After my brief visit home, I didn’t expect the Academy to have changed. When I passed back over the magical boundary, a vibrant world returned to me. Almost all the other third-year Valkyries were fizzing with energy and anticipation. The reason was clear.
The sign-ups for the Valkyrie Games were almost closed, which meant they would soon post the first task. Everyone was excited for it and it showed.
Everyone, but me.
With lead feet, I dragged myself to the administrative desk. It didn’t matter what I wanted, Grandmamma wanted me to win, so that was what I had to do. Whether I liked it or not. The burden of being the Heir was still mine to carry.
“You’re back!” Stina’s chipper voice turned my stomach.
“Yo.” I gave her a short wave, but kept heading for the registration. I just wante
