The day stretched before me, the first of many that would forge me into someone new. Someone stronger. Someone capable of executing the justice I deserved.
Victoria opened her desk drawer and withdrew a small velvet box. "One last thing."
Inside was a pendant, a silver phoenix rising from flames, suspended on a platinum chain. Diamonds formed the bird's wings, catching light as she held it up.
"My gift to you. A reminder of what you're becoming."
She moved behind me, fastening the necklace around my throat. The pendant settled against my skin, cool at first, then warming.
"From the ashes of what they did to you," she murmured, her hands resting briefly on my shoulders. "From the fire they thought would destroy you."
I touched the phoenix, feeling its weight against my collarbone. "Th
