One of the clones clutches his shock-stick tighter.
"I can go," I say quickly, before this turns into a fight. "I don't mind."
The next few minutes are almost comical as Crulden leads me into the antechamber, and then when he remains calm, into the hallway. Everyone around us is incredibly tense, as if they expect him to lose his shit, but he only keeps a hand on my back and walks behind the heavily guarded scientist. They lead us out into the courtyard, and normally at this time of day it'd be busy with trainers and gladiators doing exercises, slaves scurrying about, and guards moving from one post to another.
Today, it's completely quiet. I realize they must have cleared everyone out anticipating another reaction from Crulden. I glance over at him to see how he's handling things. He lifts his head, nostrils flaring, and takes a deep breath as a breeze ruffles the plant life around us. It's a nice day—not too hot, not too cold, and no rain. The air is warm and pleasant, and I wonder if this is the first time he's been outside in a while.
My heart twinges for him. Even as a slave, I was at least allowed to leave my room. Crulden doesn't even get that most of the time. He gets a cage where he's stared at all day long. No wonder he wants company.
"This way, please," the scientist says in a brisk voice, leading us toward one of the training pits. There are more guards there lining the pit, and a couple of chained up fighters with their trainers. One of the trainers is in the pit, covered in shiny body armor, his tail flicking. I'm a little disheartened to see that it's the trainer known for his cruelty, but if Crulden knows this, he doesn't speak up. He simply enters the ring as if this is something he does all the time, then turns to look back at me.
I find that I'm standing next to the scientist. Yippee. We're surrounded by guards, and I give Crulden a weak thumbs-up.
Immediately, my collar flashes and tightens around my neck. I make a “yark” sound and claw at it, frantic, even as a dozen clone guards suddenly shove shock-sticks in my face.
Crulden crouches low and growls, his back spikes flaring and ripping through his skin. His collar flashes, too, and I wonder if they're doing the same thing to him.
"What is that signal?" the scientist asks. "What are you telling him to do?" His voice is sharp with fear.
"It's a human…signal…" I choke out. "It means 'good job.'"
Crulden takes a menacing step toward me, and he looks ready to attack.
"No hand signs," the scientist says sharply. "None at all."
Immediately, my collar eases and I let out a gasp, holding my throat. "Jesus fuck, sorry." I offer Crulden a little smile because he's staring at me, looking as if he's waiting for the signal to attack. "It's fine. Really. I didn't realize no one realized what a thumbs-up is."
Crulden watches me a moment longer, his gaze possessive. When I give him another faint smile and a nod, he seems satisfied. He turns toward the scientist and slowly raises his thumb. I think for a moment that he's going to give him a mocking thumbs-up of his own, but he runs his thumb along one of his enormous fangs, and it comes across as downright menacing instead.
"Before we begin," the scientist says, voice tight. "I should remind you of the rules. Crulden, you are allowed the female in exchange for your cooperation. We want you to train like the other gladiators. We want you to fight. We want you to win. In exchange, you get the female. No one will take her from you. No one will interfere. She will be kept in your cell and at your side at all times."
Crulden straightens, the spikes that dot his skin easing back and disappearing back into his flesh. "I'm here, aren't I?"
"You are, and that's good," the scientist replies crisply. "But I wanted to remind you. If you try to run or act out, we're going to kill the female."
My eyes go wide. I turn to look at the monster standing next to me. "What?"
He ignores me, because of course he does. Instead, he continues. "If she tries to escape or break her collar, we will kill her. If you so much as twitch inappropriately, we will kill her. Her life depends on your good behavior. I trust you understand."
I can't breathe. My hands go to the collar around my neck and I swallow hard. I want to claw it off my neck, because it feels too tight, and at the same time, I'm terrified of what happens if I do. My life is in the hands of an irrational, unhinged half-beast gladiator who murders people as easily as he breathes.