Chapter 23 · Voidbound - Chapter 23: The Champion's Bet

"You think that thing can beat me?" Rook's voice cut through the roar of the crowd before I even stepped into the cage.

I kept walking. The sand under my boots was still dark from the last fight. Blood, mostly. Maybe some oil from a shattered mech-bond. The Pit stank like rust and sweat and something worse—fear, probably. Mine.

Rook stood in the center, arms loose, grin wide. He didn't look like a champion. He looked like a guy who enjoyed his work too much. His Pact-mark glowed faint red along his forearm, the kind of light that meant his creature was already halfway summoned, just waiting for the bell.

"I think I don't have a choice," I said.

"Smart." He rolled his shoulders. "Garrick tell you the rules?"

"Don't die."

"Close." Rook tilted his head, and the grin got sharper. "Don't embarrass me. Crowd paid good money to watch me crack you open."

I stopped at the edge of the circle. The cage door slammed shut behind me, and the lock buzzed. No way out now except on a stretcher or in a bag.

"What happens if I win?" I asked.

Rook laughed.