Evaline:
Professor Mara's eyes scanned the crowd.
"This next challenge will test more than just your strength or knowledge. It will test your instinct. Your cooperation. Your trust in others."
She gestured to the forested trail behind the arena.
"Behind me lies the Ashgrove Maze. Your team will enter the maze with one mission: Retrieve the hidden sigil before time runs out. You will face obstacles. Creatures. Illusions. Each team will be assigned a unique route. You have until nightfall."
She paused. Then added, "And remember, those without a team will not enter."
I glanced around. A few applicants stood alone, faces pale, realizing they hadn't been chosen by anyone.
Disqualified before the test even began.
I tightened my grip on the leather strap of my bag.
I had a team. For the first time in my life… someone had chosen me. And I was going to make sure they didn't regret it.
