Monster Gauntlet Read Online Free Page A

want you for the show. You’re a fighter and you have a good chance of surviving. It’s a chance to earn your freedom.”
    “It’s a death trap,” I said coldly.
    “Not if you’re smart!” Cain said excitedly. “Most Runners think it’s about being tough, being lucky, or picking the right weapon, but they don’t see that it’s a strategy game as well. Like life, you get better results when you plan your moves. Certain choices can trigger the monsters, and of course there are areas to avoid. You have to be smart. And lucky.”
    “Somehow, I don’t think that will help when there’s a werewolf chasing me.”
    “You’ll get weapons,” Vasha said. “And there are always five Runners. That increases your odds of winning.”
    Winning?
    I wasn’t sure I followed her logic. I took it that Vasha was here as a distraction. Maybe it worked with male prisoners. They would look at Vasha and think of how much they missed seeing beautiful women. They couldn’t stand the thought of being trapped in here forever with nothing like that in their lives. They would want out. They would be willing to fight. They would be willing to die for the chance. They would be ready to sign.
    Indeed, the guards seemed to be staring at her. Her charm didn’t work on me, of course. In fact, it had the opposite effect.
    “Look,” Cain said. “I know it’s a big decision. I know it’s scary. But this is a great opportunity.”
    “An opportunity to be killed.”
    “Everyone dies, Moira. We could all die at any second. Really. But the bottom line is, you’re looking at either a life sentence or the death penalty. Either way, you’re going to die in here. You don’t want that do you?”
    He was right. I didn’t.
    “We’re giving you a choice. Do you want to die on your feet, fighting, or in here, on your knees?”
    I didn’t answer. He continued.
    “If you choose to stay in here, you’ll never get to see your family again. You’ll never see Scotland. All you’ll ever see is the small yard I’m told you’re allowed to visit. Is that enough? Could you be happy with that?”
    I think I subconsciously shook my head. There was a moment of silence as he gave me time to let that sink in. Finally, I said, “So this is what it comes down to? You put me with a bunch of other prisoners in an arena and then you murder us?”
    “Not murder,” said Cain. “Killing. There’s a difference.”
    “What’s the difference?”
    “There’s a world of difference,” Cain continued. “Criminals only care about themselves. When they kill, it’s murder. When the police or the military does it, it’s to protect society.”
    “But I didn’t kill anyone,” I protested.
    “No, but you’re still a danger to society. You started a revolution.”
    I did?
    “We have the right to defend ourselves. But you have opportunity to earn your freedom. Yes, there will be fear and strife, but look how much you caused. The punishment fits the crime. This is justice.”
    I couldn’t get over it. “You’re going to try to murder me.”
    “Not murder. Killing,” Vasha corrected. “And besides, we don’t do it. The monsters do.”
    Cain shot her a look, but then turned his attention back to me. He said, “Moira, how do you feel right now? Are you angry? Are you outraged? Do you want to scream at the world about injustice? You can to that! Channel that energy, while you’ve still got it! Don’t let yourself waste away in here. Don’t lose all of your passion and motivation and start living like a plant. Let us help you.”
    I have to admit, the man was good.
    I stared into the surface of the metal table. I heard the electric lights humming in the silence. Finally, I said, “Maybe.”
    Cain eased back in his chair. I looked up and saw him smiling. He said, “Tell me what’s holding you back.” Typical salesman ploy.
    I was quiet and then I said, “I’m ... I’m afraid of the ghost.”
    Cain was still smiling, thinking he had already won me