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“To the contestants!” the others echo.

I take a sip of the wine and grimace at the bitter taste. Across the table, Lilyana gives me a strange look—one tinged with guilt. Lukene leans close, his voice low.

“Don’t fight it,” he whispers, the words barely audible.

What does that mean? As the realization dawns, I feel panic start to bloom in my chest. We were the only ones to drink the wine during the toast.

I glance at Elm, who gives me a small, reassuring smile, mouthing, “It’s going to be okay. I’m with you.”

But it’s not okay. My head feels heavy, my vision blurs, and the room starts to spin. Damn it—they drugged us. I struggle to stay upright, but the darkness closes in fast. I feel something hard beneath me—am I on the floor?

Then I feel hands on me, hands on my pocket.

I hear Lukene’s voice. “It’s okay. Don’t fight it. Never fear, never falter, never fumble… Sleep easy, Reckless.”

Then I succumb to the complete darkness of the drugs.

Ihear… birds, I think. Trying to peel my eyes open feels like a chore. It feels like there is lead in my lids. I manage to open them a tiny bit, but the light feels bright and painful, piercing into the slits that I can barely manage.

My head feels fuzzy and heavy as I lay here—wherever here is. All I can do is listen to the noise fluttering around me. I hear birds chirping, bugs buzzing, the wind rustling through trees, and skittering leaf foliage on the ground.

All the noise comes together in a melodic sound that mother nature has blessed us with. Scents of earth and the freshness of the wind flitter around me. I must be outside. Then I come to the realization that I am. I’m in the first trial. Shit. This must be the Shadowed Forest. I need to get up, navigate through the forest, and get to the top of Serpent’s Reach without dying.

Managing to pry my eyes fully open proves to be a bit of a challenge, but I do it. I am correct. There are trees all around me. It’s early fall, and the leaves have turned, shedding shades of orange, brown, yellow, and red. I manage to sit up. My limbs feel heavy, and so does my head. Water. Water will quench my thirst and help clear the feeling of sand in my mouth.

The tree beside me is thick and sturdy. I grab hold of it and muster my strength to push myself upright, my leaden legs protesting the effort. Fumbling at the waistband of my pants, I locate my palm blade with a sigh of relief, thanking the gods and goddesses. But I feel something in my pocket—a waterskin. How did that get there?

Food may be scarce the entire time I’m out here, so I need to make sure I, at least, have enough water. My right arm feels weighed down, heavy. Looking down, I notice it. That’s right, I have a tracker on.

Lukene’s actions echo in my mind: him rubbing my wrist where my prison number is printed, then latching this heavy bracelet on me. He is so confusing, a walking contradiction. He is sweet in his own way, yet cold. He’s handsome and mysterious, but I can’t think about that now, survival is my priority, not the dark prince.

Shaking my head, I try to clear whatever they used to drug us. I look around, searching for any sign of where I am. I know I’m in the Shadowed Forest, but where exactly? I choose a direction and start walking, ready for anything. The other contestants could attack at any moment, but they’re the least of my worries. My father used to tell me stories of the beasts and monsters that roam this forest.

After what feels like hours, I still don’t know exactly where I am. I hope I find Elm and Larah and that they’re alright. Suddenly, I think I hear running water off in the distance. There’s a river between the lavender fields and the Shadowed Forest my father used to take me to. I wonder if it’s that or if there might be a creek nearby. Deciding to follow the faint sound, I head in that direction.

After a brief walk, it comes into view: a twisting stream nestled in the distance. Scanning my surroundings with cautious glances, I realize I’m alone. Perfect.

Reaching the stream’s edge, I bend down, selecting leaves from the lush foliage and tucking them into my pocket for future use. Cupping my hands, I scoop up handfuls of the brisk water, relishing its icy coolness as it soothes my parched throat. Then I fill my waterskin.

I’m drying my hands on my tunic when a sense of unease grips me, halting my movements. I am not alone. I can feel eyes upon me. Looking around in all directions, I see no one. The hairs on my arms stand and there is a prickle at the nape of my neck the longer I stand there.

Leaving the stream, I slowly creep back to hide beneath the shadows of the trees. My heart quickens its pace. Someone must be lurking in the shadows watching me. I am certain of it. I feel their presence amongst the dense trees. The forest is now quiet. It’s eerily silent as if it’s also holding its breath— waiting with anticipation for what’s to come.

The shadows seem to be looming behind every tree, almost as if they are the ones watching me. I silently remove my palm blade while I continue to assess my surroundings. A twig snaps behind me, and I feel a presence on my tail. In one swift motion, I turn around and slam my stalker into the tree with my blade at their throat.

Laughter erupts from Larah. Rolling my eyes, I lower the palm blade and step back.

“You didn’t have to sneak up on me.” I snap.

“But it was so much fun,” she laughs again.

“Do you know which direction to go?” I ask her.

“There is a trail a bit that way. I say we follow it.” I nod my head at her, and we walk to the trail in silence, careful not to alert other contestants to our presence.

“I hope Elm is okay. Do you think we’ll find him? Do you think he is alright?” I ask.

“We both know Elm can handle himself. I am sure we will come across him sooner or later,” she replies.