HUNTER POV The morning sun was rising over the mountains. The light was bright and warm, but a strange, sweet smell still hung in the air. It was a very thick scent, like flowers mixed with magic. I walked fast through the trees, keeping my steps quiet. Right next to me was a woman. I knew her name was Crest, but my mind felt heavy, like it was full of thick gray clouds. We were standing right at the edge of the Lily River Camp perimeter. This was the boundary line. Inside the line were the camp barracks, the training grounds, and the guards. "Keep low," I whispered to her. I pointed toward a pair of guards walking near the main concrete fence. They held long spears and wore thick armor. They were looking around the woods for any late aspirants. If they caught us out here after dawn, we would both be in big trouble. Crest did not answer me. She just stood there, staring at the camp. Her eyes looked blank, like she was asleep with her eyes wide open. "Crest?" I whispered
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