Jasmin's POV
The jagged mountain ridge loomed before us like a sleeping giant. After nearly twelve hours of travel, all fifty-five remaining Alphas stood at its base, divided into eleven teams. The wind cut through our clothes with razor-sharp precision, carrying whispers of danger from the peaks above.
I surveyed my teammates with growing dread. While other groups buzzed with nervous energy, planning strategies in hushed voices, my team looked like they were attending a casual gathering rather than facing a trial that could end our Academy careers.
Clyde popped his gum with infuriating casualness, as if we were strolling through a park instead of preparing for potential disaster.
Elliott hummed under his breath, some haunting melody that made my skin crawl for reasons I couldn't name.
Harris had somehow smuggled in earphones despite the Academy's strict ban on electronics, the forbidden device nestled in his ears like a middle finger to authority.
