PREY

Waking up early in the morning, Adrianne stood up from the bed. She quietly went outside. It's still 3 am in the morning. The others were still sleeping soundly in their beds.

Walking around, her tiny body shivered at the coldness. She regretted not bringing any jacket. Closing her eyes, she uttered something to bring slight heat towards her body.

Adrianne smiled in satisfaction. She went in the middle of the court, within the school grounds. The moon was shining in the dark sky. Her smile grew wider when her body felt the energy coming from the moon.

Closing her eyes, she stealthy sat on the ground. Adrianne's senses got to activate. She can hear the noises coming from around her. The only sound she can hear was the birds chirping at dawn.

Today would be the second day of training. It would be a physical one, as what she heard from the students gossiping about it yesterday. Adrianne already decided what level would she be in. She was eyeing for Level B or Level C, that would already be enough for her.

She stayed in the same position for an hour before coming back to her own room. Adrianne was thankful that Aella and Mady were still sleeping when she came back. She went back to her bed and pretended to sleep.

***

"Are you excited, Abigail? Because I am very excited!" Irene chuckled as they went on to their second subject.

It would be history class. Adrianne's favorite class to be exact. There was something about that subject that keeps her curious. Maybe because she wants to know what happened while she was away.

"Good morning, class." Mr. Romelio greeted the students enthusiastically.

Mr. Romelio steadily walks around the classroom. He looks so young despite his age. Who would have thought that the man was already 369 years old? With his black hair that looks radiant. Mr. Romelio only looks like he's in the '20s.

The students, in unison, stood up from their seats. "Good morning, Mr. Romelio." They all greeted with a smile showing on their faces.

The man instructed the kids to sit. He started the discussion that went on for two hours. He was happy that the students were all active and listening very well. They have discussed the first royal family of Quirrene.

The day went on smoothly, the training was successfully executed by the students. It was a simple running trace to help the student's stamina. They did fun exercises too, that the children enjoyed except for Adrianne who found it very boring.

'Can't they teach us how to do spells? Or magics?" Rolling her eyes, Adrianne leaned over to the bench's railing. They were currently in the gymnasium where the training was being held.

Looking at the time, she took a deep breath. Just 30 more minutes and we're done. She was observing the students in the other section, especially Darius who was running.

Adrianne's section was already done with it. They were the second ones to carry out the task. And without much effort, Adrianne came in the first place.

Her eyes traveled upon Aella and Mady, who were running even though they were already tired. It was a 400-meter race, that was designed just for today. It was the standard length, but we should remember that they were still kids. Their ages ranging from 10 to 12.

Adrianne almost laughed when the boy, Darius suddenly slipped. Was that guy really this clumsy? She noticed how no one helped the guy, as if none of them saw what happened.

"I won!!!"

A sudden shout echoed through the air. Adrianne's focus was caught off by it. She saw how happy Mady was with the win. Well, who would not be happy when the winner would automatically have an extra point for tomorrow?

The joined activity ended after a short while. They were tasked to go in their perspective classroom as an announcement will be made. It would be for tomorrow, there will be no classes except for the test.

Mrs. Belva gave them the list of their turns. Adrianne quickly searched for her name. She would be in the latter half. Below her name was Darius's. She chuckled while staring at it.

"Abigail, what's your number?" Irene asked with anticipation in her voice. She walked in Abigail's direction, clinging to the girl's arms.

"84th," Abigail simply answered her. Irene nodded, "I'm 75th, we can watch each other! Don't worry bestie, I will cheer for you! So, don't get too nervous, okay?"

Staring at the girl immensely, Adrianne slowly nodded her head. Why would she be nervous in the first place? She wants to say that back to Irene, but she stopped herself. As if the girl would listen to her.

Rules were given out after each student knew when was be their turn. The council would watch the whole examination. That means Adrianne needs to be extra more careful with the way she acts.

Tilting her head to the side, she must be a good student tomorrow. Adrianne would need to start her sweet behavior again. She suddenly wanted to vomit thinking of the word "sweet", that term was obviously not for her.

"And lastly, make sure to achieve a high level. You wouldn't want to be in the lowest," Mrs. Belva uttered as an unknown emotion flashed through her eyes.

The lowest… they would be the prey in this game.