Page 22 of The Bonding Games: Part 1

Roaming his gaze over the never-ending space before us, the numerous shades of green from the other Players illuminating the lustrous onyx ground, he nods steadily. “I’ll do it.”

***

“I’m sorry.”

Alby’s voice is strained, and I can see he’s fighting off tears from either frustration or embarrassment, maybe both. We’ve been at it for almost half an hour, and he’s not managed more than forming two wheels, the seat, and the foot pegs.

And sprawling flat on his front.

If it weren’t for his impenetrable visor, he’d probably be sporting a broken nose along with the flush crowding his entire face.

“Don’t be. You’ve already manifested half the bike—that’s more than you could do a couple days ago.”

“I swear I’ve been able to manifest the entire thing before.”

“And you’ll be able to do it again,” I say without a doubt in my tone.

“You’re right . . .” His words trail off when we catch sight of Tiger in the distance . . . and the two malevolent figures gaining on him.

I snap my head back around to face Alby, ready to tell him to wait here while I go murder those vile motherfuckers—

Only to see him already in action, body high in the air and his entire lime-coloured Avri tribike forming beneath him.

His wheels come down on the taalk with a firm thud, and he’s off, streaking in Tiger’s direction.

Well, fuck me. He’s fucking done it.

If that doesn’t prove how genuine his care is for my brother . . .

In a flash, I command my own Avri into shape, racing after the new member of our little family to go and defend the sunshine in it.

8

ALBY

Fucking shit.

Holy. Fucking. Shit.

Holy sh—

“Guys, I think I just peed my pants a little.”

Tiger’s voice tugs me forcefully from my internal breakdown.

Glancing to my right, I take him in where he’s sat beside me on the bench in the room we’ve been left in near The Dome. His leg is bouncing, and his expression is warped by nerves.

I don’t blame him. The first Bonding Game is just ten minutes away.

“Just follow the methods we agreed on. It’ll be fine.” Even Scotty looks anxious, so his words don’t have much of the desired effect. “And keep far away from the Champion,” he adds lowly.

My head dips in agreement, though that head is instantly light and airy as terror at the thought of her cascades through me.

Before this, none of us have mentioned her, but I know she’s not far from any Player’s mind. It’s more like everyone is too afraid to speak her name aloud for fear of summoning her. Even if we all know that won’t change our fate if she decides to come after us.

If Ezla Zefron sets her sights on you, you’re already dead.

I try to focus on what Scotty first said, recounting what we’ve decided to do back to him: “Wh-whoever we choose to bond, we close them in. We stay out of the way as much as possible—focus on catching our chosen Exot. We . . . we try to avoid killing if possible.”