Chapter 525

Nathan and Alexander found themselves on the same blue team, tipping the scales against their opponents.

Evelyn Sinclair had only one target in mind—Nathan Blackwood.

The wind howled through the trees, its relentless rush drowning out all other sounds.

Footsteps crunched against the underbrush, blending with the gusts until it was impossible to tell friend from foe.

Evelyn pressed herself against a thick oak, striking swiftly from the shadows. One by one, blue team members fell to her calculated attacks.

But the red team wasn’t faring much better—four of their own had already been eliminated.

By the time the dust settled, Evelyn stood alone against Nathan and Alexander.

A plan formed in her mind. She unbuckled the red armband from her sleeve and tossed it aside.

A lone blue team member prowled near the forest’s edge. She couldn’t tell if it was Nathan or Alexander.

Silent as a shadow, she crept closer.

Just as she raised her weapon, cold metal pressed against her back.

Nathan’s lips curved into a smirk as he yanked her against him, his grip unyielding.

Evelyn stiffened.

How dare he use this as an excuse to touch her?

"Don’t move," he murmured, breath hot against her ear. "Or they’ll see you."

"Let go," she hissed.

"This is the second time, Evelyn." His voice was rough, edged with something dangerous. "You should be more careful."

She could feel his heartbeat against her back—steady, confident.

He had never been one to back down before. But this time, he wasn’t just playing for pride.

The moment his hold loosened, she twisted, firing blindly behind her.

He vanished into the trees before she could confirm the hit.

Evelyn exhaled sharply and melted back into the shadows.

The eliminated students watched in stunned silence.

"Did Nathan just let her go?"

"Is this flirting or humiliation?"

"At this rate, he might as well surrender and hand her the win."

Evelyn ignored them. She couldn’t stay hidden forever.

The wind roared in her ears, disorienting her. She dropped low, crawling through the undergrowth.

Then—footsteps.

Close. Too close.

Her pulse spiked. She ducked behind a tree, gripping her weapon tighter.

The steps drew nearer, deliberate and unhurried.

She held her breath.

A twig snapped.

In one fluid motion, she spun and fired.

The shot rang out.

Silence.

Then—a grunt.

Alexander staggered into view, clutching his shoulder.

Evelyn’s stomach dropped. She lunged forward instinctively.

But he waved her off with a wry smile. "I’m fine."

Nathan emerged from the trees, his expression dark.

Teammates, yet Alexander had taken a hit for Evelyn.

What was that supposed to mean?

Without a word, Alexander unclipped his tag.

"Game over for me," he said, glancing between them. "Don’t let me interrupt."

Then he turned and walked away, leaving them alone in the forest.