*****************
CHAPTER 266
~Valerie's POV~
I froze.
The paper in the student's hand was held high, and the name echoed louder than the bonfire crackling in the distance.
"Valerie!"
A rush of murmurs, gasps and laughter.
All of it closed in around me, but my legs moved stiffly, standing before I fully processed what was happening.
I wasn't sure what startled me more: the fact that my name had actually been drawn… or the sharp gleam of excitement that spread across the bonfire circle.
"Looks like we have our thief!" someone called gleefully.
"Wait, wait," another voice added, louder. "Let's explain the rules."
I blinked, my mouth suddenly went dry as one of the student council committee, Grant, the treasurer, stepped forward from the shadows.
He wore his composed expression, one he always maintained in public, but I noticed the tightness in his jaw. Still, his voice was unmistakable.
"Well then," he said, grinning, "Valerie's our prey."