No rules.
No restrictions.
Anyone can kill or be killed, any time, any way.
Long-distance weapons allowed.
Packs hunting for sport.
Omega bodies found strung up in trees, used as target practice, as examples, as entertainment.
It's a death sentence for someone like me.
A packless Omega, alone, trying to cross territory that's claimed by predators with nothing better to do than hunt.
"The Dead Forest," I repeat, tasting the words. Testing them. "You want me to go through the Dead Forest. Alone."
Ms. Chen's grip on my shoulder tightens. "I'm not saying it's safe. I'm saying it's the only option if you want this audition."
Do I want it?
Do I want it enough to risk dying in a forest full of monsters?
The answer comes immediately, instinctive, burning with the same stubborn spite that's kept me alive this long:
Yes.
Yes, I fucking do.
"I'll be there," I say.
Ms. Chen nods, something like respect flickering in her eyes.
"Five PM. Don't be late."
"I won't."
"And Seraphine—" she pauses, her expression shifting into something almost warm, "—Violet Martinez will be present for the audition."
The name hits me like a thunderbolt.
Violet Martinez.
The Former student of Hard Knot Academy and current chair of the International Alliance of Contemporary Dance Excellence.
TheViolet Martinez.
Coming to seeme.
"Try to be on time," Ms. Chen adds, a hint of smile playing at her lips. "First impressions matter."
"I—yes. Yes, absolutely. Thank you." I'm babbling. I know I'm babbling. "Thank you for telling me. For the rescheduling. For—just, thank you."
She waves off my gratitude, already turning to head back inside. "You're more deserving of success than half the prodigies who walk through our doors, Sera. Don't let them tell you otherwise."
Then she's gone.
And I'm standing alone in the gathering darkness, the clouds overhead growing heavier by the minute, a laugh bubbling up in my chest that's equal parts joy and disbelief.
