She wakes up to the sound of groans all around her, all filled with pain.
Her head hurt more than anything, she didn't know if it was because of the terrible dream she had or the uncomfortable position she slept in.
Her back hurt. So did everything else.
And before she could help it, she too was releasing a pained groan.
Her snap open.
She was outside, not just outside she was in the woods, and the moon was shining so brightly, it felt like she was about to be blinded by it.
Using her hand as a shield to protect her sensitive eyes from the moons harsh rays, she sits up and find that others are doing the same, some trying their best and failing to stand up even with the help of friends.
Friends.
Her heart skipped a beat, where was Quinn?
She could feel anxiety hit her as she looked at the faces standing up yet none of them were Quinn.
Where was Quinn?
Making an effort to stand up, she gets on her knees, using her hands to acts as anchors in case she falls.
She manages to get up, butt the minute she up, she goes down, landing on a soft body.
"Oh f*ck me" Quinn groans.
Looking down at the body beneath her, she recognises Quinn's blue eyes.
"Oh my goodness Quinn are you okay?"
She questions trying and failing to scurry off her.
"I thought I was, but not anymore since you landed on me. Jesus you are much heavier than I remember." Quinn mutters, pushing Liz off her abdomen and taking a deep breath.
"What is this place?, what's going on?" Liz questions looking around as more and more people get up and check out their surroundings, none of them however leaves the group.
"The last thing I remember was drinking that apple juice and then… do you remember anything?" She continues turning around to face Quinn.
Quinn avoids her eyes, choosing to look down at her clothes instead.
Liz doesn't miss that, Quinn's response to her question or rather lack of a response to her question, Makes her believe that Quinn knows more than she is letting on.
Turning fully towards Quinn, she asks once more. " What is going on Quinn?"
Before Quinn can reply a load voice booms across the forest, shaking the trees.
"Stand up freshman, Nap time is over."
All the students scramble to their feet, Including Quinn who pulls Liz up with her.
"I'll tell you later." Quinn mumbles, taking a hold of Elizabeth's hand.
The voice came from in front of the group.
It was the head master, this time however he wore dark clothes and he glowed under the light of the moon.
Liz watched in fear and fascination.
What was this place? And what were they doing here?
"As some of you know, the Golden test, has started, and I must say, many of you have failed, and many have been eliminated."
Liz perked up, Eliminated?
She looked around and sure enough they were less in number than they were in Grims hall.
But what did the principal mean by eliminated?
"The same will happen to the rest of you if you do not prove your worth and come into your power. Behind these trees, are cabins for you, the last one to find them will get an immediate strike and will be punished . Get some sleep, You will be awoken early tomorrow. You are all dismissed." He continues and as expected the students run past him and into the woods.
Quinn pulls her along, but as they pass by the principal he calls out.
"Ms Thorn, you were the last one to go down. I look forward to your performance during the golden test, I know you won't let me down."