LYRA

"I'm just talking with fellow contestants, Hanna." Anya's voice stayed gentle but I heard steel underneath.

Did something else happen between them?

"Is that what you call it?" Hanna's gaze swept over Mira and me with obvious disgust. "I call it poor judgment. These two aren't going to last another month. Why waste your time?"

"Because unlike some people, I don't measure worth by rank." Anya stood, drawing herself up to her full height. She was tall for a woman, nearly matching Hanna. ...