"Why do the men always have the honor to fight in war when women have the power to bring the army down to there knees"
A ruthless man is nothing but a man
A ruthless woman is everything a man wishes he could be.
What happens if the rebellion didn't...
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
"Welcome to your first battle brief," Professor Devera announces from the bottom of the enormous lecture hall. His voice carries authority, making the room fall into an almost eerie silence.
"This is the only class that should matter to you, because God forbid you go into battle early. This is the only one that will keep you alive," he continues, his tone flat but serious.
He steps forward to the map projected on the wall. "The first topic today is that the eastern wing experienced an attack last night near the village of Chakir by a draft of Braevi gryphons and riders."
The murmurs that ripple through the room are almost imperceptible. Everyone is too focused on what this means.
I scan the map. The village lies along the mountain range, the highest point to the east. Not the most logical place for an attack, I think to myself as I process the information.
"Come on, first years," Professor Devera snaps, bringing us back to focus. "Show me you have more than just balance. Show me you have the critical thinking skills to be here."
I raise my hand, ready to speak.
"The altitude of the village?" I ask, glancing at the professor.
"About 10,000 feet. Why?" he answers, clearly intrigued.
"That's impossible," I replied confidently. "Seems too high for an attack with gryphons. They're not as strong at that altitude, and their ability to channel is compromised. It's a stupid place for them to attack unless they knew the wards would fail. And it's only about an hour's flight from the nearest outpost."
Professor Devera raises an eyebrow in approval. "I guess you do have a brain in there. Well done, Cadet Freysson."
Violet, sitting beside me, immediately jumps in with a loud, somewhat desperate-sounding correction. "Wait, there's no way they could've gotten there within an hour unless they already knew and were on their way. It would've taken at least half that long to signal the beacons and call for help. No full squad would've been waiting around to be needed. They were already on their way."
I roll my eyes, mentally tuning out the rest of her ramble. She's so eager to be the hero, always quick to jump in. Get over yourself, Violet, I think, but I don't say anything. Not worth it.
Devera looks at her, clearly losing patience. "Second and third years, take over. Let's see if you can show a little more respect for your fellow cadets."
"She's talking about you, Jackie," I mutter under my breath, but before Violet can retaliate, she jabs me in the ribs. It doesn't bother me. I don't bother with her.
"Shut up," she hisses, her cheeks flushed. I can feel her glare burning into my back, but I don't care enough to turn and face it.
"Don't be so violent, Violet," I whisper with a smirk, but there's no real animosity in my voice. It's just an observation.
