They bring all the Racers to the castle, which is even more magnificent up close. I've never been near it before, and its stunning architecture takes my breath away. Beside me, Katie inhales sharply, looking up at the turrets rising above the horizon, cutting through the night sky with its windows aflame.

     "It's beautiful," she whispers, looking like she's attempting to absorb it all just with her eyes. I look at her, with her shiny brown hair and graceful form, and agree.

     The other Racers are mostly clumped into groups already; veterans are shaking hands and offering alliances to new Racers. I know better than to trust those deals - as soon as the vets find out that a few spots have been taken, they'll throw you off a cliff themselves. Katie and I decline a few offers before simultaneously realizing that we actually haven't allied yet.

     "Allies?" I ask, holding out my hand for her to shake.

     "Allies," she agrees, taking my hand and squeezing it. It's actually...not at all uncomfortable, but she lets go way too quickly. "Sorry," she apologizes, "I'm not too big on physical contact."

     "That's okay," I reassure her, "I don't mind."

     She gives me a small smile and we continue up the winding path. "Do you think we have a chance?" she asks suddenly. "Like, do you think we can actually become Hunters?"

     "Definitely," I answer, glancing back at her to find that she's looking intently at me. "I know I've only just met you, but you seem strong. And smart. And insanely talented. I'd say we have a good shot."

     "You seem insanely talented too," she replies, blushing at my compliments. "And I'm not that good. You'd probably be better off allying with a guy."

     "Why would I do that?" I wonder, genuinely confused. Was she saying that she didn't want to ally with me?

     "Because I'm a girl?" she replies, looking as if this is obvious and I should know what she's talking about (I don't).

     "And? So what if you're a girl? You can fight, you're in the Race, and I want you as my ally!"

     She's quiet for a moment, then says, "You know people think I'm...lesser than, or not as good, right? Because I'm a girl, and girls are supposed to cook, and- and clean, and get married and live boring, useless lives. So if you ally with me, you're...ruining all your chances of having other allies."

     I look her dead in the eyes and tell her: "If they wouldn't accept a girl Hunter, I don't want them as my ally. Now stop with all this negativity and look at the castle!"

     She laughs, then tips her head back to take it all in. "You're right," she says.

     "Of course I am."

     "Oh, shut up!"

*****

     We get a ceremonial dinner before we head to our rooms, another chance for people to ally with each other and get to know the other Racers. Or, that's what it's supposed to be for, since everyone basically just splits into their pre-formed groups and eats in their own separate corner.

     Katie and I claim a spot against the wall of the dining hall (one of several throughout the castle) and go to town on the food. It's more decadent than anything I've ever eaten before, more expensive than I could ever afford.

     My eyes are firmly glued to the platters of food in front of me, but Katie is scanning the room. When I ask what she's looking for, she just brushes it off.

     "One of my dad's friends works at the palace," she answers. "I thought I saw him. But he worked here a while ago, so I think he might have left."

     I accept this explanation without pushing farther, though it's obvious that she's not telling me the full story. "Try this," I tell her, shoving a roll into her face.

     She snatches it from my hand and takes a bite, humming with satisfaction. "Honey rolls are my favorite," she says between bites, "because my dad would always make them." A shadow crosses her face, a sort of shuttering behind her normally expressive eyes. I know better than to pry, so I just push the whole plate of honey rolls in front of her and smile.

     She smiles back, and even though we could be sent to our deaths in less than a fortnight, this moment almost makes me feel like everything will be okay.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Written January 5, 2024

Word count: 743

{i would just like to say that i love jatie with all my heart}