By the time the first half of the Games of Styx had been completed, five children had died and countless others injured. Some would probably not make it through the night. I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to understand how people could just allow their children to walk to their deaths. How the world could turn so cruel, so fast. But then again…

“Lord Malum is looking for you.”

I opened my eyes and found myself looking into a pair of cruel blue eyes. The same ones that belonged to the man from that day. Nodding my head, I tried to shake the thoughts out of my head and I followed the man to where Lord Malum was seated.

When we reached his seat, the man bowed and left, heading for the food spread. I looked at Lord Malum, not bothering to hide the disgust in my eyes.

“Did you want something?”

“Can a father not simply want to see his daughter, who’s been gone for a long time.”

“You never simply want to see me. I know you just want to make sure I understand that none of those children are to succeed. You’d love to see their souls crushed.”

“I see you still are the same, Runa. But at least you understand what’s expected of you now. I’m glad to see that the lessons I’ve taught you are finally sinking in, though your attitude does need work.”

I bowed, to hide my clenching fist behind my back. “Of course, sir. I am your number one and must act as such.”

“No need to be sarcastic, Runa. Calling me father and obeying what I say is more than enough for me.”

I felt myself go still for a moment. The pain in my hand brought back my senses and I stood straight again.

“Well, you’ve lost the right to be called father a long time ago.” I felt unwanted memories trying to surface but I pushed them down. I had enough issues to deal with. I didn’t need to add an emotional breakdown to them. “I’ll do as you say, but no further.”

“Alright, I’ll deal with it for now.” His eyes hardened. “But, Runa, I’m not a patient man. Also, make sure you change clothes.” He gave a pointed look at my dress. “It’s not befitting for the Grim Reaper to wear such clothes when she fights. You can change back into your dress for the banquet later. And remember…”

“Yes, yes. I’ll be there.” I turned and walked away. I knew he was going to be angry about it, but I couldn’t stand another minute in his presence.    

As soon as I made my way back to the general seating area, Kan grabbed me and dragged me out of the King's Box. He led me toward the dressing rooms and pulled me into the first one. Locking the door behind us, he simply muttered, “Hand.”

I looked away as I gave him my clenched fist. He slowly took my glove off and he sighed as he saw the blood covering my hand. “Really, Runa. We’ve talked about this. I know you can’t stand him, but that doesn’t mean…”

“Please Kan. Not now, I can’t.”

“Okay, but you need to stop doing this to yourself.”

Dragging me to the sink nearby, he opened the water and cleaned my hand, making sure to be gentle. He then gently placed his fingers over the wounds and began speeding up the healing until all the wounds were closed. Taking a handkerchief out, he wrapped the wound with it. Not that it was necessary.

“I’ll go get Janeth and make sure she brings a new pair of gloves for you.”

“Sure.”

Kan walked out of the dressing room leaving me alone with my thoughts and memories.