Anastasia’s heart sank as she listened, the horror of Angelina’s words settling over her like a suffocating weight. She nced back at Avery, who now seemed even more fragile, her pale form a testament to the cruelty she’d endured.


    Anastasia shuddered in disgust, goosebumps rising on her skin as she felt the urge to throw up again.


    "That’s disgusting," she managed to say, recalling the trail of blood she’d seen on Avery’s legs earlier.


    Anastasia’s heart couldn’t help but ache for the girl for she’d been through a lot.


    As if sensing Anastasia’s gaze, Avery’s head suddenly snapped around, locking eyes with her. The abruptness of it startled Anastasia so much that her heart jumped, fear creeping up her spine.


    Avery’s hollow, lifeless stare made it even more unsettling, as if she could see right through her. The intensity of the moment left Anastasia frozen, unsure of what to do or say.


    "My goodness," Ana sighed, cing her hand on her chest as she felt her heart thump hard against her ribs.


    "You might feel bad for her, but you’d better stay away from her. She’s nothing but trouble," Angelina said.


    "You don’t need to tell me twice," Anastasia mumbled.


    A few minutester, Samantha came into the room, long heels assisting her with a towering height which had Anastasia wondering if her ankles ever hurt her.


    "A new trade will be happening soon, and all of you have been qualified to participate in <i>The Crimson Hunt. </i>I’m sure most of you here already know what that is."


    As soon as those words left Samantha’s lips, Anastasia noticed the girls share nces, terror evident in their eyes as it trembled.


    "The crimson hunt will bemencing in a month from now. So girls, try your best to do good in this game so you can be with your masters."


    The way Samantha spoke with so much joy and enthusiasm would make any deaf person think she was talking about a new brand of phone that could make the moon turn pink.


    Sadly, it was apletely different story.


    Samantha’s eyes fell on Anastasia for the briefest second before she looked away.


    Then Samantha carried on with her task by checking the hair they had styled by themselves. After an hour, they were finally allowed to get some sunshine, but of course with the armed men watching them carefully.


    "What is <i>The Crimson Hunt</i>?" Anastasia couldn’t help but ask once they settled on a bench.


    Both Angelina and Elizabeth were by her side, and their faces looked as if they’d just seen a ghost.


    "It’s a very dangerous game," Angelina started. "I don’t know much about the game since I’ve only been here for six months, but from what I’ve heard, it’s a game between life and death."


    Anastasia subconsciously gulped down her saliva in fear.


    "From what the other girls who’ve stayed here long said, thirty-five girls were qualified for the game thest time, but only thirteen survived."


    Anastasia’s heart sank in her stomach.


    "Thirty-five girls!!" She nearly screamed.


    ’Then that means this is a big game. This is my chance to escape,’ Anastasia thought to herself as an idea popped into her head.


    "The rules will be exined when the dayes. But for now, we have little time to stay alive," Angelina finished.


    Anastasia nced around, trying to take note of the CCTV cameras. Angelina’sst words made her heart prick for an unknown reason. Even so, she needed to leave on that day.


    Anastasia’s ears suddenly closed with Avery’s and the girl stared at her like a dead soul, as if she wanted to read what was going on in Anastasia’s mind.


    Then a creepy smile stretched on her lips, which nearly freaked Anastasia out.


    Anastasia tore her gaze from the girl and focused on something else. But then, she saw a figure walking towards her. From the clothes, she already knew who it was.


    "Come with me. We’re going somewhere," Michelle said, ring down at her as if she were some piece of trash.


    "Where?"


    "Don’t ask questions and just follow me!"