Chapter 148

Maxine’s POV

However, when we went down for breakfast, Oz was the one cooking. He was in charge of feeding the younger kids.

"Where's Cinder?" I asked. He shrugged. I exchanged a look with Zel. We began the long climb to the top of the mountain.

Cinder was already at the top of the mountain. Zel stood beside her, she got there before me. I hurried to join them, my breath coming in short gasps.

"Ready for another day of torture?" Zel said, her eyes twinkling.

I managed a weak smile. "As ready as I'll ever be."

Cinder didn't waste any time. "Today, we push your limits," she announced and began pacing.

"The Eye of the Ancients demands more than just physical strength. It requires mental fortitude and clarity of mind. We're going to break you down and build you back up stronger than ever."

We started with our usual exercises, balancing on the stones and maintaining our focus despite the chaos around us. Cinder had a way of