The stands of the Arena were once again filled. Nari stood behind the grating that separated the passage from the stage. Amelie stood beside her. The Beta looked calm, but Nari could feel her racing heartbeat.
– 13-22, – she said quietly, – show everything you are capable of. I am counting on you.
– The Tree will get what it needs, – Nari simply replied, – you can be sure of that.
– I don’t… – the beta began, but fell silent.
– My favorite! Just look! – a ringing voice of Yomiya sounded, – do you have a good opponent this time? A fail-proof option, 13-22. You don’t need to thank me.
Nari remained silent. Yomiya was unpredictable, aggressive. She felt her hatred in the air. The scent of her pheromones filled the corridor; they smelled of cigarette smoke and ash. The beta stepped forward, shielding Nari with her body.
– Ms. Yomiya, – she said dryly, – you belong in the stands, near your family. What are you doing in the corridor for favorites?
– Don’t worry, Amelie, I will be back soon. I just wanted to wish my favorite good luck.
– She is Mr. Adelson's favorite.
– Officially – yes, – Ado ignored this incident, – but can’t I have favorites among the favorites? Sounds funny. But that’s how it is. Not every omega can become a favorite. And this one is the thirteenth. How can you not love her?
– Thank you, Ms. Yomiya, – Nari bowed her head submissively, – for your kindness.
Yomiya ground her teeth.
– Tch… character, – she hissed through clenched teeth, – don’t let me get bored.
She abruptly turned on her heels and walked away. Amelie watched her go, then turned her gaze back to Nari.
– Be strong, girl, – she said quietly.
In her voice, Nari felt pity, fear, and warmth that she had never felt before. She nodded. The grating began to rise, opening the passage to the Arena. The stands roared. Nari stepped forward towards the crimson buds, where Dion was already waiting for her in the center. She looked at her with a sincere smile. Her eyes said, “everything will be fine. We are ready.” Nari looked around. From one of the stands, Leo was watching them. His gaze was worried, but he tried to appear calm and confident, just like his sister. A little further from him, Nari saw Iris. He didn’t take his eyes off the balcony.
The girl had to force herself to look up. Right at her was Cypher Adelson. His smile was wicked, malevolent. Just one look from him terrified her to the bone. But she had to keep herself together. For Dionna. For both of them.
– Remove the collars! – Adelson commanded.
The betas approached the favorites. Nari heard the click of the lock; she no longer felt the touch of metal on her skin. Music began to play. The omegas stepped towards the flowers. They stood facing each other, looking into each other's eyes without averting their gaze. Nari extended her hand to Dion, and she placed her small palm in hers. The stands roared even louder. Dionna’s voice rang out first. Gentle, full of light and love.
Like the moon in the mountains, mysterious
Quiet and calm, like a July night
Strong and unyielding, like a May downpour
I am yours for eternity, you are mine for a moment...
Nari joined in on the singing.
Wrapped in the sun and its warmth
Free and unrestrained, like the wind
I will hide you from the world under my wing
So that no one will notice
The flowers began to slowly open their petals. A glow rose above the buds, red sparkling sparks whirled around the girls in an ethereal dance. Dionna smiled sincerely; Nari returned her smile. Their fingers intertwined; Nari felt the warmth radiating from Dion. She heard nothing but her singing. She saw nothing except her shining golden eyes.
– I am yours forever, you are mine for a moment... – Dion sang the final words.
Their breathing was slow. The stands roared. Nari barely forced herself to turn toward the buds. She was ready to swear that she evenly directed the energy of life into both buds. But… her flower opened its petals while Dion's bud barely cracked open. Her gaze darted chaotically over the stands, searching for what might have happened? Dionna squeezed her hand. Nari looked at her. From behind the clouds, the sun peeked out for a moment, reflecting in her yellow eyes.
– If only I could see... the sun just a little more, – Dion whispered with her lips.
– Dionna, I!...
A gunshot. Her face was scorched by something hot. The girl fell to her knees next to the lifeless body. Crimson blood splattered the flower's petals, it shone and opened just a little more. Nari heard nothing else. The world seemed to stop. She didn’t even realize when and how the metal collar was locked on her. Someone's hand brusquely grabbed her by the elbow and put her on her feet. She didn’t see how right under the stage, Iris held Leo tightly as he tried to break free towards his sister. She didn’t see Ado Yomiya’s crooked, self-satisfied grin. She saw nothing. Except for Dionna’s body being carried out of the Arena by the overseers…