Ethan's boots struck the ground with a heavy final step as he, Zara, and Orion crossed the glowing check point.
The shimmer of the boundary vanished behind them, and a system chime rang out.
[ Notice: Challenge Complete. No rewards issued — Participant did not arrive first. ]
The words hung in the air like a slap. Orion groaned. Zara looked disappointed. Ethan said nothing, his jaw tight.
Behind them, Madam Verta let out a dramatic sigh. "Oh, thank goodness," she exclaimed, placing a hand on her chest.
"It's truly for the best you didn't arrive first, Ethan. My instincts were screaming—something bad would've happened to you had you crossed that line before anyone else."
The moment the words left her mouth, the atmosphere changed.
Ethan turned his head slowly, eyes narrowed and cold.
"What did you say?"
Madam Verta blinked.
"I—I just said it's better this way. For your safety. You were in danger, and I—"
"You made sure I came second?"
His voice was flat but deadly.
