"It's back."
Someone blurted out in the monitoring room as the flickering screen surged to life.
Those asleep were jolted awake; those meditating snapped out of their calm and hurried to their seats.
Gizel and Natalie had never left their seats, but both had been drifting off—until the murmurs rose.
At once, they straightened, eyes sharpening on the glowing surveillance feed.
On the screens, the students watched the five remaining examinees gather near Haven's border, ready to depart.
Naturally, two screens now sat dead and black—Anna and Lextor had already been taken out.
"Let's see who goes down this time."
"Surprising that loser Kevin is still hanging around."
"Same for Warren."
Snide remarks, whispered predictions—most of them pessimistic.
Still, despite the negativity, anticipation pulsed through the room in a single shared wave.
Domella and several staff members stood at the entrance as well, quietly observing as the second round unfolded.
