Roxxane's POV
Today is combat day.
Weeks have passed since that stupid detention. Weeks filled with Canan's endless torment, his sly remarks, his smirks, his attempts to get under my skin and find out who I really am. But I've grown sharper, faster. I've also been sneaking out at night, training in the quiet woods a few miles away from the academy.
I never gave up. I trained until my arms ached and my legs threatened to give out. And the more I trained, the more bruises I get from punching the trees, makes me feel like I have control again. Every sore muscle has been a promise to myself.
And today, I plan to make good on that promise.
The training field is loud and filled with the energy of every male in Garricks. The sun above is hot. Everybody circles the fighting ring, talking, la
