"Looks like you've seen some action already," he grunts, something like approval in his tone. "Good. Means you might just survive what's coming."

Ruby shifts uneasily beside me, her hand finding mine and squeezing. I glance at her, seeing my own apprehension reflected in her eyes. Whatever training Solomon has in store for us, it's not going to be pleasant.

But then, nothing about my life has been pleasant lately. I squeeze Ruby's hand back, drawing strength from her presence. We'll get ...