Chapter 79

"Time up!"

Those words were like music to my ears, my chest pumped up and down, droplets of sweat pouring down my forehead. The needles retracted from my skin and almost immediately the box unlocked. I shakily withdrew my hands from the device, a small choked noise escaping my mouth when I saw the battered state of my palms,

"Congratulations," Carissa continued, a smile lighting her face this time, "All thirteen of you made it to the third part of this contest."

Thirteen?

The number shocked me and I looked around, true enough most of the girls had fled the area leaving me and few others. I spotted Cora who was looking pale and sweaty, Jessica remained as well and her head hung limp, I feared she had fainted from the overwhelming pain. A few of the others girls I recognized, Paige was nowhere to be found so I guessed she must have left earlier.

"Now, the nurses will tend to your wounds," She clapped her hands and people materialized from nowhere, a young girl my age knelt in front of m