Phoenix Rising: From Heartache to Heroism

Chapter 25

Chapter 25 Wolves on the Prowl

"Ugh, I need a break. I can't go on anymore!"

"Totally. Training all day is killing me. I don't care about prize money or a dorm. Let's just quit."

Overhearing, Kaylee snapped, "How can you be so selfish? We're a team. Your lousy performance affects us all!"

The two shrugged carelessly. Jezebel quipped, "Who cares? If we drag you down, tough luck!"

Sonya chimed in, "Exactly. You chose to be in our group. The instructor put us together, not our call."

In reality, the pair planned to sabotage Violeta deliberately.

Before the assessment, Zelena approached, pretending to be concerned for Violeta, saying, "My family wants my sister back. Do your best to ruin Violeta's chances. Only then will she be willing to leave and return to the Blake family."

Jezebel and Sonya fell for Zelena's manipulation.

Of course, Zelena promised them a handsome incentive.

Zelena had dangled fifty thousand in front of Jezebel and Sonya to ensure their cooperation in sabotaging Violeta.

Why would they refuse to get fifty thousand without the struggle of earning a high ranking and currying favor with Zelena?

Jezebel and Sonya eagerly agreed. So, as the group entered the mountains, they began. intentionally slacking off, slowing down the team.

Violeta knew the mountain route well. Securing a top-five position was possible without slackers-maybe not a guaranteed first, but certainly respectable..

However, with Jezebel and Sonya in their current state, ending up in the bottom ten seemed inevitable.

Violeta suspected Zelena had poisoned their minds behind her back.

Kaylee asked them, "What more do you want to start moving again? Isn't the fifty thousand prize tempting enough?" Certainly not! Why go through the hard work for the money when they could slack off and still receive the same amount? Jezebel and Sonya just rolled their eyes at Kaylee, not bothering to respond. Persuasion didn't work for them.

ripping

1/4

shoulders

feet, glaring at

the instructors can zero in on us. Without GPS, in the vastness of Mount Wilson, you might as well be ghosts, even

of wild beasts, but who's to say they won't return, catching a scent of you and chasing you down? Sit tight and prepare for the worst if you're hanging around." "Kaylee, let's get moving Violeta pinched their badges and turned on her heel, and

ominous

dare stick

hustled to catch

Wait for us! The two

works! But how did

"Just a hunch"

the instructors collected the badges one

to gamble with their lives, obediently followed to

mountain

save energy, Violeta rarely spoke along

and Sonya attempted to stall their progress, but Violeta had control

the badges

as Violeta walked, they had

deep mountains shrouded everything in impenetrable darkness. Falling behind meant they'd vanish

around for them. So, the four trudged

hour.

It feels like we've been walking forever, and nothing's changed around us! You're

but steadfast, remained by Violeta's side. "If you're

Too Shas got

hostage.

think we wanted to follow te te

was on how wild

some mid catht We could be going in

friss her water, stowed the bottle,

are

badges saling a wave of