The overhead speaker shrieks alive with a crackle, making the entire hallway vibrate. Heidi jerks so hard she nearly trips over her own oversized pants. Junie yelps, clutching her tunic as if the Goddess herself has just called her name for public execution. From behind them, one of the other newbies in the corridor lets out a high-pitched whimper.
Junie claps her hands to her chest with a squeak. "Oh Goddess, they're calling us already!"
The metallic voice booms, distorted but mercilessly clear:
"Attention, Moon Blessed candidates. Your main breakfast will now be served. This meal is exclusively for those proceeding to the labyrinth in two hours. Further instructions will follow. Remain in your dorms until then."
Then the speaker dies with a hollow click.
