Amaya stood before the window of her office, overlooking the rest of the pack, while her fingers caressed the jade pendant on her neck. It was early evening, and children played outside as their mothers prepared dinner.
Memories of her father flashed through her mind, and a sad smile touched her face.
****
Flashback
Seven-year-old Amaya had just finished her daily combat training with the teens, her clothes muddy from tumbling around. In the distance she saw her father, Howard, standing with a paper bag in his hands.
“Papa,” she screeched, rushing into his arms.
He swung her around; her laughter rang out. The guards who had supervised the training stood to the side, smiling at the adorable princess.
Howard kissed her muddy face, not minding it in the least.
“Papa, I won first place
