“No, I will not allow my daughter to put herself into anymore danger.” My father came stomping down the path and I looked up in surprise. He looked furious.

His voice held a weight that silenced everyone around us. I looked up at him, confusion mingling with frustration. “Father, this isn’t just about just me anymore. Yelda won’t wait for me to be ready. We can’t afford to be passive.”

He shook his head, his brow furrowed. “You don’t understand, Eliza. Training ...