Jasmin's POV
The morning sun blazed overhead as the Academy's training grounds transformed into an arena of combat. The trial that would determine everything had finally arrived.
Dozens of Alphas clustered across the open field, their bodies radiating nervous energy and raw anticipation. The heavy scent of perspiration and anxiety saturated the air around us. Beyond our circle, the hierarchy observed from their shaded pavilion like kings surveying their subjects. My gaze swept across them, landing on Max who stood alongside Elliott, while Harris positioned himself at the opposite end as always.
Simply standing there.
No combat gear. No preparation ritual.
Clyde elbowed my arm gently. "They won't be fighting today," he informed me.
"Naturally. Why would they bother when they already possess those premium accommodations?" I muttered while rolling my shoulders loose.
