Hoda gripped Riley tighter, to keep her from going after the greedy, son of a bitch Overseer. Riley’s eyes widened as she glanced up at the projected map of the arena, hovering overhead.
“I must warn you this is a death match. Of the competitors that enter the first round, less than half will earn the right to proceed to the next level,” Cuttles explained, as snippets of past competitions flashed in front of the crowd.
Riley stood in shock as she watched the gruesome outtakes. This was the kind of thing you saw in movies, not real life. But the roar in the gallery, and the avaricious expressions worn by the aliens pushing toward the stage, hammered home that this was very real.
“To become her new owner, the successful competitor must not only find the exotic female in the lower tunnels, but must also claim her as you see fit, before your competition arrives.”
“What does he mean by claim?” Riley demanded of Hoda.
“They must mount you, or kill you.”
Riley’s mouth hung open as she attempted to process the bomb Hoda dropped.
“What’s the point of owning my dead body?” Riley screamed when she found her voice.
“You will make an impressive trophy,” Hoda replied with a grimace.
Riley nearly passed out as a flood of fear and anger swamped her. She wanted to curse and rant, but nothing came out of her stunned mouth.
“For those of you who aren’t interested in bidding on this opportunity, you can witness the sport live. Hurry, the coliseum will fill fast. Let’s start the bidding.”
Riley was numb as Cuttles auctioned off the spots. It was over far too soon and Hoda led her out of the gallery. Her legs felt like lead as she was escorted through the back halls toward her fate. Riley feared becoming someone’s slave, but this was unimaginable.
“There’s a wager among the guards,” Hoda said. “I’m betting that you’ll live. I think you have it in you.”
Riley nodded, though she was barely listening. They took an elevator down several levels then stopped in front of an ominous metal door.
“Take off your coverings.”
Hoda shook Riley to get her to turn her wild eyes away from the door.
“What?”
“Either you take them off, or I’ll be forced to do it for you.”
Riley was certain she misheard. She looked to the trio of whiskered thugs behind Hoda, desperate for a way out. Every time she thought she’d already hit bottom, the floor dropped out beneath her.
“Do you believe in an afterlife, where people get what they deserve?” Riley asked. “I do. We call it Hell. It’s a place where you get to relive every awful thing you’ve subjected others to. Think on that.”
“I’m following orders,” Hoda replied as if that was an acceptable excuse.
“Said the Nazis.”
Riley didn’t have any options with the guards on one side, and the door to her own version of Hell on the other. She peeled off her dress with shaking fingers, then looked down at herself. Her lacy purple bra hid absolutely nothing, and her panties hid even less.
Why the fuck wasn’t I wearing granny panties when I was abducted?
“Please tell me I can keep these,” Riley gritted between clenched teeth.
“Yes. You can also keep the boots.”
Well aren’t you kind.
“Listen to me.” Hoda shook Riley again. “There should be a few weapons from the last competition. I suggest you find one.”
With that final advice, Hoda opened the door. Riley looked into the dimly lit corridor. It was a good thing Hoda held her arm, because Riley’s heart was beating so fast she felt faint.
So, this is it. Riley refused to beg or plead. There was no reason to even try. She knew it wouldn’t work. If today’s my day to die, I’ll be damned if I’m going to face it crying like a bitch.
Riley squared her shoulders and stepped over the threshold. She tried to not jump when the door clattered shut, locking her in the poorly lit nightmare. Riley stood stock still and just listened for things that might be lurking ahead, but heard nothing.
She peered down the stone hall when her eyes finally adjusted to the dim light. The passage was carved into the depths of the asteroid. Riley ran her hand along the cold rock wall. There were no crevices to squeeze into, just smooth, dull, gray stone.
Riley looked up at the blue lights embedded every ten feet, wondering where the cameras were. There was no doubt she was already the prime feature on a big screen somewhere. She stuck out her hand and flipped the bird, waving it around at whoever was watching.
Take Hoda’s advice and find yourself a weapon.
Riley knew she had to use her time wisely, but making the trek down the hall was difficult. Just because she didn’t hear or see anything in the corridor, didn’t mean there wasn’t a surprise waiting for her at the other end.