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…

hands to the box and flip open

didn’t betray us – she was just doing her damn job, drugging us with the

and the set of six vials, opting instead for the little folded piece of paper,

I sink back onto the ground with my legs underneath me, my eyes flying over the note

Clark, it

In order to continue at the Academy in the spring term, you are required to be amongst the top 60% of cadets in your year who pass the

Final Destination, noted on the included

the box to see that there is indeed a

to aid you on 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

your

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

given me a cross bow, haven’t

the page, finishing the letter in a

takes longer than that will not pass. We wish you

committed it all to memory. I crumple it

1

the vast majority of my fellow cadets are now my enemies, seeking to slow me down. And

this. No, I’ve got to move, and

of arrows lightening fast before I attach their little belt to my hip. All their points, I noted, are suitably dulled – not designed

as she turns around, examining the forest as I pick

– I’m good enough with a crossbow now that I could sink an arrow into someone’s eye. Not that I’d do that, I don’t think, but….

would

could I kill someone, even a countryman, as the note says?

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