Eric held up the leaderboard for stage two of initiation: the simulation. You glanced up at it, searching for your name, and your stomach tightened when you saw it. First place - above Peter. That couldn’t bode well. Christina and Al won’t be happy, especially since Al was dead last. You sighed softly, as the other initiates scattered, leaving you standing before the leaderboard with Peter, Will, and Al.

Peter turned slowly, his movements rigid with barely contained tension. The look he gave you was far more dangerous than any outburst of anger - pure hatred burned in his eyes. He walked past you, but just when you thought you were in the clear, he doubled back. In one swift motion, Peter grabbed you and slammed you against the wall, his hands digging into your shoulders.

“I’m not going to be humiliated by a Stiff,” he spat, his face inches from yours, his stale breath hot against your skin. “How’d you do that, huh? How?”

He yanked you forward and shoved you back against the partition, the impact sending shockwaves through your spine. You clenched your teeth, suppressing the urge to cry out in pain. But before you could react, a strong hand grabbed Peter by the collar and yanked him away from you.

Four’s voice was low, “Can you tell me what the hell you’re doing?”