ZION

The training had no mercy. For the past week, I kissed the dirt and fell behind in the race because I refused to shift. 

Late bloomer. I told them.

Today, I fell to the ground from a brutal leg sweep from Max, of all people. My shoulder throbbed, my elbow scaped raw, and I could feel the imprint of a boot sole in my ribs. 

“Up,” barked the team captain Lagos. 

I groaned but obeyed. My entire body felt like a war I was losing. Being a boy was harder ...