Chapter 32: Elimination Night

The energy in the room shifted—from playful mind games to ruthless competition.

Raine stood tall as the instructor's voice rang out. "Tonight, we cut five contestants. No second chances."

Whispers rippled through the room. Fear. Uncertainty.

Not for Raine. She didn't come this far to lose.

But Zayne? He looked downright amused. "Nervous, superstar?"

She scoffed. "Not even a little."

"Good." His smirk sharpened. "Because the real challenge starts now."

Before she could ask what he meant, Kairo spoke.

"Look at them." He nodded toward the contestants. "Half of them are already shaking. They know they're dead weight."

Raine glanced around. He wasn't wrong.

This wasn't just about talent anymore. It was about survival.

The first name was called. Then another. Two gone.

Her fingers twitched. Not me. Not tonight.

Then—

"Raine Evernight."

She exhaled slowly and stepped forward. Not eliminated. Safe.

But just as relief settled, the instructor spoke again.

"For the next round, we're changing the game."

Raine stiffened.

Why did that sound like a warning?