Hope's POV:I rose to get the dessert offered by the guard, eager to taste the sweet treat he had enthusiastically announced. As I walked, I felt a sudden stumble, and before I could react, I was on the ground, surrounded by mocking laughter. Looking back, I identified the culprit – the dark-haired candidate who had extended his foot to make me fall.Getting up, a wave of anger surged through my body, and the temptation to retaliate was almost irresistible. Before I could act, the dark-haired boy mocked me, "Watch out, fool! How will you win the competition being so inattentive?" Laughter echoed, fueling my indignation.Determined to confront him, I advanced toward him. However, just as I was about to respond, a firm hand grabbed my arm. It was the mysterious boy, the one who had called me Peter earlier. He whispered in my ear, warning against the fight, explaining that it would result in disqualification.The dark-haired boy, sensing a potential altercation, taunted again, "Did you g

**Pov Hope.**The dim light of dawn streamed through the window as I woke abruptly to the shrill whistles of the guards echoing through the dormitory. I rushed to get up, barely having time to splash my face before we were instructed to form lines in the courtyard.The other boys were equally sleepy and confused, but Norman's expression was one of intense anger as he shot an accusing look in Peter's direction.The guard ordered us to form quickly, and I had barely positioned myself before he began speaking. "Last night, one of the candidates broke the rules. You will all be punished today."Norman fixed his gaze on Peter, further intensifying the tension in the air. The other boys tried to decipher who the culprit was, but uncertainty hung among us.Immediately, the guard commanded, "Fifty push-ups, now!"The boys settled into a plank position, the sun still rising on the horizon. It was five in the morning, and I could feel my muscles weak from a poorly slept night. My arms trembled

**Hope's POV**The sun was high in the sky, and the heat seeped through the windows of the dormitory. After the morning's intense competition, the chief guard had granted the rest of the day off so that we could rest before the next stage. My muscles still ached, and the adrenaline from the test continued to pulse through my veins.The other boys and I returned to the room, all exhausted and eager for a well-deserved break. Peter, or rather, I, was met with curious glances and some expressions of distrust from Norman, but he didn't say anything. I decided to use the free time to retire and, perhaps, make some plans for the future.Upon entering the room, the atmosphere was calm. My roommates were lying on their beds, some napping, others talking quietly. I let myself fall onto my bed and took a deep breath. The scent in the room was a mixture of sweat and excitement, but it also carried a silent tension.Minutes dragged on, and the conversation among the other boys continued in hushed

Some hours laterHope's POVUpon waking up, I realized I had missed dinner, but the sense of revitalization was necessary. I changed clothes again, assuming the appearance of Peter, and headed back to the lodging.In the hallway, I crossed paths with Simon and Liam, who seemed intrigued by my absence. They asked where I had been, and inventing an excuse, I mentioned the infirmary and showed them my bandaged foot."You took your time, man. We thought you got lost or something," Simon commented, with a playful tone.Liam, with a smile on his lips, added, "The water was great. If it weren't for Simon, we would have dragged you there. You seem to be afraid of water."I let out a nervous laugh, trying to maintain the facade. "Oh, I just wasn't feeling very well. Next time, I'll definitely join you guys."They exchanged knowing glances, and I continued my way, internally thankful for having escaped that situation without raising suspicions."How's the injury on your leg?" Norman appeared be

"that lack of respect for his future fiancée!" Simon joked."Well... they technically aren't engaged yet. The commitment hasn't been sealed, so Logan is single and can enjoy the night with Clark," Liam winked, already influenced by the drinks."Where's Norman? He's been missing for a while," Simon commented, concerned."He's probably out there with some girl, enjoying the night. Stop being so worried; let's have some fun!" Liam said, pulling Simon to meet Clark's friends.When I turned around, it didn't take long for Logan and Clark to start kissing intensely in front of the bar counter. He ran his hands over her body, while Clark left hickeys on his neck. Everyone always knew that Clark was promiscuous, but as she was the chief of the guard's daughter, we couldn't say that publicly, even though she didn't care about keeping up appearances.The atmosphere in the bar was engaging, and the alcohol was starting to take effect. My vision was slightly blurred when Liam called me, mentionin