The Hidden Princess At All-Boys Alpha Academy

Chapter 88

I gasp when my eyes fly open, hauling breath into my lungs as if I’ve just broken out of a pool of water.

I immediately it up. panting, staring around at my unfamiliar surroundings. And my

thought, absurdly, is that I’m in the dream state-

Because this – this is not the dorm room that I was in with my friends ten seconds ago.

first

No, as I look around I realize that I’m in the woods now. But it takes me a few moments and blinks to realize that these are not the dream woods in which I meet Luca – but real woods. And it’s dusk, which is absurd, because it was just night time, but why…

My instincts come back to me in bits and pieces and I curl my legs beneath me, ready to get to my feet as I look warily around, trying to figure out what the hell is going on here. My body feels sluggish and tired, but I would swear that moments ago I was drinking a toast with Daphne

Daphne, who I suddenly remember betrayed us. But why!?

I dart my eyes around, trying to figure out my surroundings, how I got here, why I’m all alone, and I almost jump when I turn to see a wooden box behind me.

Ari Clark, it says, my name written onto a piece of paper nailed to the top. I just stare at it for a long moment, putting together the clues.

I’m here, alone, in the woods, with a long box with my fake name on it.

And the only ones who use my fake name are…the Academy…

and flip open the

the damn Examination – they lied to us, telling us it was next week so that we wouldn’t suspect or prepare. And Daphne didn’t betray us – she was just doing her damn job, drugging us with the wine so that they could get us here to

a moment I ignore the long crossbow and the set of six vials, opting instead for the little folded piece of paper, which

my legs underneath me, my eyes flying over the note as I unfold it.

Clark, it

moment you wake and read this note. In order to continue at the Academy in the spring term, you are required to be amongst the top 60% of cadets

the Final Destination, noted on the included

a moment, glancing into the box to see that there is indeed

your mission to reach the Final Destination quickly and ahead of your fellow cadets. Please note that only the first 60% of cadets to reach the finish line will be invited back in the Spring term; even if you do

your

aid you to slow any of fellow candidates on their own way to the Destination, should that be part of your tactics. However, be aware that these supplies are not designed to kill. While this is a war simulation at a military academy, your fellow candidates are your countrymen. Any blatant acts designed specifically to kill

warning because….well, I mean, they’ve given me a cross bow, haven’t they? What do they want me to do with it, make friends?

page,

reach the Final Destination. Any candidate who takes longer

me now adrenaline starts to pump through my veins. Once I’m sure that I’ve committed it all to memory.

1

my fellow cadets are now my enemies, seeking to slow me down. And considering

alone like this. No, I’ve got

before I attach their little belt to my hip. All their points, I noted, are suitably dulled –

on high alert as she turns around, examining the forest as I pick up the set of vials at

a crossbow now that I could sink an arrow into someone’s eye. Not that I’d do

mean, would I?

it, could I kill someone,