glancing around
The room is quiet, save for the faint rustle of fabric as I pull my shirt over my head and let it fall to the floor. The air is cool against my skin, but I barely notice. My eyes are fixed on the mirror, on the reflection staring back at me with a mixture of apprehension and defiance.
The mark is there, just as I knew it would be. Golden and intricate, it curves along my left side, starting just below my breast and trailing down my ribcage. It’s bigger than I thought it would be, more elaborate, and the symbol at its center looks like a crescent moon, half-shrouded in swirling, delicate lines, seems to shimmer faintly in the dim light. It’s beautiful, in a way that makes my stomach twist.
I reach out, my fingers brushing against the mark, half-expecting it to feel warm or to pulse with some kind of magic. But it’s just skin, smooth and unyielding, as though it’s always been there. As though it belongs there.
I take a deep breath, trying to steady the storm of emotions swirling inside me. Relief, because the mark can be hidden under clothes, tucked away where no one will see it unless I let them. Fear, because I know what it means, what it represents. And anger, because I didn’t really want this. I didn’t ask for this. But I still ended up accepting it.
I shake my head, forcing the thought away. I’m not a pawn. I’m not. I made a choice, and I’ll live with it. I’ll use it. I’ll find a way to turn this to my advantage, there has to be a way. I have to.
I straighten my shoulders, lifting my chin as I meet my reflection’s gaze. There’s no going back now. No room for doubt. No room for fear. I am Lilia, and I will not be broken.
I am distracted by someone knocking on the door.
“I’m getting dressed, just a second”
I glance at my reflection one last time, then turn to the clothes I left on the bed. The bra is a gift from Jude, who always insisted that human clothing was more comfortable in some ways. And she was right—underwear, in particular, is a small but undeniable luxury. I slip it on, followed by the emerald green dress with its delicate white embroidery and slits along the sides. The fabric is soft against my skin, but it does little to ease the tension coiled in my chest.
As I’m fastening the last button, there’s another knock at the door. This time, it’s more insistent.
“Come in”
I say, smoothing the fabric of my dress.
Gia steps inside, her expression as neutral as ever. She’s holding something in her hand—a pair of tweezers with a white bow attached, a golden gem glinting at its center. She holds it out to me, her movements precise and deliberate.
“Miss, Madam said to give you this before you go”
she says, her voice calm and measured.
I take the clip from her, turning it over in my hands. The bow is delicate, the gem catching the light in a way that makes it seem almost alive.
“Thank you”
I say, placing it on the vanity next to the other hair accessories I’ve collected.
"Madam would like you to wear this today" she tells me.
I don’t understand why Kiki would want me to wear this particular clip today. I have plenty of others, and I’d almost settled on a different one. But the white of the bow isn’t far off from the embroidery on my dress, and the golden gem adds a touch of elegance. Maybe it’s not such a bad choice after all.
“Okay”
I say to Gia, sitting down in front of the mirror. I lift a few strands of hair on the right side, securing them with the clip. The effect is subtle but striking, the bow adding a softness to the lines of my face. I tilt my head, studying my reflection. It looks… nice. Better than I expected.
“Do you want me to help you with your hair?” Gia asks, her tone polite but distant.
“It’s not necessary, thanks”
I reply, adjusting the clip slightly.
“Has my mom already gone out?”
“Yes”
she says, folding her hands neatly in front of her.
“She said she’ll be back tomorrow morning.”
I nod, though the news does little to ease the knot of anxiety in my chest. My mother’s absences for her mondane activities are nothing new, just like Joaalk or Talia, but tonight it leaves me feeling unsettled, as though the ground beneath me is just a little less stable.
Having even just one of them here would be enough moral support for me, but their absence makes everything weigh twice as much.
There’s an activity during class at the palace today, something in preparation for the Spring Ball. I don’t remember exactly what it consists of, something about etiquette, or dancing, or maybe both. I wasn’t paying much attention when it was explained. To be honest, I’m not that interested. But Jude and Taryn mentioned that our classes would be merged again to have more participants. Normally, that would be fine. More than fine, even. But after what happened—after the mark, after the kiss—I’m not exactly eager to show myself around. Especially when I know I’ll see Cardan again today.
The thought of facing him makes my stomach twist. But I don’t have a choice. I have to go. I have to act like nothing happened, like everything is as it was before. Like I’m still the same, untouched and unbroken.
“I’ll be down in a moment.”
I say, my voice steady.
She nods and slips out of the room, leaving me alone with my reflection once more.
I take a deep breath, getting up and smoothing the fabric of my dress, adjusting the clip in my hair. The bow catches the light, a small, defiant spark of brightness against the dark cloud of my thoughts.
I step out of my room and into the hallway, the cool air brushing against my skin. The corridors are quiet, the usual hum of activity muted, as though the house itself is holding its breath.
Once I get to the palace, I’m greeted by Taryn, who’s sitting alone on a rock not far from the entrance. She looks up as I approach, her face lighting up with a warm smile. Her creamy white dress, adorned with pastel pink bows and delicate embroidery, catches the light of the dawn, making her olive skin glow. She’s always had a way of looking effortlessly elegant, even when she’s just sitting there, waiting.
“Where’s Jude?”
I ask, glancing around.
Taryn shrugs, her expression thoughtful.
“When I left the house, she wasn’t there. I figured she’d already gone ahead, so I decided to wait for you. I didn’t want to go in alone.”
Did Jude come early to meet Nicasia? She still hasn’t told Taryn about them, as far as I know. I wonder if she ever will.
Taryn and I enter the palace gardens arm in arm, the familiar scent of blooming nightshade and crushed greenery filling the air. She eyes me for a moment, then smiles.
"You look more radiant than usual today."
she says, her tone warm and genuine
I blink, caught off guard by the compliment. Taryn’s always been affectionate, quick to offer kind words, but today it feels… different. Maybe it’s the turmoil churning inside me, the weight of the mark hidden beneath my dress, that makes her words seem sharper, brighter. Or maybe it’s just that I’m hyperaware of everything right now, every glance, every word, every breath.
“Thank you”
I say, forcing a smile.
“You look stunning, as always. That dress is perfect on you.”
She beams, her cheeks flushing slightly, and we start walking toward the gardens. The air is sweet with the scent of blooming flowers, and the red sunlight of the dawn filters through the trees, casting dappled shadows on the path.
As we approach the gathering spot, I notice some of my classmates already there, standing in small groups and chatting. A few of Taryn’s classmates are there too, their laughter ringing out like bells. But there’s no sign of Jude. Or Cardan, for that matter. I’m not sure whether to feel relieved or uneasy about that.
“What do you think we’re going to do today?”
I ask Taryn, trying to keep my tone light. She’s leaning slightly, scanning the crowd for Jude, her grip on my arm tightening just a little.
“I don’t know”
she says, her voice distracted.
“Most likely, though... the couples, if they’re here, will have to stay together for the activities.”
She turns to me, a mischievous glint in her eye and lowering her voice.
“Maybe you should hope Cardan doesn’t show up.”
I force a laugh, though the mention of his name sends a jolt of unease through me.
“I couldn’t care less about him, honestly.”
I say, pretending indifference. Since that…incident in the gardens of Princess Rhyia’s villa, I’ve tried not to think about it. Tried and failed.
It was intense, if you could even call it that, but also strange. He’d left so quickly, without a word, leaving me with too many questions and no answers. And I can’t shake the feeling that that was exactly his intention.
“Oh, so you’re not happy to have to spend time with the prince?”
Taryn teases, raising her eyebrows.
“I’d rather shave my head” I reply dryly.
“There are definitely more stimulating recreational activities than spending time with him.”
“And you consider shaving your head a recreational activity?”
she asks, laughing.
“If you look at it differently, it can be.”
I say, smiling despite myself.
Taryn laughs again, the sound light and carefree, but then her expression shifts. Her eyes widen slightly, and she quickly looks away, her laughter fading. I feel a cold knot form in my stomach.
I close my eyes, clenching my jaw and taking a deep breath. When I open them, I mouth, “Is he behind me?”
Taryn nods, her lips pressed into a thin line.
Great. Just what I needed.
I force myself to stay calm, to keep my expression neutral, but my heart is pounding. I can feel his presence behind me, like a shadow stretching across the ground, and I know, without turning around, that he’s watching me. Of course he is.
“Well”
Taryn says, her voice a little too bright,
“looks like Jude is finally here. We should probably go join her.”
I nod, grateful for the excuse to move, and we start walking toward the group.
"Remind me to never speak again for the rest of my life."
I mutter under my breath as we walk away, my voice low enough that only Taryn can hear. My cheeks are burning, and I can feel the weight of Cardan’s gaze like a brand on the back of my neck.
She bites back a laugh.
"I have no idea how he got there."
Without making it obvious, she glances over her shoulder, sneaking a look at where Cardan is standing.
“Was he already there and we didn't notice him?”
I keep my eyes fixed straight ahead.
"Is he looking at us?"
I ask, my voice tight. I don’t dare turn around.
"Oh, definitely. More like at you, actually."
She turns back to me, voice tinged with amusement.
"I think he heard you."
"You think so?" I say dryly.
"If I had climbed onto a table and started shouting, he probably would’ve heard me less."
The words come out sharper than I intend, and a fresh wave of embarrassment washes over me. I can feel my face heating up, and I resist the urge to bury my head in my hands. Of all the people to overhear me, why did it have to be him?
Taryn shrugs.
"Let’s hope he doesn’t take it too badly… If anything, you should apologize to him."
I shoot her a look. The thought of apologizing to him doesn't appeal to me at all, even though I know I'm in the wrong in this case.
"No one is apologizing to anyone."
Jude says, cutting into the conversation as she joins us. Her timing is impeccable, but I doubt she even knows what we’re talking about.
"Where were you?”
Taryn asks, turning to her sister.
"Just got here" Jude replies, frowning.
"Why did you leave so early and not wait for me?"
Taryn makes a strange face.
"You weren’t home. I looked everywhere for you."
Her tone is even, but I don’t miss the flicker of something else in her expression. I glance between them. Jude doesn’t respond right away. She just looks at Taryn, her gaze steady and unreadable. For a moment, the air between them feels charged, like the calm before a storm. Then Jude shrugs again, her expression softening slightly.
“I was in the garden”
she says, her tone dismissive.
“You know how I get when I’m training. I lose track of time.”
Taryn doesn’t look entirely convinced, but she doesn’t push it. Instead, she turns back to me, her arm still linked with mine.
“Well, whatever. We’re all here now. Let’s just focus on getting through this… whatever it is.”
I nod, though I can’t shake the feeling that Jude’s hiding something. Beside Nicasia.
Morac and Madalyn step forward, their presence commanding enough to draw the scattered groups into a loose semicircle. I move closer with Taryn and Jude, my eyes darting around the garden one last time, searching for Cardan. He’s nowhere to be seen. I don’t know whether to feel relieved or uneasy about his absence. Maybe he’s decided to skip the activity altogether. Or maybe he’s just biding his time, waiting for the right moment to reappear.
Morac begins speaking, his voice carrying the weight of someone who’s explained this a hundred times before. He’s talking about the Spring Ball: its history, its significance, the importance of tradition. It’s the kind of speech we’ve all heard before, and it’s hard to muster the enthusiasm to listen.
“What were you saying before?”
Jude whispers, leaning closer to us. Her voice is low, but there’s a sharpness to it that makes me glance around to make sure no one’s listening.
“About what?”
Taryn replies, her eyes still fixed on Morac, though her voice is barely audible.
“About apologizing”
Jude says, her tone casual but her eyes narrowing slightly. As I thought, she hadn’t heard the context.
“Oh, it’s about—”
Taryn starts to explain, but I tug lightly on her arm, a silent warning. I don’t think it’s a good idea to risk being overheard again. Taryn glances around, her movements subtle but deliberate, making sure no one of note is within earshot. When she’s satisfied, she leans closer to Jude and continues in a hushed tone
“Lili said that she’d rather shave her head than spend time with Cardan, and she called it a recreational activity.”
Jude lets out a laugh, sharp and sudden, and a few heads turn in our direction. I reach past Taryn, who’s standing between us, and poke Jude in the arm to make her stop. She quiets down, but her shoulders are still shaking with silent laughter.
“And why would you apologize about it? I agree.”
Jude asks me, her voice low but laced with amusement.
“Because we think he heard her say it.”
Taryn replies, her tone a mix of exasperation and amusement.
Jude’s smile twists into a sneer, her eyes glinting with something dark and satisfied.
“Serves him right”
she says, her voice barely above a whisper.
“Now he knows how it feels.”
A flicker of something dark crosses her face before she schools her expression into something neutral. She doesn’t need to say what she means. We all know.
And for a moment, I wonder—if Cardan truly did hear me, did he care? Or did he simply add it to his growing list of reasons to despise me?
"By the way"
Jude leans in slightly, her voice low but teasing
"you’re so pretty tonight. Did you dress up for the event?"
She flashes me a wry smile, her eyes glinting with mischief.
It’s the second compliment I’ve received tonight, and I’m not sure what to make of it. I glance down at my dress, emerald green, trying to pinpoint if I’ve done anything differently. I don’t think so. My hair is mostly down, with just a few strands pinned back on the right side by the clip Gia gave me earlier. Hardly a grand transformation.
"Thanks"
I say cautiously.
"But no, I’ve worn this before. I don’t think I’ve done anything different."
Jude studies me for a moment, the humor in her expression fading into something more thoughtful.
"I’m not joking, Lili"
she says, voice softer now.
"I don’t know... maybe it’s your hair? Whatever it is, you look really good."
"Right?"
Taryn chimes in, nodding emphatically.
"I told her that too, she's so pretty."
I frown, glancing between them.
"Are you two conspiring to boost my ego or something?"
I ask, half-joking but genuinely confused.
They both laugh, and I shake my head, turning my attention back to Morac, who is finally, thankfully, wrapping up his explanation.
"I imagine some of you received a golden acorn on the day of the card reveal"
Madalyn says as he steps forward.
His voice is crisp, cutting cleanly through the murmurs of the gathered students.
"I ask those who have one to gather on the right, and those who don’t, to gather on the left."
He gestures in both directions, her movements precise and deliberate.
Taryn sighs beside me.
"Fun’s over"
she says, giving me a look of exaggerated sympathy.
Neither she nor Jude has a golden acorn, which means they’ll be on the left while I’ll be on the right. I feel a flicker of disappointment, but I shove it down. This is Faerie—separated, categorized, divided. Even among my closest friends, I am always apart.
"See you later"
Jude says, her tone light, but her eyes sharp with something else.
"Try not to go through the night without hair."
She grins, obviously pleased with herself.
"Very funny"
I mutter, shooting her a half-hearted glare before turning toward the right side of the group.
As I move, my gaze flickers across the faces of those who have also received a golden acorn. Some look excited, others nervous, and a few, like Valerian, lounging carelessly near the edge, seem completely indifferent. I wonder how Taryn might feel about it, seeing him with someone.
I take my place among the others. I scan the crowd again, but there’s still no sign of Cardan. Maybe he left.
"Fancy seeing you here"
Locke says, his voice smooth as he steps closer. There’s a knowing smile on his lips, as if the very idea of us both being here amuses him.
"You too"
I reply, my gaze flicking briefly to Jude and Taryn as they settle on the other side.
Locke tilts his head, his amber eyes sweeping over me.
"This color suits you."
I turn to face him, surprised. It seems like everyone’s in agreement today: first Taryn, then Jude, and now Locke. I glance down at my dress. I’m still not sure what I’ve done differently, but I’ll take it.
"Thank you"
I say with a hint of a smile.
Madalyn’s voice cuts through the buzz of conversation.
“Good, now that you are all grouped together, Morac will take care of those without the pair, while I will take care of those who have it.”
He gestures for Morac to take the left group, and he nods, moving off to join them while Madalyn steps closer to us, his gaze sweeping over the group.
“You all have a partner, right?”
he asks, his tone brisk and businesslike.
A chorus of nods and murmured “yes” answers him.
“And they’re all here?” he presses.
Two people shake their heads, their expressions sheepish. I glance around again, my stomach sinking. Cardan is still nowhere to be seen. Maybe I should speak up, say that my partner isn’t here either. But before I can say anything, Madalyn claps his hands.
“Then you two can work together”
he says, pointing to the pair who are without their partners.
“The rest of you, approach your partner.”
I hesitate, my mind racing. Locke steps closer, his expression softening as he studies my face.
"You look distressed.”
his voice low and amused.
I arch a brow at him. "Do I?"
"If you want, I can join you."
I blink at him, surprised by the offer.
"And leave your partner alone?"
He shrugs, utterly unconcerned.
"I don’t think she’d mind."
I look at him, seriously considering his proposal. It’s tempting, but something holds me back. Maybe it’s pride, but I would rather be alone than be pitied.
“I’ll be okay”
I say finally, my voice soft but firm.
“I don’t want to cause any trouble.”
Locke watches me, his expression unreadable for a moment, before his lips curve into a small, knowing smile.
"It's unfortunate, really."
I frown. "What is?"
He gestures lazily toward the empty space beside me.
"That you seem to have been left unattended."
His voice is light, teasing, but there's an edge beneath it, something that makes me wary.
I cross my arms, fingers brushing against the fabric of my dress as if to ground myself.
"It's not a problem. I'll tell Madalyn."
Locke tilts his head.
"Or, instead, I could be your partner for tonight."
His tone is casual, but his eyes gleam with mischief.
"I don't think that's necessary, really."
I reply, trying to sound firm.
He's about to insist again, his lips parting to speak—
Nicasia approaches us, her tone sharp and dripping with annoyance.
"Are you so kindhearted as to want to give charity now?"
she asks Locke, though her gaze flickers to me. It seems her disdain hasn’t changed since we last saw each other.
"She already has a partner. It’s her problem that she’s been left alone"
she adds, her voice cold.
Locke sighs, but he doesn’t seem particularly bothered.
It dawns on me: Are Locke and Nicasia a couple? The thought catches me off guard, and I have to resist the urge to glance over at Jude.
Well, seems like she does mind about her partner leaving her alone afterall.
“That’s right”
I say, my voice steady despite the tension coiling in my chest.
“That’s my problem. Now that we’ve all established that we agree on this…”
I nod, and turn to walk over to Madalyn.
I hear Nicasia say something to Locke under her breath, her laughter sharp and mocking. Something like “The puppy seems to have lost her owner.”
I sigh, biting back my irritation. I really should have a serious conversation about my friends' love interests—or lack thereof.
Madalyn is standing a few feet away, flipping through the pages of a worn leather-bound book. I stop beside him.
“Sir”
I try to get his attention, but he doesn’t seem to hear me. He continues to read, his lips moving slightly as he mutters something under his breath.
“Sir?”
I try again, louder this time, but it’s still in vain. He’s completely absorbed in whatever he’s reading.
I glance back at the group on the right, where Morac is giving instructions. The others are listening intently, their expressions focused. Nothing will happen if I join them, right? It’s not like I’m breaking any rules. And besides, I can’t just stand here waiting for Madalyn to notice me.
Taking a deep breath, I step toward the group, my plan clear in my mind: join them without being noticed. Blend in. Disappear. But before I can take more than a few steps, a hand presses against my hip, firm and unyielding, turning me before I even register what's happening. Instinct kicks in, I push my hands forward, bracing myself—
And they land on Cardan’s chest.
My heart stutters. His shirt is smooth beneath my fingers, the warmth of him seeping through the fabric. I look up, startled, and meet his gaze: dark, irritated.
"Where do you think you're going?"
His tone is clipped, his grip still steady on my hip, his arm curled around my back as if to keep me from stepping away.
I blink at him.
"Um."
That’s all I manage to say.
I realize where we’re standing, too close. My hands are pressed against his chest, and I can feel the steady rise and fall of his breathing beneath my palms. His hand still on my hip, his arm wrapped around my back, pulling me toward him. Panic flares in my chest, and I quickly jerk my hands away from his chest like I’ve been burned. I’m sure we have a lot of eyes on us right now.
Cardan, however, doesn’t seem to share my urgency.
"Did you mean to slip away unnoticed?"
His voice is smooth, but there’s something sharp beneath it.
"Abandoning me to make your escape? How very…"
He trails off, letting the words linger in the air like a challenge.
"Huh? No!"
My voice comes out too loud. I clear my throat, forcing myself to sound calmer.
"I thought you left."
He tilts his head, watching me.
"Well. Clearly, you thought wrong."
"Yes, it’s clear."
I repeat, hoping my discomfort is just as obvious.
His grip tightens slightly before he finally lets go, but even as I step back, I can still feel the ghost of his touch
He doesn’t move away from where he is, though. If anything, he seems to be enjoying my unease.
"New hairpin?"
Cardan asks, his gaze flicking to my hair.
I blink, caught off guard. Of all things, I hadn’t expected him to comment on that.
"Do you want one too?
I shoot back, too fast, too arrogant—stupid. I immediately regret it.
He raises an eyebrow.
"You seem attached to it."
I freeze, my hand halfway to the clip. How would he understand that I’m attached to it? I look at him, trying to gauge his expression, but it’s impossible.
He shrugs, almost smirking
"It would be a shame if something were to happen."
The words are light, but there’s something about the way he says them that makes my stomach twist. I frown, confused—until realization crashes into me like a slap to the face.
My own words come rushing back. I’d rather shave my head than spend time with Cardan.
Oh.
I stare at him, suddenly unsure. Is he… threatening me? Would he actually—? No, of course not. Right?
Yes, he would.
A prickle of unease crawls up my spine. Maybe I should apologize. Maybe I should say something before this turns into another one of those moments where he finds some elaborate way to get back at me.
Before I can decide, he smirks and adds,
"Though, I suppose a bald little mortal would make for an amusing sight."
I scowl, my decision made.
"You want to get back at me by making fun of me in front of everyone? Is your ego really that affected by something I said? I didn’t think you cared."
His smirk doesn’t waver, but there’s something sharper in his gaze now, something that makes my pulse stutter.
"You assume I care."
His voice is lazy, almost mocking.
"Maybe I’m just helping you in one of your recreational activities."
I bite the inside of my cheek. He doesn’t seem to be joking. I should have run away faster.
"Who's missing?"
Madalyn calls from the front of the group, scanning the crowd. His eyes land on us, and his lips press into a thin line.
"Prince, come here with your partner, please."
Cardan doesn’t say another word to me. He just turns and walks toward the group. I follow at a safe distance.
Madalyn clasps his hands together as we reach the others.
"I was planning on doing some dance practice, but I suppose you all get enough of that on your own."
A murmur of laughter ripples through the group. Dance practice? I’ve never actually done that, and thank the stars I never had to.
Madalyn's expression darkens slightly.
"Besides, having a… human"
he says, glancing in my direction
"makes it unsafe. So I’ve adjusted the activities planned."
A few people turn to glare at me, as if I personally made this decision. I hold back a sigh. Not sure why they’re giving me dirty looks... it’s not like I have any say in the matter. I don’t make the decisions here. Nor anywhere else. If anyone wants to dance, they can go ahead. I wouldn’t mind sitting off to the side and watching.
"So, with Morac’s help, we’ve organized a treasure hunt!"
Madalyn announces, his excitement evident.
I’ve seen him a few times, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen him like this. I can’t understand what’s so thrilling about a treasure hunt—a children’s game, no less. The way he is grinning, you’d think he’s just announced the most thrilling event of the century.
There’s a mix of reactions from the group. Some seem intrigued, others indifferent, and a few, like Valerian, roll their eyes. But I catch a glimpse of Locke’s face, he doesn't seem bothered by the game.
"This isn’t just any treasure hunt"
Madalyn continues, clearly pleased with himself.
"It will test your wit, your agility, and most importantly, your ability to work with your partner. This isn’t just about speed or cleverness—it’s about trust, communication, and teamwork. So, couples, stick together. You’ll need each other if you want to win."
I glance at Cardan out of the corner of my eye. He’s standing beside me, his arms crossed. If he’s bothered by the idea of having to work with me, he doesn’t show it.
Madalyn gestures toward Morac, who steps forward with a stack of parchment scrolls in his hands. He begins distributing them to each pair, his movements brisk and efficient.
"Each pair will be given a set of clues that will lead them to their prize. The first to retrieve it and return wins."
He pauses.
"And if you think this will be easy, you’re mistaken. The clues won’t just test your intelligence. There will be… obstacles."
That gets a reaction. I hear Cardan sigh.
When he reaches us, he hands a scroll to Cardan, who takes it without a word. He unrolls it slowly, his gaze scanning the contents before he hands it to me without comment. I take the scroll, my fingers brushing against his for the briefest moment. The parchment is smooth and heavy, the ink dark and elegant. The first clue is written in flowing script, the meal of...
but before I can read it, Madalyn speaks again.
"Remember"
he says, his tone sharp now
"If you fail to work together, you’ll fail the hunt. And trust me, you don’t want to be the pair that comes in last."
A ripple of laughter runs through the group, though it feels more nervous than amused. I glance around, noticing the way some of the others are already huddling together, whispering strategies or laughing off their nerves.
"The other group will be your rivals"
Morac adds. His voice is calmer, more measured than Madalyn’s, but there’s something equally unsettling about it.
“Now go!”