Evaline:
Without wasting any more time, we stepped out of the maze just as the sun started to dip below the horizon.
Dozens of eyes were watching us. These were the other applicants, some had already passed the test while others were those who got disqualified. And then there were also the staff of the Academy.
Whispers filled the air as some looked at us in shock with others seemed impressed. As for the five of us? We were smiling.
The five of us were dirty after spending so many hours inside the maze and going through all sorts of obstacles. All of us were bruised too, small cuts and scraps here and there. Exhaustion was beginning to dawn over us, especially on me. But... we all were proud.
Mallory flung an arm around my shoulders as she spoke, "Told you we would make it."
This made me laugh, and it a rare, full sound that even I hadn't heard from myself in ages.
"You were indeed right."
We had passed the second test.
* * *
