"Adrian Dravin."
The world paused for a split second.
Adrian's head jerked up. He froze, his breath catching in his throat as the reality of his name echoing through the room finally hit him.
Wait—what?
He was up on his feet before he even realized it, his legs carrying him to the stage as if on instinct. Applause thundered in his ears, but it all felt muted compared to the wild rhythm of his heart.
He climbed the stairs to the stage and took his place at the far end, trying to hold back the huge smile that threatened to split his face. He looked into the crowd, blurry faces merging together under the stage lights—but none of them mattered.
He made it.
He was chosen.
His dream… had officially begun.
The announcer smiled at the group now assembled on stage.
