Kurt Rushbrook is giving an opening talk tonight, then we’ll have dinner, but most of our activities will happen tomorrow. I scan the room in paranoia. Still no sign of Bryce, who is probably here as a chaperone. I sit with my arms wrapped around my legs, rocking back and forth, scanning. I must look ridiculous, but I don’t care. I can’t risk accidentally sitting next to him. Someone suddenly bumps my shoulder. I shriek in shock. Kurt stops his talk to ask if everything is all right in the back of the room, prompting everyone to turn around and look at me. “There’s more space up here,” he says.

“It’s fine. Nothing wrong back here. Carry on,” I say in almost a whisper, putting my hands up to shield my blushing face. The Joker is definitely playing tricks again, I think to myself.

“This weekend will reveal the power of human connection in ways many of you haven’t experienced,” Kurt says. “We are taught as children to run from each other. Keep out the bad strangers. So we build walls, but those barriers also trap us. Over the next two days, we’ll see what’s behind those walls. You will be shocked at the beauty of each other’s humanity.”

I know all about barriers and walls, but I will never be able to unmask myself here. If anything, I reinforce my protections, preparing to stay hidden as long as possible. After Kurt finishes his talk, I race back to my room, the safe zone free from both Earnell and Bryce. I sit on the bed pondering my situation. What good is it being a Chosen One if supernatural forces can’t prevent this drama? I shake my head.

Everyone is in the dining hall. I’m starving but consider skipping dinner altogether. I’ve never been able to deny my hunger, so this won’t be easy. My stomach growls. I try to give myself a pep talk. The Defiance fills my head with courage. He’s just a regular person, you feel me? Bitch, don’t give him your power. Forget that undeserving lost sheep, hah, you are the prize.

“Yea, that’s right!” I say, rising from my bed. “I’m the prize!” I leap toward the cafeteria with newfound determination.

I peek in, still no sign. I breathe a sigh of relief. Then, like a Shakespearean tragedy, he appears right in front of me, holding a clipboard. He’s checking people in and sending them to their assigned tables. “Echo!” he yells in glee. “It’s so great to see you! I didn’t know if you were gonna come or not. Really killer you’re here. I hope to see you tomorrow during some of the activities.”