Zara's POV
I woke to the sound of rain drumming against the windows, the kind that would make the whole day slow. But my heart raced with anticipation.
Today was combat class. And I was more than excited to show Atlas that I'm not as weak as he thought, although I had no idea what to expect.
By the time I reached the training yard, the rain had stopped, leaving the ground damp and the air cold.
The students were already gathering, voices low, eyes bright with excitement or dread.
And standing at the center of it all was our instructor for the day.
He looked like he'd been carved from old wood. His hair was silver, cropped close to his skull, his face weathered, one eye milky white with blindness. The other? Sharp as a dagger.
He surveyed us, his arms crossed over his
