The heavy clank of the cell door unlocking silenced them all. A scientist entered, flanked by two hulking guards. The scientist—a wiry man with glasses perched low on his nose—smiled thinly.

“It’s time,” he said, his voice clipped and clinical. “The Gauntlet awaits. Let’s see what you’re really made of.”

The Flock was marched through the cold hallways of The School until they reached a massive, dimly lit room. The Gauntlet stretched out before them: a maze of obstacles designed to test every one of their abilities. Jagged walls lined with electrified mesh created narrow passages, drones hovered overhead, and in the distance, something large and menacing growled.

“Here’s how it works,” the scientist explained. “Survive the course, show your abilities, and we might give you a break. Fail… well, failure isn’t an option.”

Max felt her stomach tighten, but kept her face steady. She glanced at the Flock—Fang’s expression was unreadable, Nudge nervously shifted from foot to foot, and Gazzy and Angel exchanged worried glances. Iggy, ever calm, tilted his head slightly, already anticipating what he couldn’t see.

“Max,” the scientist called, motioning her forward. “You’ll go first. Show us why you’re special.”

Max stepped forward, her heart pounding as the guards ushered her to the starting zone. A buzzer blared, and the first section of the Gauntlet activated. A narrow corridor lit up ahead, and mechanical drones emerged from hidden slots in the walls, firing low-energy bursts. Max ducked, wings snapping out as she sprinted through, narrowly dodging a blast.

She leapt over a pit that suddenly opened beneath her, wings flaring just enough to clear the gap before landing in a roll. Behind her, the scientist’s voice crackled over an intercom, commenting on her progress.

“Good, good. But let’s see how your friends handle this.”

Max’s breath hitched as the next gate unlocked, and a sharp growl echoed from the shadows ahead. The Flock was next. Whatever this test had in store, they had to face it together.