{"Continuation"}
I make my way to the same corner I took in my dream. With each step I take, I make sure it is the same as in my dream and when I miss it, I go back to start afresh. I kept doing this focusing my attention more on my dream with my eyes closed, remembering each corner I took in my dream and finally when I was sure of my way, I made my way to the corner I found the two stones and to my amazement, I saw two lockets lying in the same exact spot, I strode closer and picked them up, opening them, behold two stunning sparkly Sapphire stones, exactly the same stones. The sparks slowly varnished when I held them in my palm.
I became satisfied and was about to make my way out when it hit me again. Why was I picking the two lockets when I only needed one? I became confused about what to do. In my dream I picked two stones, should I also pick the two lockets? I was running out of time and then again I remembered Maya. Has she found a locket? Is she okay?
I rush out immediately with the two lockets, looking for her. I don't know why I am bothered about her and I will have to find out. As I looked for her, there came a very loud siren. I guess the time is up now. I started rushing out of the maze still glancing around in case I found her.
Walking out and being hit by the sun, I immediately shielded my face using my hand, still searching for Maya. I finally found her coming out of the maze and reluctantly strode towards her. I just stood beside her not talking as we both aren't friends and I am doing Mrs Brooke a favour.
Noticing others wearing their lockets, I did the same, putting on the silver locket I found. I slowly glanced at Maya who stood still doing nothing, I guess she didn't find any locket.
"Reveal your lockets" Mrs Brooke's voice boomed, "And let those who have none step aside to my left." She continued and everyone obeyed. Maya was about to follow others to the left when I immediately shoved the other locket into her hand giving her pleading eyes to wear it and not draw attention to us.
She gazed at what I gave her, surprised and confused but understood the look on my face. She wore the locket stepping back to where she stood before.
"Now we have sixty students moving forward for the challenge. Will you all check your locket and find the person who has your twin stone. Remember, that person will automatically become your partner throughout the Queen challenge" Mrs Brooke declared and immediately, I realised what I had just done. Maya is going to be my partner? Oh, shit.
"You all have three days to enter the king's castle so get yourselves ready and dinner with the king will be in two days. Thank you, students" She finalised and retired back. The girls started jubilation and I began strolling back to the training ground. If I have to compete with these creatures, I better start training harder. I also need to think about how to deal with Maya. Suddenly, somebody pulled my hand, halting my movement. Turning my attention to the person, it was Maya.
"What game are you playing Aliya?" She queried.
"What are you talking about?" I muttered back.
"Oh, Aliya you know what am talking about. Why did you help me?"
"Well I had two lockets and you had none so I gave you one".
"And why? We are not friends, you should have given it to someone else so why me?"
"Look Maya, I don't have time for this". I pushed her away excusing myself but she shoved the locket back into my hands. What an ungrateful person.
"Thank you, Aliya but I don't need this"
"Oh wow look at that, am I supposed to congratulate you for doing a stupid thing?" I let out rolling my eyes. "You are aware your information is already added as one of the sixty, right? Unless you want to die?" I shoved the locket back into her hands and strode away leaving no room for more argument.
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Dressing up in my room and fixing my hair neatly together, I glance at the stunning silver sequence dress on my bed, the nude high heel sandal with sparkling studs on it and the to march clutch purse. It was a gift from the king to us the sixty. My mind drifted to the wonderful time I had the day before, we were all taken to a spa for pampering on the orders of the king. The massage, nail treatment and hair treatment was an amazing experience.
Although being from a rich home, I hadn't received any princess treatment before and the place was so beautiful. Snapping out of my thoughts, I put on my dress and admired how perfect it looked on my body, hugging me in the right places. I powdered my face and started applying my lip shimmer when I heard a knock on my door.
Opening it, it was one of the professors telling me we needed to leave. I hurriedly put on my shoes, took my clutch purse and left with him.
Getting outside, the other girls were already there and my eyes darted to Maya, she looked so stunning with her orange beaded dress that hugged her curvy body perfectly well. Her blonde hair neatly flowed down her shoulder. She was taller than I was. Her face was fresh but her eyes were so dull like she wasn't happy being a part of this, I could see the fear in her eyes too.
Whatever happened to her, I am sure it wasn't good. Her best friend strolled to her and they started chatting and I made my way to the only human girl there apart from me, she smiled at me in relief. I guess she was scared out of her bones for being the only human girl here amid these beasts.
Humans are scared of these supernatural beings except for me. Though I feel chills when around them but never scared. The hate and anger in their eyes towards us were evident since they think it's insulting that the humans are part of the whole challenge, well that's their problem, not mine.
I smiled back at her and stood closer to her, her name was Ashley. She's tall and beautiful but Maya seems to be the most beautiful girl among us. Just then, two limos pulled up in front of us and doors were opened, ushering us inside and soon we all settled in. The inside was beautifully designed with a gold and black interior.
Getting to the castle, I couldn't believe how beautiful the whole place was as we were taken to a smaller stunning building, where we met with the other students who were already here. We seem to be the last to arrive from my school and we are thirteen in number. We all stood, waiting for the huge door in front to open as we chatted around. Ashley was nervously holding onto my hand as I tried severally to calm her down. I miss Bella so much right now.
The door unlocked and we all made our way inside. I was speechless at the stunning chandeliers and lights shining everywhere, with beautiful roses arranged perfectly in order. The table, chairs and gold cutleries were also neatly arranged. I quickly looked for a table to sit at, with Ashley doing the same but noticed all tables had name tags. I found mine but yet again Maya was sitting there already with her best friend Ava and a girl am guessing is her partner.
I settled down, minding my business and soon heard a door open. Turning my attention to it, I see huge men in black suits walking into the room and then behold those eyes. those eyes that gave me butterflies the last time I saw them. That charming handsome face with skin looking like snow and that dark aura that sent dreading shivers down my body. Everyone stood up immediately, acknowledging the presence of the king. I was so lost ogling at him that I didn't even hear the MC announcing his presence and everyone giving a bow as he walked majestically to his table, sitting alone. His chair looked just like him. Stunning gold and black leather armchair, the arms were well carved in dragon-like designs. He waved and took his seat and everyone did the same after another bow.