Chapter 162. Preparation

I changed into a thick hoodie and comfortable leggings, layering on a jacket just in case the chill of the night bit harder than usual. My hands were already trembling—not from the cold, but from the dread that crept in every time I thought about the dance. 

The stakes were unimaginably high. Life or death, Rue. No pressure. 

As I pulled on my boots, I tried to push Vanessa’s words out of my mind. She wanted answers, justice, and a way to fix the mess she had inadvertently caused. But all I could think about was surviving tomorrow night. 

If I could not even do that, her plans would crumble before they even began. So yeah, one crisis at a time, Rue. 

I grabbed a flashlight and stepped out of the room. I did not know whether I would need it or not because last night was not that dark, the moon had shone some light. But there could be clouds tonight so I did not want to take the risk. 

The hallway was empty, and the faint creaks of the h