Chapter 32

Viona POV

One month later

The copper tang of blood clung to the air, thick enough to taste. I adjusted my grip on the twin blades strapped to my back, sweat dripping down my spine as I moved between the rows of sparring soldiers. Three months of hiding in plain sight. Three months of silent victories and close calls. And now... now my luck has finally run out.

"Vaughn, you're up next!" the commander barked.

I nodded, suppressing a wince. Vaughn. That was the name I answered to ...