Piper
flashback
I stood frozen at the entrance of the huge arena, my fourteen-year-old eyes wide with awe as I took in the sight before me. It was massive, far bigger than anything I had ever seen. The walls were lined with every kind of weapon imaginable. Guns mounted on racks, rows of sharp knives gleaming under the lights, heavy training equipment, and even a full boxing ring in the center.
I turned to my mother with a bright, breathless smile. “Mom, what are we doing here? This is so cool!”
My mother, a breathtaking woman with long blonde hair that always seemed to glow even in dim light, looked around the arena slowly, her expression thoughtful. Then she turned to me and smiled softly, reaching out to ruffle my hair the way she always did when I was excited.
“We need to train,
