CHAPTER 135: THE MAW FEAST (4)

The river hissed against the rocks as the warriors stepped into the circle. Nova was fixated on what was about to happen. She’d never been to a boxing match let alone something like this!

Yes, she’d fought Veyra recently and seen her fair share of violence on this island, but this was a tradition among the Apatka. This was their way of celebrating?! By fighting and feasting and... *cough cough*. Nova’s eyes wandered to a few getting a little passionate on the sidelines and roaming off into the jungle to continue their own version of the festivities.

Nova’s attention snapped back to what was about to begin, looking over the first two warriors that balanced on the rocks opposite sides of each other.

The first warrior was broad-shouldered, his chest striped in black, his lower jaw marked in white to resemble fangs. The other was leaner, with scars crisscrossing his body, but his eyes burned like coals.

Their surroundings trembled as the tribe began to chant, stamping their feet in time with the drums. Roars of excitement rumbled along the village and surrounding jungle, making those nearby to flee and venture to safer heights or grounds while the Apatka were out for blood.

Fortunately, where their small group were seated seemed to be some VIP location because the crowds who were standing were below the slight and rocky terrain they were sitting on, making it easy for them to watch the revelry from a safe distance.

Yara stepped into the ring, looking between them with a fearsome expression before turning back to the crowds that hushed beneath her piercing stare, grounding everyone to the spot. Nova couldn’t help but admire her. She was small, fierce and controlled this crazy tribe with a single stare. She must be a great warrior to hold such respect from the Apatka.

"We all know the rules," Yara began, her eyes roaming the crowds, her voice barely raised as she held everyone’s attention. They leaned forward like they couldn’t wait to see the chaos unravel before them, like they were holding their breaths under Yara’s command.

"But at this Maw Feast we are honoured by guests unaware of what we do here..." Yara continued, her gaze landing on the trio who sat a little taller, shoulders pulling back under the Chief’s stare. "There are no rules except this!" She pointed her finger up, her voice raised to hold her tribe’s attention.

It was almost like a TV show, and Nova was all for it! Where were those berries?

"No weapons and no killing," she said, her voice low, a wicked glint in her eyes, a smirk gracing her lips.

"That doesn’t sound so bad," Nova whispered, looking between the others.

Atia and Aiyana slowly looked at her. Sahco, who had still been standing, by shook his head and walked off into the crowds.

"Oh sweet little chickling," Atia whispered back.

Chickling?!

Before he could say anything else though, Yara spoke again.

"I think it’s time we show these JAGUARS what we are really made of!"

The crowd bellowed, stomping their feet and fisting the air. The rumbling kickstarted Nova’s heart into overdrive from the atmosphere. It sounded like a stadium.

"Begin!"

The fighters lunged for each other and the crowd jumped up and down, demanding blood.

The lean one darted in fast, his fist catching the bigger man’s ribs with a crack that made Nova wince. The larger warrior barely flinched—he surged forward, grabbed his opponent by the throat, and slammed him back against the rocks with a force that sent water splashing high into the air.

A gasp ripped from Nova’s lips, her hand shooting to her chest.

The Apatka screamed their delight, their voices rough and wild.

Nova’s stomach twisted, half repulsed and half mesmerized. It was raw savagery, and yet there was a rhythm to it, almost like a dance—a bloodied dance.

The leaner warrior lashed out again, breaking free, his elbow connecting with the big man’s jaw. A tooth flew, glinting in the torchlight before splashing into the water. The crowd roared louder, stamping and chanting the name of the fighter they wanted to win.

Atia leaned forward, eyes alight, caught up in the energy. "Now this is a fight."

Aiyana smirked, her own fists curling at her sides. "Better than watching the Oncari practice drills."

Yoa said nothing, though Nova felt the tension rolling off him. His eyes flicked between the fighters and the crowd, never truly at ease.

The larger warrior bellowed, grabbed the smaller one in both arms, and twisted. There was a sickening crack. The man screamed before he was hurled into the water, limp. The victor raised his fists, blood dripping down his jaw, and the Apatka cheered so loud the trees themselves seemed to shudder.

The drums pounded harder. Another pair of fighters entered the circle, painted in jagged patterns of red and green. The ritual would continue, blood upon blood, until the chief declared it finished.

There was so much blood, it started to colour the river that washed it downstream. After a while, the warriors started to change tactics, to offer more entertainment. They shifted and fought in their crocodile forms. Other times it was partial shifts, slicing and biting each other.

One particular fight, the guy pummelled the other into the rocks until Yara’s men stepped in to pull him back and check the man’s pulse.

"Still breathing," they announced, and the crowds roared in celebration.

Children were still among them, some fighting on the side, others with their families sitting on their parent’s shoulders, enamoured by the fights. By this point, Nova and the others had moved into the back of the crowds for a better experience among them. Though Yoa and Atia were still on guard, wary of being among the Apatka who so easily fought and shouted for the blood of their friends to be spilled.

Nova began to bounce on her feet a little. At first Yoa thought she couldn’t see properly because of the beasts in front of them but then the urgency trickled through the bond before she went on her tiptoes and whispered, "I need to relieve myself."

Yoa chuckled and started to follow her. "You don’t need to come," she said, stopping after taking a few steps away from the crowd. "I’m Yara’s honoured guest. Nobody will touch me."

Yoa arched his brow. ’I do not trust these people,’ His words floated through the mind link.

Nova nodded. She could feel his protective instincts and the way his nerves had been on edge the entire time. Sure, the fighting was enjoyable but to someone like Yoa, he was always alert, watching for potential threats, especially among a crowd, and especially among those that were technically their enemies.

Nova’s hand slid into Yoas after announcing their plan to the other two, intending to return quickly. Aiyana waved them off and Atia shared a look with Yoa before stepping a little closer to Aiyana, protective and watchful of his surroundings.

Once they were at a decent distance, Nova went behind a tree and released a sigh of relief. Yoa was the other side of it, though he thought it was stupid and would rather be much closer. They’d seen each other naked, what difference did it make if he saw her relieve herself?

Nova rolled her eyes at the thoughts accidentally rolling through the mind link. ’Can you hear me?’ She asked.

’Yes. You are getting better,’ He answered. ’It is much clearer. We should work on improving this link at greater distances.’

Nova smiled, pleased at herself. As she was adjusting her skirt, her hands paused on her thighs, her eyes locking at someone ahead. Piercing ruby red eyes stared at her, sending a chill down her body. She felt like a deer trapped in headlights.

Was that... a vampira?