. I glare into Fej's eyes as he grins.

"I hate to say it, but I told you so," he says, winking.

The truth slams into me like a tidal wave as Tebos drags in Stella, her eyes wide with fear yet filled with determination. They push her into the corner, and my breath catches in my throat. It can't be real, and yet, she's held captive by Fej's army of fools.

"So, winner takes all?" says Fej, standing close to Stella. He raises his hand and slides it down her side, pinching her hip.

"Get off," she screams, shaking her body.

Stella's gaze meets mine, and I see the unspoken understanding and the shared emotion. She's here for me, and I won't let her down.

"Leave her," I say, tensing my fists. I try to pull down, but these ties are much stronger than the ones in my cage.

"Why don't you make me leave her?" barks Fej. "Fight me in the gladiator ring, once and for all." Fej's voice slices through the tense air, his proposition dripping with sick amusement.

A fight in the ring? Just fists, a brutal spectacle to sate his twisted desires.

"Champ, don't let him manipulate you. He's a first-class liar."

"And a first-class lover, don't forget."

My eyes lock onto Stella's, and for a moment, it's just us, the world fading away as we sit, sharing ideas while we write on Planet Sefl. As much as I cherish her warnings, I trust in my own power. The very power that has carried me through this nightmare, the power that could set us free.

I'll take this fight, and I'll win.

"Okay, Fej," I growl, my voice a low rumble that vibrates through the chamber. "I accept your challenge."

His laughter echoes in the air, a cacophony of darkness reverberating off the walls.

"Ah, a brave decision, Champ. Prepare for the fight of your life."

"No, don't do it," cries Stella. "Take me."

"I'll take you after," says Fej. "Now carry this horny bitch to the ring so she can watch the almighty Champ become a chump."

I throw Stella a knowing look, one of confidence. I tell her not to worry. I hope she can feel my courage because she'll need more where she's going. Tebos and his trusty guards lead her away, and my heart falters. I have to dig deep. It's my moment of truth.

"You've got balls, I'll give you that," says Fej, elbowing me in the face. "You're going to die out there, mark my words."

He spins, and I picture him lying dead on the floor in the ring. Not only that, but his own people are celebrating his death.

Let's hope my vision becomes more real than his. I have a feeling it will. I'll do whatever it takes. I'll fight, and I'll win, not only for Stella but for the freedom everyone trapped in this castle deserves.

Chapter 14

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Stella