Chapter 46: Chapter 46

I felt nervous with all the stares on me. They were all staring at me simply because I was registering in a contest against Lord Yama. It made me feel on edge and like I was doing something I shouldn't be doing.

"Are you sure about it, Miss?" One of the volunteers asked, her voice meek.

I straightened my back, "Yes. Can you please hurry up?"

The two volunteers sitting in the booth stared at each other before nodding their heads. Why were they so worried? I leaned forward as they filled my details on the computer. Just as I was about to turn, my body crashed against Lukas.

I stumbled back and pointed towards my name on the screen, "I registered my name."

Before he could reply, one of the volunteers called out my name. I excused myself and went towards her. She gave me the badge number and asked me to sign the consent form. It felt all too real. Was it such a big deal? Maybe I should have listened to Hades and Lukas. I cannot back out last minute after making such a huge show of myself. This was kind of a golden chance to prove myself.

Taking a deep breath, I patted my badge number on the left side of my chest and walked back. Lukas was still strolling near the bleachers.

"Hey..." I tried to act nonchalant, my stomach already in knots. I could feel sweat beads rolling off my forehead. My hands were clammy, so I hid them behind my back.

Lukas inhaled sharply, "Are you sure you want to do this? No one would say anything if you back out now."

"They would" I softly whispered, my eyes narrowing at the demons staring at us. They were all waiting for me to make a fool of myself.

He tried to take hold of my wrist, but I moved back. He did not have to know that I was just as nervous as him. That would convince him to withdraw my name.

Lukas furrowed his brows.

"My hands are wet from that cold bottle."

He didn't say anything, but he didn't look convinced either. I still counted it as my win.

"You don't have to prove anything to these people. I know how strong you are."

A smile broke out of my lips, "Thank you, but I do want to prove myself."

"Okay if that's what you want. I'll support you."

"Thank you" I leaned forward and hugged him, awkwardly patting his hand with my one arm. My eyes rolled back as he hid his face in my neck.

"Wow your hands are freezing" Lukas whispered, tightening his grip around my waist.

I felt my cheeks turn red as he suddenly pulled back. Why can't I keep up my lies for longer?

I nervously giggled, "Yeah the cold water-"

"Its okay. I'm sure you'll do fine" He cut me off with a knowing look on his face. It made me feel like I could actually pull it off.

I slid away from him as the announcer called my name. He walked along with me to the other side of bleachers. Most of them were already seated, cheering on for other players.

My eyes shifted towards the massive line for the contest. They were a lot of demons participating than I expected. Lukas moved closer to me.

"Talia..."

"I will be fine" I assured him.

The volunteer stepped towards me and asked me to follow her. I waved at Lukas, but he was insistent on standing in the front. As he was a King, no one said anything.

I pulled the chair right beside some demon who was doing breathing exercises for some reason. Should I be worried? The volunteers place a jug of water in front of each participant.

The chair on my right side was pulled, and I looked up only to see Lord Yama. He had an amused grin on my face as he slumped down.

"I had no idea that you would participate in this,  Miss Talia."

I made a face, "I'm tougher than I look."

He chuckled, "I have no doubt about that, but you can't keep up with me on this. It's kind of my thing."

"Guess you would need to find a new thing now" I sweetly smiled at him.

With an amused smile on his face, he shook his head. The volunteers handed us the napkins. I narrowed my eyes as they placed the sauce and mustard bottle in front of us. How are we supposed to use them in the middle of completion?

"What are these for?"

Yama laughed as he noticed my expression, "The hotdogs have no flavour, so most of them dress it before shoving it down."

"Yum," I shivered. The least they could do is put some pickles on them atleast.

"Good luck" Yama mumbled, but it felt like he was mocking me even though he smiling. It was all in my head.

Hades and Persephone stood in front of us with the notepads. As they were the hosts, they were also the judges of all the competitions. I let out a breath because I thoughts it would be handed over to some demon.

"The rules are simple and clear to follow. Keep in mind that the cameras on you from every side so no foul play will be encouraged" Hades pointed out at the cameras on the sides and also the mini cameras flying above us.

The rules were read out again. I nodded along because they were not many of them, to begin with.

"Here are your hotdogs" Hades motioned towards the curtain. I held my breath as demons stepped out, holding huge bowls.

My eyes flew towards Lukas, who was still giving me a thumbs up. I can do this! I convinced myself. Hades and his wife smiled at me before they went to take their places.

"And the competitive begins" The gunshot went off, and everyone had already picked their pace.

As the buns were already filled with the sausages, I had no problem picking them. I took a massive bite of them and shuddered at the bland taste. Yama was right. They had no flavour. But I had no time to uncap the mustard and ketchup.

From the corner of my eyes, I noticed that Lord Yama was already done with his first hotdog. Lukas cheered for me. I hastily dipped the hotdog in water, drenching for it to be comfortable the swallow.

"Talia are you okay?" Lukas inched towards me.

I muffled, shooting my hands up while chewing on the bun, "We-wetting the bun makes it easy."

He didn't say anything just stood there. One by one, the demons started giving up, which was surprising. I was halfway done with my pile when I peeked at Yama. He was red-faced, stuffing the two of them at the same time. His bowl was almost empty.

The sound of whistle rang in my ears, but I continued eating. I noticed that the volunteers were cleaning up other demons and asking them to leave. It went on a while till we were only five of them on the stage.

"Come on, Talia!" Lukas cheered when Yama raised his head and showed middle finger.

"I'm your friend Lukas!"

Lukas rolled his eyes, "She's my mate."

The crowd cooed around us. If that wasn't going to sell our relationship, I didn't know what will. I spluttered around the bun but tried not to throw up. Even though I ate so much, I could still go on.

"The last four!" Another whistle went off, and I gasped, tears sliding down my eyes.

Wiping them, I picked another one from the few ones left and dipped it in the water. Just as I was about to put it in my mouth, Lukas roar stopped me.

"No! Talia!"

I moved my eyes towards him, the hotdog in midway. He slapped my arm, the bun falling on the floor. What was wrong with him? Before I could ask him to be pulled me up from the chair.

"The water..." He grunted, pointing at the jug of water. I followed his vision only to see purple water. My eyes widened at that. The four contestants dropped their hotdogs and stood up and got away from the table.

Hades and Persephone stood up, rushing by my side.

"Is it-" I gasped, trying to find right words. My throat felt dry all of a sudden.

Lukas gritted his teeth, "Your hotdogs are poisoned."

I slapped a hand over my mouth. What did I do? The whispers and murmurs of the crowd got too much around me. I felt Lukas's hand come around my waist. He was glaring at Yama and the rest of the contestants.

Hades spluttered, "You need to get her checked. I'll handle this."

Yama coughed, coming to our side, "I swear I had nothing to do with this"

I was too far in shock to care about anything.

"We need to go" Lukas cleared his throat, his hands tight around my wrist as he dragged me out of there.

***