Page 51 of Villainous Fate

Marcus

Wakingupontheday of the final challenge is a struggle. Team West spent the next several hours strategizing over different ways we could use the additional thirty-minute head start to our advantage.

Over the last few weeks, I hadn’t spent much time with Finn. I really hadn’t spoken to anyone outside of Deacon. The other cadets kept their distance for fear of being associated with either of us, and we took that in stride, not wanting to put in the effort of playing games.

I knew the alliances made here were important. I also knew no one wanted to align themselves with a packless Alpha like me. Having my alliance meant nothing if I wasn’t in line to lead.

The same could be said for Deacon, whose older brother Luca would be stepping into the role uncontested when the time came. We were two sides of the same coin, and to say I was glad to have found a friendship with him here is an understatement.

That being said, Finn joined our team with a quiet confidence and cool temper, which allowed us all to voice our thoughts and ideas while listening to the same from everyone else. We didn’t have much to go on regarding the item in question, but we came up with several ways to transport different-sized items while still protecting the assets.

Each of us has combined our packs to even the loads, Deacon carrying the food and cooking supplies. I have the tent, ponchos, and bed rolls. McCormick will have our clothing and medical supplies. We each will carry our water and any personal items we can’t go without for the three days.

For Deacon, I’m sure this will include his letters to Grace and the photograph he keeps on his person at all times.

For me, the only additional item I’m bringing is my dad’s compass. He gave it to me the day I was Awakened to remind me I could always find my way home.

A bit dramatic, considering we lived in a big city, not in the woods, but it was important to me all the same. I also made sure to pack the map Deacon gave me in case we ended up needing it.

At 4:30 am, all teams are dressed and waiting for transport to the starting area. Four trucks with canvas covers over their beds sit waiting at the edge of a makeshift parking lot. Guards amble around, mostly to ward off the cold, which has become increasingly difficult to combat in the last few weeks. Clouds of air waft from their mouths, and steam floats off the mugs of coffee they hold.

Are we going to be able to survive three nights in this? It’s well below freezing, and if I were to guess, we are teetering on single digits.

A whistle blows in the distance, and each team is directed into the back of one of the trucks. Finn and Deacon both look tired from the early hour, but neither complains as we get situated in the back. To our surprise, two guards join us.

The three of us share a look, all silently questioning the same thing. Why are they back here with us? As the trucks pull away, Deacon turns to look out the slit in the front of the canvas. He’s tracking our position as we go in an effort to have a better idea of where to go when we find our starting point.

For the next hour, we are silent. The guards sit quietly, not making eye contact with any of us and carrying tension through their shoulders, which makes my wolf perk up.

They’re waiting for something.

I get Finn’s attention and try to let him know to be ready for anything. His face turns cold as he sees what I’ve noticed, and adjusts his weight to be able to react to an attack. We attempt to pull Deacon’s attention, but his eyes are firmly planted on the road outside.

The vehicle takes a sharp left off the main road and comes to a stop on the shoulder. Trees line both sides of the road, tightly forming a barrier to the woods themselves.

“Out. All of you,” One of the guards shouts, moving from the back and jumping to the ground in the process. The gun in his shoulder holster flashes as his jacket lifts in his dismount.

Armed guards. Glorious.

We file out one by one and take in the starting point. It’s a little anticlimactic if I’m being honest. A sign is posted on the trunk of the tree carved in all capital letters reading ‘WEST.’ Under the sign is an envelope that is being held up by a large nail.

The driver, both guards, and Team West walk to the base of the tree. Deacon reaches for the envelope as the driver speaks.

“As promised, you are being given a time advantage. All other teams will begin at 7:00 am. Your thirty-minute advantage begins now.” With his final word, he starts the timer on his watch and takes a step back.

Both guards stand, waiting for our response.

Deacon snatches the paperwork and tears it open with no finesse, reading it out loud.

“Team West,

The object you seek sits at the center of the maze. To get to it, you must work together to overcome obstacles, fight off adversaries, and make choices that will determine your success.

What does winning mean to you? We will find out within this course. Start by heading in the direction of your team when a choice becomes available. Go right. Another clue will be posted inside.

Good Luck. May The Fates guide your path and your choices.”

A Maze. Fucking A.

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