EVELYN’s POV

My heart raced as I clutched the acceptance letter from Thunderclap Military College. The crisp paper felt like a lifeline in my hands, its bold, silver letters glowing with the promise of a future I’d only dreamed of. After months of tireless effort, I’d made it. This was my chance to prove myself, to step out from Hannah’s shadow and into a place where my abilities and dreams would finally be valued.

I tiptoed ...