Penelope's POV
Six months at Crimson University has changed me in ways I never expected. I catch my reflection in the dormitory mirror as I zip up my team jacket, and the woman staring back looks nothing like the girl who left Frostfang with tears streaming down her face.
My hair falls in waves past my shoulders now, glossy from proper nutrition and care instead of being constantly pulled back in nervous ponytails. The team's strength training sculpted my body into something powerful, all lean muscle and confident posture. But the biggest change is in my eyes. They don't look down anymore.
"Are you ready for this?" Isla asks, dropping onto my bed with a bounce that makes the cheap mattress creak.
"More ready than I've ever been for anything," I say, smoothing down my jacket. The Bloodf
