The path narrowed into a rugged incline, forcing the small group of recruits into a single-file line. Tree roots jutted like veins from the earth, and every step demanded more from muscles already sore and weary.
Rhea—Rian—walked second to last, a deliberate choice. She kept her head down, her posture hunched just enough to appear tired but not weak. Blending in. Not too fast. Not too slow.
The boys ahead of her grunted and joked, mostly between Ryker and a taller recruit with sandy hair and a crooked smile named Dane. They’d been the most vocal since the journey began, testing dominance with every interaction—subtle nudges, offhand insults, and half-hearted wrestling matches when they stopped to rest.
Rhea had mostly escaped attention. Until now.
“Hey, you,” came a voice behind her—lo
