Skylar

And though every fiber of my being screams to try again, to prove I am ready for the war that looms over us all, I know he speaks the truth. For now, I must recover, gather my strength. There will be other days, other battles.

For now, I let my father guide me away, his arm a steady comfort around my shoulders.

I shake my head, dispelling the haze that threatens to cloud my determination. "One more time," I insist, my voice a mere whisper of defiance. Father's brow ...