Luna didn't sleep well.
The note sat on her desk. Taunting her. She kept getting up to read it. Like the words might change. Like it might become less threatening.
It didn't.
By morning, she was exhausted. Jumpy. Her mark pulsed constantly. Warning of danger she couldn't identify.
Combat training was first period. Luna arrived early. Found a spot in the back. Tried to make herself invisible.
Didn't work.
Students filed in. Several glanced at her. Whispered. The video and the rumors had done their damage.
Professor Thorne entered last. He moved with military precision. Scars covered his exposed arms. Old injuries. Battle marks.
"Listen up." His voice cut through conversation. "Today we start hand-to-hand combat. Human form only. No claws. No teeth. No shifting. You need to know how
