Chapter 48: Chapter 48: The Dance With Death

As she stepped out into the arena’s pit, she felt adrenaline begin to course through her veins. The crowd of people above them was abuzz with murmurs in both French and English, but she didn’t have the time nor the luxury of listening in to see who they were betting on.

Francine Gauthier stood in the middle of the arena, hands on her ruby red cane, humming along to Camille Saint Saën’s music as it began to play over the speakers. The violins sang as she turned to face Colette, all pleasantries gone from her expression.

Francine was dressed in a long, dark dress with a crimson and gold brooch on her left side. Her hair had been pinned up in a bun, and her signature half-moon glasses were no longer on her face.

“Arienne Villeneuve,” Francine said as they took their places across from each other. “How long have you waited for this moment? Do you think you’ll have your revenge? Do you think that you can survive against me for more than a moment?”