Comical and Alarming

With the Selection finally behind her, Eve had hoped for a brief respite, a chance to enjoy some peaceful days before the impending ball. She had plans to delve into her research for the blood cocktail, making use of the access granted by Max to the lab and the forbidden sections of the library, reserved exclusively for the Victors.

It was meant to be a week of bliss, a time of uninterrupted focus and discovery. But her tranquility was abruptly shattered by a piece of news that spread through the mansion like wildfire—a twist both comical and alarming.

Penelope, the once-beloved favorite, had fallen victim to poisoning.

The rumors swirling around the incident pointed accusing fingers at one of the envious Victors, driven by jealousy and resentment.