The clearing at the center of the forest was alive with the sounds of chatter and the scent of roasted meat. Fires crackled, casting flickering shadows over long wooden tables stacked with food. The feast marked the end of the first three days of survival camp—the hardest part. Tomorrow, there would be no trials, just rest and reward distribution.
My class and I walked into the clearing, drawing more than a few stares. Some were curious, others outright hostile. But none burned hotter than the glares coming from three particular figures standing off to the side: Professors Halloran, Kellan, and Gale.
Kellan's appearance was especially amusing. His usually well-groomed hair was scorched, uneven patches of burnt strands sticking out in wild tufts. The sight made me smirk.
Then Kellan's lips curled into a sneer. "Look at him. The great Professor Drelmont." His voice dripped with mockery. "A coward who ran away instead of fighting."
