Harriet's POV
The morning air felt unusually still as I made my way through the resort corridors. Something felt different about today, though I couldn't pinpoint exactly what. The final trial was scheduled to begin soon, yet the usual bustle of preparations seemed oddly absent. No staff members rushed past with clipboards, no contestants gathered in nervous clusters discussing strategy.
I descended to the main dining hall, expecting to find the usual pre-competition energy. Instead, the space felt nearly empty. Only Nathan sat at a corner table, absorbed in reading what appeared to be a business newspaper. His presence surprised me.
"Morning," I called out, sliding into the seat across from him.
He glanced up sharply, his expression shifting to one of mild surprise. "Harriet. You're up early."
"Couldn't sleep much. Big day ahead." I kept my voice casual, though my pulse quickened with anticipation.
