Timothy's POV

One week left until the challenge, and I'm finally starting to feel ready.

My body has adapted to the brutal training schedule. The footwork Penelope taught me is becoming instinct. The strategic thinking, the deception, the willingness to fight dirty, it's all coming together.

"You're faster," Ethan says during our morning session. "Much faster than three weeks ago."

"Fast enough?" I ask.

"Maybe," Ethan says. "We'll see."

Penelope arrives at noon with lunch. Her parents moved ...