Mercy

After withdrawing from the EU, all immigrants in Britain, illegal or not, were subjected to immediate arrest. Some were deported, however a select few were chosen to remain. In rural areas of Scotland and Wales, seven villages were evacuated. Here, the illegals would salvage their lives whilst locked away from society; deprived of happiness and humanity.

In the years following Brexit, a proposition was suggested by Parliament. Each year, on the 31st of January, one teenager from each village will be sent to the South of England to assimilate into society and compete against each other in a series of assessments. The winners will be rewarded with the greatest prize any illegal could ever dream of. Freedom.

When fifteen-year-old Mercy Beaumont is secured a place, she doesn't share her family's enthusiasm or understand her friends' envy. Scared and overwhelmed, Mercy is certain she won't make it past the first test. However, soon enough she realises there is a possibility of acquiring the crown she knows she deserves, and understands that in order to win, she will be forced to choose liberty over love.