Beyond that, my eyes catch on the barren wastes, a stretch of emptiness that swallows everything whole. “She’s not exiled,” I continue. “It won’t be easy, but she can build a life where she’s going. She can find her place. She can be happy.”
The words taste hollow. My chest tightens, sinking with the weight of a truth I can’t shake. Universe, I hope I get even half as much.
Sadie tugs at my sleeve again, still looking at the upset girl. Two soldiers walk up and lift her to her feet. Walking her along. “It’s too bad she didn’t get into the Academy. At least she’d meet people from her faction… maybe find her bond.”
I roll my eyes. “That’s wishful thinking, Sadie. This isn’t a fairy tale. Look around.”
“I know I’m being a jerk, but we’ve known what happens during testing since we were children. Each faction has its own criteria for entering the Academy, and for Wrath, it’s solely based on your power level. That’s it. That’s all you’ve got.”
The line inches forward. My stomach twists again. Each step drags me closer to the door, the unknown, the test. Life or death.
“What if you get lucky?” Sadie whispers, almost as if saying it louder might shatter the fragile hope in her words. “Since you don’t have a sin power, what if you won’t have to fight either?”
It’s the first time she’s brought up my lack of a sin power in weeks, and the words almost stop me in my tracks. I glance at her, at the sadness pooling in her eyes, and my chest aches.
Sweet, naïve Sadie. My best friend. The girl whose family opened their door to me when my mother died five years ago, even though they barely had enough to feed themselves. She’s always tried to shield me with hope, even when reality bites harder.
“I doubt it,” I murmur, my voice heavier than hers. “They’ve never had someone like me, have they? Sure, a rare few blossom late, over the age of sixteen… but twenty? With nothing?” I shake my head, the word sinless echoing in my mind like a death sentence. “What use could I be to them?” I squeeze her hand, grounding us both.
Her grip tightens, and I steady my voice. “Sadie, I just want you to be ready for what happens. I’ve accepted it, and I’m ready.”
I force a small soft smile, offering comfort I don’t quite believe in myself.
As we near the arena entrance, my eyes snag on another familiar face slipping out of the building. “Hey, Johnson! Where are they sending you?” I call out, waving to catch his attention.
“Arvon—heyyy.” He butchers my name, but I let it slide. I’m used to being overlooked.
"They assigned us to Western Pride. Guess the rebels are stirring up trouble along the border.”
“Interesting. Okay. Well, good luck Johnson.”
“Erm… yeah, you too.” He shuffles off. I'm sure he thinks I'm moments from death. I'd feel awkward too.
“Weird,” Sadie mutters beside me. “You’d think Pride, of all places, would have the rebel problem under control.”
“I’m sure they have it under control more than most, but Pride’s the one with the means to pay for extra bodies.”
“Arwen!” Sadie hisses, her voice sharp with worry. “Not so loud..”
“But can you imagine if we had their resources?” I lower my voice, leaning in. “The other factions, the other territories—they need us. We’re the muscle. If we didn’t live in this barren wasteland, we’d be in charge.”
“Arwen, stop.” Sadie’s voice sharpens with fear. “Someone could hear you.”
I laugh, shrugging. “And what? Exile me? Pretty sure that’s already on the menu. It’d just save me this SUPER LONG WAIT IN LINE.” I shout toward the front.
Sadie’s head shakes, her eyes red. “How can you joke about this, Arwen?”
“Sadie… it’s okay.” I step forward, pulling her into a quick hug.
“I just don’t know what to say,” she whispers. “What if this is goodbye?”
I force a smile. “Hey, remember when I helped Peter steal the tap-out flag from the gauntlet and you were on lookout?”
Her lips twitch, but she tries to hold on to her frown.
“Come on,” I nudge, “you remember. That guard with the mustache almost caught us, and you—”
“Mooned him. Yes, Arwen, I remember. It was the best distraction I could think of.” Sadie cuts me off, half exasperated, half amused.
