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  "Form a line and exit one by one." The voice of the man who shot Nanni snapped me awake. I don't even know how I dozed off—good thing nothing happened. I pulled Zane with me, hearing him grumble under his breath, but I held onto his arm anyway.

  I shoved him into the line, quickly following behind. We hurried down the stairs. My eyes widened as I took in the outside—completely different from the pces I'm used to. It's so weird out here. The sky is clear, but it's so hot. Soldiers walk back and forth, making me nervous. I looked around for my mom, but I don't think she's here. Everyone seems really young—no one Mom or Aunt Liora's age.

  "Get in line." I quickly adjusted myself next to Zane. All of us who were taken here formed a huge line—there are so many of us. What do they even want with us? I'm sure it's nothing good, not after what happened to Auntie and Nanni.

  — Where's Mom?

  — We'll see Mom if we're good. Now stay quiet.

  That soldier from before appeared, stepping onto a raised ptform with a wide table and a voice amplifier... the prettiest one. She stood in front, her long bck hair swaying softly in the wind, her clothes so elegant, her cape fluttering, the silver details clinking lightly when they brushed against each other. She raised her hand and pulled off her eagle mask, revealing her face.

  "Her Majesty welcomes you. Bow for the arrival of the King." Her golden eyes seemed to stare right through me—so terrifying my breath stopped, my body frozen. I grabbed Zane and dropped to my knees, yanking him down with me. He grunted as his knees hit the hard rocks. We can't risk ending up like Nanni.

  She's beautiful like a princess but feels more like a demon—her smile, her clothes, even the way she stands. I think she's evil to her core. Her lips are pale, smiling, her bck hair pulled into a perfect ponytail, vibrant eyes staring right through me.

  Zane breathed heavily next to me. I held him close, ruffling his messy curls. I can't be scared. I can't freeze. I have to protect Zane—he can't be alone. I need to obey, and then we won't die... I think.

  Some people stayed standing as the huge, luxurious ship appeared. One by one, they dropped to the ground, convulsing, lightning from their colrs searing through their bodies. I stared, trembling, gripping my own colr and taking a deep breath. So that's what these things do? Shock? It looks like it hurts—I don't even know if those people are still alive, colpsed on the ground with the smell of burning flesh.

  The girl's ugh made my eyes snap back to her, sending chills down my spine. She waved her hand like she was disappointed in the people who didn't bow in time. Then she straightened, bowing gracefully while we knelt on these sharp rocks. My knees hurt—this is so unfair. Why do we have to kneel on this jagged ground?

  — Rei...

  — Shh… don't cry.

  "Welcome, Your Majesty." She lowered her head, then rose with a smile. "All are ready to listen, eager for your orders and command. Please grant these poor souls your guidance, Your Majesty…" Her voice carried a strange tone, but I didn't know what it meant.

  This is the King. He should be our king too, but Mom and Aunt Liora said he's no good. I believe them. He's ugly on the outside and doesn't seem any better inside. I'd never seen him before. I gasped, holding Zane close. He's an ugly old man—half-bald, pot-bellied—leaning on a makeshift table and adjusting the amplifier.

  "Welcome to your new home. I imagine no one wants to waste time with formalities, so I'll get straight to the point. You've been brought here so we may find rare jewels among the mud. Prove yourselves now—a unique opportunity for all. Congratutions." He grinned wide, his red eyes vibrant. It's terrifying. I don't get it—what opportunity? I don't want this… I don't think anyone does.

  "You'll train together and represent our country in a battle of utmost importance. All of you will be remembered, so don't worry. The elders in your families will receive aid if something happens… Now, good luck to all." He left as fast as he appeared. I blinked twice. What does this mean? Are we staying here? Battle… are we fighting?

  I bit my lip, looking around—others just as confused as me. I held Zane. He's still so young—how can he fight?

  There don't seem to be any babies here… good. But still… even five-year-old girls… I frowned, staring at that soldier again.

  She looked at all of us and smiled slightly, waving her hand before putting her huge mask back on. Her voice now muffled through the amplifier:

  "Follow the soldiers to the training grounds. You start today." She waved again and stepped off the stage, turning her back on us.