LYRA’s POV

I wrapped a cloth around my hand, grabbing the sword again, trying to distract myself with practicing. I had gripped the wooden sword too hard or probably because I had been practicing for hours my hands were bleeding. But it was better than the bleeding in my heart, it was distracting enough.

Today had to be the first time I wished beta James was here, at least his only existence was to remind me how much of a waste I was. He could have caused me enough pain and headaches and my ...