Page 121 of Saints & Sinners

My fingers tugged at the hem of my jacket.

“I don’t know,” I admitted. It seemed like the only answer I ever responded with.

“You’re going to be fine,” Marnie said, grabbing my arm. “You’ve trained for this. Well... sort of.” She gave me a sheepish smile. “But hey, you’re about to prove to a whole group of angelsthat you’re worth becoming one.”

I let out a shaky laugh. “Come on,” I said. “We’re late.”

She nodded, and soon we slipped out into the cold, boots crunching against the frostbitten ground as we made our way through the silent academy. Torches flickered as we passed corridors, and with every step closer we took toward the west wing, my stomach twisted tighter.

When we got there, the other competitors were already gathered, while others, such as Azrael and Sariel, stood in front of the towering wall of ancient paintings.

My gaze immediately landed on Hunter, and the sight of him sent a jolt through me.

He was beside Silas and Brandon with his arms crossed, eyes distant and shadowed.

He looked... far away. Not just physically butgonein a way I couldn’t explain. But before I could decide on what to do, a familiar voice spoke from behind.

“Grace.”

I turned to see Joe approaching. He looked me over, his gaze lingering on my uniform.

“Be careful,” was all he said, but his voice was tight.

I sighed. “Joe—”

“Just... be careful, please?”

My first instinct was to wrap my arms around his neck, not caring how much of a toll our relationship had taken ever since I came here. “I will be,” I whispered. “I promise.”

He hugged me back tighter, and when we separated, I saw Eden approaching us.

“Grace!” She smiled. “I just wanted to say... I’m rooting for you,” she said earnestly. “You deserve to be here.”

I believed she meant it. “Thank you, Eden, that... means a lot.”

Joe glanced at her, but Eden never even looked him in the eye. Before she could say anything more, the crowd shifted asNadael stepped forward, standing in front of the paintings. Her presence silenced us instantly.

“Competitors,” she began as we gathered around her. “Thank you for all your patience while we prepare everything.” Her gaze swept over us. “Most of you know that this competition consists of three rounds. Each is designed to test not only your skill but also your judgment.”

My heart thundered against my chest.

“Council members will be observing from their headquarters, using Guardian magic. Which means every action you take will be watched.”

A heavy silence settled, and I glanced at Marnie, wanting that reassurance she always gave me. But she was too engrossed, too excited by everything Nadael was saying. This was her chance to make it as an Ascendant and she wanted it desperately.

“This year’s competition scenario is calledthe Hunt and the Hunted.For each sector, you may use your powers to showcase your skills. Warriors, however, will not be given any weapons. This is to enforce your skills in weapons crafting from natural objects.’

A chill slid down my spine.

“Now,” she said. “Your objective is simple: collect three sigil stones scattered through the glade before sunrise and make it out of there in time. Those who do not will have to wait, hide, survive until Celestials come to your aid.”

A murmur rippled through the competitors; meanwhile, my eyes widened at Nadael mentioning sunrise.

“These stones,” she continued, “are ancient, enchanted, and heavily guarded. Shadow beasts—born from the very first creations of hell—prowl the glade. They have been released from their homes, and they aremerciless.”

I struggled to swallow.

“But be warned. Some stones are cursed.”

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