The training fields were quiet. Most of the academy had cleared out in preparation for the Trial—eating, resting, psyching themselves up. But Lucian knew where Valen would be.
By the cliffs. The overlook behind the old observatory. The only place one could be completely alone.
And sure enough, there Valen was.
Rayne stood at the edge of the ledge, eyes cast out toward the endless stretch of trees that would soon become her battleground. Her arms were crossed tightly over her chest, her shoulders hunched against the chill wind.
She didn’t turn when he approached.
“What do you want, Lucian?.”
Lucian stopped beside her, silent for a long beat. Then:
“I asked Rhys to let me go with you.”
That made her look at him—sharply, searchingly.
“You what?”
“I told him I wanted to be your partn
