FIVE | Run

First class. It isn't one. All one hundred students gathered in this immaculate building. I look round. Everyone standing straight in this auditorium. Not an eyelash out of place.

Panic. Bad feeling. There aren't any emotions allowed here.

A thought invades my mind. Overwhelms me. Run, run, run.

A single idea. Run, run, run.

I shake my head, clearing the thought. It's a tremendous honour to go here.

If I want to survive in this game of nature, I'll have to trust my instincts. I banish all thoughts of escape. Mother's counting on me.

"You have been called to fulfill your duty to your country."

I snap to attention. This will be crucial.

"During the next three years, you will follow a very specific education, aiming to make you the highest-ranked officials in this world."

That sounds nice. Not.

"You will be in uniform at all times. No leniency is to be expected. At fourteen, you should be able to follow orders.

The woman who's speaking is tall. Neither fat nor thin. A long braid falling down her back. It doesn't move as she paces on the stage. Not a person who you'd like to mess with.

"You are in the School. You must follow School rules. Wear the School uniform. During three years, you will live School, think School, breathe School."

Now that's a challenge. I'm not used to having others control me. A voice tells me in the back of my head, 'Iris, beware of your greatest enemy.'

"Every year, a selection will take place. The weakest will be eliminated." An evil grin spreads across her ghastly features. "Try not to be one of them."

The voice continues on. 'Beware your nemesis. Beware yourself.'

The woman claps once in her hands. The crowd turns, walks. All at the same time. Not one out of rhythm.

She looks at me. She could be quite beautiful if she wasn't so rigid.

As she exits, she whispers almost inaudibly in my ear. "Beware yourself, indeed."

The door slams.

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