Chapter 81

Elodie

The first day of isolation training began before sunrise.

A sharp knock on my door dragged me out of sleep. I sat up instantly, my heart racing. Lysa was alert too, her presence tight inside my chest.

It’s time, she said.

I opened the door to find two guards standing there, dressed in dark training armor. Their faces were unreadable.

“You are to report to the eastern grounds immediately,” one of them said.

“No talking. No delays.”

I nodded and stepped back ...