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 the badges from

1/4

shoulders

Sonya sprang to their feet, glaring

lost, the instructors can zero in on us. Without GPS, in the vastness

back mountains might be clear 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,

and Sonya stood paralyzed, surrounded by darkness. After Violeta's ominous words, sinister thoughts

dare stick

hustled

for us! The two who

said to Violeta. "Your method works! But how did you know the GPS was in the

"Just a hunch"

the badges one by one. Violeta quessed the GPS must

unwilling to gamble with their lives, obediently followed to climb

mountain

energy, Violeta rarely spoke

stall their progress, but

the badges

Violeta walked, they had

dense woods in the deep mountains shrouded everything in impenetrable darkness. Falling behind meant they'd vanish into the

wait around for them. So, the four trudged on without a

hour.

were gasping for air, their calves trembling. "Are you sure about this direction? It feels like we've been walking forever,

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

Too Shas got

badges hostage. He wouldn't be

noted wgrantly saving "rest to you think we wanted to follow

was on how wild

some mid catht We could be going

bottle, and flung their

are

ganen for badges saling a wave of