Chapter 0021

There was applause and cheers as Dr. Mitchell stepped onto the stage to stand next to Terry, her face unreadable behind a professional mask. Everyone knew her as this elite doctor, but I knew her as the doctor who mutilated me. I forced a smile onto my face, joining in with the clapping. I couldn't let anyone know my true feelings.

"Congratulations, everyone," Dr. Mitchell said. "You've all fought hard to get here. Now, you have one month to prepare for the final rounds. You'll be living together and training at the academy during that time. But first, return to your packs and gather your belongings for the month ahead. We will reconvene here later for the celebratory banquet."

With that, we were dismissed, the sound of excited chatter filling the air as we walked back to the parking lot. I felt a chill run down my spine as Dr. Mitchell's eyes met mine briefly before she turned away to speak with someone else.

As we returned to our packs, I couldn't help but feel uneasy about the s