Page 42 of The Ruthless Rivalry

“Alright, listen up,” Coach Barkley’s gruff voice cuts through the chatter. “Today’s exercise is simple.”

“You’ll be running a paired obstacle course along the shoreline. One partner from each pair will be blindfolded, while the other guides them through the course using only verbal instructions. The goal is to work as a unit, relying on each other’s strengths to overcome obstacles and improve communication,” Atlas explains further.

I can’t help but smirk. If Bishop had gotten his way and partnered with me, I have no doubt he would have “accidentally” guided me straight into the water again.

“And remember, students, this isn’t just about speed. It’s about teamwork and conversation,” Atlas adds, his enthusiasm a stark contrast to Barkley’s gruff demeanor.

Coach Barkley mutters his agreement. “The quicker you all finish your task, the sooner rowing team can turn our attention back to what’s important,” he remarks, not showing the same level of enthusiasm as Atlas for this new endeavor.

I glance at Reith, sizing him up. He’s tall but not necessarily lanky, with dark hair and a smattering of freckles across his nose breaking up his otherwise dark complexion.

“So who’s wearing the blindfold?” I ask him.

Reith grins. “Ladies first?” he suggests, holding up the cloth between us.

“Fine, but if you lead me into a sand trap or something, I’m going to make you regret it,” I say, allowing Reith to secure the blindfold over my eyes. The world goes dark, and I immediately feel vulnerable. My other senses heighten, and I become acutely aware of the sound of waves crashing nearby, the feel of sand shifting beneath my feet.

“Okay, you ready?” Reith’s voice comes from my left, closer than I expected.

“As I’ll ever be,” I mutter.

“Alright, everyone!” Atlas calls out. “On your marks…get set…go!”

Suddenly, the shoreline erupts into a cacophony of voices as partners start guiding their blindfolded teammates. I stand still, waiting for Reith’s instructions.

“Take three steps forward,” he says calmly. I obey, my shoes sinking slightly into the soft sand.

“Good,” Reith says. “Now turn about 45 degrees to your left toward the tree line and take five big steps.”

I follow his instructions, moving cautiously. The sounds of other pairs shouting and stumbling around us fill the air.

“Stop!” Reith calls out suddenly. “There’s a small dip in front of you. Take a big step over it.”

I do as he says. Then I hear a yelp followed by laughter—someone must have fallen.

“Nice job,” Reith encourages. “Okay, now we’ve got a series of small hurdles. I’ll count them out for you. Ready?”

I nod, then realize he probably can’t see me. “Yeah, go for it.”

“Alright, lift your right foot…now! Good. Left foot…now! Perfect. Right foot again…now!”

We continue like this for what feels like ages, Reith’s steady voice guiding me through the course. Despite my initial reservations, I find myself relaxing into the rhythm of his instructions. He’s surprisingly good at this, his directions clear and precise. Unlike my shadow, who prefers toorderrather than instruct.

Speaking of which…

Suddenly, I hear a commotion to my right.

“Left! I saidleft!” Bishop’s frustrated voice cuts through the air.

“I’m trying!” Ophelia whines. “You try covering your eyes next time. It’s not as easy as it looks!”

Bishop huffs, clearly done with the situation. “If I had a dollar for every time you’ve blamed your mistakes on something else, I could afford a second pair of eyes for you.”

I can’t help but smirk beneath my blindfold. Looks like Bishop’s getting a taste of his own medicine. I guess he found someone asdelightfulas him. Serves him right for being so pushy earlier.

“You’re doing great, Alex,” Reith says encouragingly. “We’re making good time. Now, there’s a balance beam coming up. It’s about six inches off the ground and ten feet long. Think you can handle it?”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. “Let’s do this.”

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