Chapter twelve

"It's ranking time," Enya called out as the bells rang, her voice carrying a distinct edge of excitement.

"What's ranking time?" Arya asked, glancing between them.

"Hell," Ariel muttered with a groan.

"It's when we're tested to see where we stand on the charts," Lucien explained. "See you girls later." He was out the door before Arya could ask more.

The group stepped out of the lounge, moving toward what Arya assumed was the ranking site. They entered the gym—a massive arena-like hall with an open training space at the center. Mats were arranged neatly across the floor, and hanging from the ceiling was a giant screen displaying rows of names and numbers.

Arya scanned it quickly, taking in the numbers beside each name.

"They rank us strongest to weakest," Ariel explained, following her gaze.

"How?" Arya asked.

"Tests," Vespera answered. "Different kinds—speed, agility, tolerance, kinesthetic awareness, and other categories."