A/N: own none of L.J Smith's characters or anything associated with the FG series. Only the chain of events and new characters. Can I just say I absolutely adore these series even own the old paperback covers? I'd say Jenny is a pretty admirable character and I wanted to see more of that growth from her in this novel. I believe this could definitely be the next "installment" in the series.

This chapter was made possible by this song:

Artist: Evanescence

Song: Call Me When your Sober

Chapter Ten: Lamb No More

Jenny found herself lying in... dirt.

The substance meshed between her fingers wet, slick and ice cold. She couldn't see an inch in front of her the darkness so thick it reminded her of a black out. An experience that came to one's mind when the brain was unable to summon dreams.

Was it a creation of Julian's?

That answer would probably go unanswered. At the mere mention of his name, Jenny shuddered and a phantom pain shivered down her throat. Their last encounter had been unlike anything she'd ever experienced. The aching bruise along her neck was a stark reminder.

Between her thumb and forefinger she held the slip of paper tucked inside her jean pocket. Already she'd memorized its words.

The mysterious riddle served no purpose just yet. But it would serve its use once Jenny figured out its meaning. Her life now depended on it. That initial shock had yet to wear off. It was almost too much to deal with and Jenny had to shove the hysteria slowly building up inside if she intended to focus.

If she didn't, she knew she'd break.

Okay, Jenny, focus.

Unable to see anything it appeared Julian wanted her in a state of cluelessness? Which pushed to the front one of her weaknesses he took great pleasure in twisting: vulnerability. Admittedly the feeling wasn't too far off. Her safety hadn't been promised. This game would be about life or death.

He was the predator and she the prey.

Jenny swallowed, her body tense with apprehension. She pushed one foot in front of the other. That was what she needed to keep doing. Keep going. She kept a look out for unwanted eyes. No doubt, she could feel them pass over her as she journeyed farther into the puzzling labyrinth. It unnerved her knowing she was being watched by them. Jenny hadn't forgotten what had taken place in the cave of Joyland Park. Being nearly frozen to death hadn't she summoned the rune Isa...

Jenny shuddered at the memory.

Back then, she had had her friends. This time she no longer had such confidants. Dees fierce demeanor wasn't there to drawn from. Michael wasn't beside her to distress of the situation. Audrey wasn't clinging to Jenny's side for solace. Zach couldn't offer his optimism—even if he'd been absent during the Treasure Hunt.

Still.

Then there was Tom, and their history. All those games and Jenny had survived for him. Tom was what had kept her moving on. When it had all come to a final close Jenny had chosen Tom over her dream with Julian. Yet, in the months post game, they had still drifted apart.

Oh, Tom.

Nothing would be the same between them again. Jenny felt it. After all they'd gained and lost after the games, it was crazy to think it ended this way. She'd literally gone along the fringes of an unknown world to save the one she loved. Only to lose him in the end because of herself.

How ironic.

Each game Julian had initiated Jenny had stepped up to the plate for. Every base from seduction to trickery he'd pitched her way, she'd met with ferocity. The endurance it had taken to accomplish such took a strong woman. However it hadn't come without repercussions.

The sacrifices she'd made had changed her. Though the chaos settled in their lives, it hadn't come without a price. Only now was Jenny beginning to realize the price she'd paid.

Somewhere along the threads of their intertwined lives, their connection had started splitting at the seams. Her lips had felt his bittersweet goodbye. Thinking back on that moment Jenny blinked back the tears and she threw out her fist—

Connecting with grit.

Thwock!

Bits of rock strafed her trainers and echoed.

It was then Jenny's' anger flared like a beacon, shoving the fear momentarily, aside. A cave: she was in a cave. How opportunistic of Julian to devise such a confined place to trap her. Left to be consumed by her own thoughts. It was all too familiar from what he'd put her and the trio through in the tunnel of Love and Despair.

The Shadow Man had been given Jenny's remorse. Julian had seemed more human than a monster that day.

Jenny had wanted to save him.

When the rest of the Shadow Men had tried to stake their claim on Jenny, Julian had intervened. She thought him to be a hero for his sacrifice. For that he had gained her respect.

Or so she'd thought.

I was a fool.

The anger came like a slow burn. This supposed 'game' took on new meaning. If Julian wanted a war so, be it. Jenny had beaten him in the past and she would, again. Her fiery spirit which always prevailed, right? She was going to make him eat those words. Even if it was the last thing she did.

Thus, she accepted this challenge.

Julian may have become an unhinged madman, but Jenny wouldn't let that deter her. Every game Jenny had won. Every moment Julian had tried to weaken her Jenny had only come out stronger. She could do this with or without her friends. This time it wasn't to save some lost love.

It was to save herself.

I'm no lamb in this game.

Her doubts as to why this had to happen had long simmered to embers. Swept into the back of her mind. Once this was over Jenny would return to her friends in California. From then on, she would seal herself off from the shadow realm. And where Julian was permanently dead.

Even if Jenny had to carve him off herself.

That notion had become a reality the moment he had laid his bare hands on her. She wouldn't soon forget and vowed that that would never happen again. While Julian may have been the fire, Jenny had just become the phoenix reborn from his ashes.

Lion against lion. Tit for tat.

Jenny's lips curled into a fierce smile. Whatever Jadans part was in this she would take on as well. They would both pay.

We'll see who's the leader at the end.

A small, sliver of light broke less than a mile ahead.

" Jennnnnnyyyyyyy."

"Jennnnyyyyy."

By now, Jenny patients had worn thin.

The light blazed brighter.

"Jennnnyyy..." the voice whispered.

"Oh, I'm coming to find you, don't you worry." Jenny kept close to the darkened walls as the light brightened ahead.

NOTES:

Oh the chapters being weaved. You having as much fun as me?;)