Josephine held up her arms and quieted everyone down. "Well done, Harlow. Well done. You should be proud of yourself. That was a valiant effort. I declare Harlow the winner of round one!"

The clapping started up all over again, and I glanced at Aimes, who somehow managed to crack a prideful smile that I was sure must've hurt him in front of all these people. Stride beamed and cheered the loudest.

The other girls shifted uncomfortably and gnawed on their fingernails. After ...