Chapter 179

Betrayed by Blood

Kendra's smirk deepened. "Good."

Avery squared her shoulders, ignoring the way the gathered warriors were murmuring among themselves. The excitement in the air was unmistakable.

She glanced at Lydia, whose frown had only deepened. "Are you sure?" Lydia murmured under her breath.

Avery nodded once. "I can handle it."

Lydia crossed her arms, glaring at Kendra. "Don't hold back just because she's smaller than you."

"Oh, I wouldn't dream of it." Kendra smiled sweetly, stepping onto the training grounds.

Avery exhaled, stretching her limbs before stepping forward. Kendra was bigger, more experienced, and clearly confident. But Avery had trained under Cain and Lydia. She'd endured grueling hours of sparring, of pain, of learning every weakness she had and sharpening her instincts. She could do it.

She rolled her shoulders, shaking out her hands before stepping into position.

"Rules?" she asked.