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.

moved forward, ripping the badges from Jezebel

1/4

shoulders

and Sonya sprang to their feet, glaring

tagged with GPS. If we aver get lost, the instructors can zero in

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

Violeta's ominous words,

would dare stick

and Sonya hustled

The two

But how did you know the GPS was in the

"Just a hunch"

instructors collected the badges one by one. Violeta quessed

gamble with

mountain

Violeta rarely

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

the badges

long as Violeta walked,

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

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

hour.

Sonya were gasping for air, their calves trembling. "Are you sure about this direction? It feels like we've been walking forever, and nothing's changed around us! You're not leading us in

steadfast, remained by Violeta's side.

Too Shas got

hostage. He wouldn't

to you think

was on how wild

on some mid catht

her water, stowed the bottle, and flung their shoulder badges

are

badges saling a wave of