Alpha Gideon’s POV

I watched her closely.

The sword shook in her hands. Her arms trembled with effort. Her stance was still wrong — too stiff, too open — but her eyes...

Her eyes didn’t waver.

Most people, after a few failed tries, would have thrown the sword down and walked away.

But not Vera.

She stood her ground, breathing hard, sweat dripping down her face, yet refusing to quit.

I hadn’t expected that.

When I first heard the council’s ridiculous challenge, I thought she ...