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The hairs on my arms rise as old photos of the islanders pop up. They aren’t what I expected. The islanders are taller than all the visitors, with their skin in various shades of bronze and deep brown, long, wavy hair for both men and women, and dressed in makeshift clothesmade from leaves and hides. Their faces are all painted with white paint in symbols that nobody has been able to translate.

They remind me of the symbols and inscriptions carved into the stone in Ayallenora—an ancient village on my home planet.This place, these people, hold secrets.

By the end of class, we are given an assignment to investigate one of the customs on the Ancestor Isles and present it to the class next week. As we shuffle out of class, Beric, a boy who’s been harassing me and starting rumors, corners me.

When he grips my wrist, I turn, pushing against his chest. “Don’t touch me,” I hiss, attempting not to make a scene and failing.

He chuckles. “My boys and I were talking—why don’t you come to a party we’re having in the woods this weekend? We’ll have some fun.” His grimy eyes slide over me. I’m about to shove him off when Anders’ hand wraps around Beric’s wrist, twisting it with a sickening crunch.

Beric shrieks in protest, but Anders leans in and, in a murderously calm voice, says, “I suggest you remove your hand.” Beric is glaring at Anders, surely about to spew something when Anders says, “If I ever see you lay a hand on her again, I’ll have you stripped of your titles, sent to a moon. Your family will be sent to live with the commoners, and that will be the kindest punishment I’m willing to consider.” The color drains from Beric’s face. I’d really like to get out from between them, but Anders has me trapped, his front pressed into my back.

Beric glances down at me and mutters an apology before storming out of the now-empty classroom. “Was that necessary?” I spin to face Anders.

He shrugs. “He shouldn’t touch what isn’t his.”

I scoff, rolling my eyes, but I’ll never admit that I kind of like this side of him. Something about him playing the role of dark prince has my toes curling, especially when those piercing blue eyes meet mine.

“We need to talk,” he says quietly as I approach him.

I nod and continue toward my next class, ignoring how I long to throw myself into his arms and forgive him. I’m lying to myself that I don’t desire to feel his arms wrap around me while I bury my face intohis chest and breathe in the scent that drowns me in feelings of need and want.

“Sure. After class?” He deposits me safely into the combat class, lingering at the door like he wants to say more, but when I lift a brow, he sighs and disappears without another word, leaving me feeling a little breathless and off-kilter.

I’m thrilled when Professor Ainslyn sends me to the simulator for Hallo gun practice. I see it as an outlet to calm my racing thoughts and sharpen my focus—something I desperately need right now.

After checking out a practice gun from the attendant, I head into the simulator. The weapon has a sleek design and is lightweight, even for me. The cool grip fits perfectly into my hands. I make my way to the center of the spacious, dimly lit room, letting the anticipation build within me. The projection rays embedded in the walls flicker to life, casting an ethereal glow that sets my first simulation in motion.

On my left, a long, glass wall darkens and is blessedly vacant. To my right, a cushioned wall provides a soft barrier should I need it. Behind me, the operator’s voice breaks through my thoughts, preparing me for the start of the trial. I take a moment to nod. Inhaling deeply, I close my eyes and center myself.

Kuron and Ezra have always told me during training that my emotions could get me killed. They’ve been relentless in honing not only my skills with my daggers but also my mind. They’ve taught me how to harness and channel my emotions for whatever situation.

With my mind blissfully empty of doubts and emotions, I open my eyes with a clear determination. Holographic opponents and creatures spring to life from projected walls, trees, and buildings surrounding me in the landscape. It takes a moment to gather my bearings, but once I do, I make quick work of taking down the human simulations first, thankful they’re masked. Next, the system’s predatory creatures.

I find myself holding my breath when the onyx leopard leaps into view, its sea green eyes and shimmering, iridescent scales adorning its head, shoulders, and parts of its face, illuminating in the dark. I never know whether I’m terrified or amazed by these creatures.

Despite their lethal intelligence, they’re beautiful. Their scalesresemble glitter, with vibrant hues of emerald green, sapphire blue, and amethyst purple, catching the light like a constellation of tiny jewels embedded in their fur. It’s always a part of my simulations and one of the hardest to take down. The creature pacing before me is an exact replica of the animal found on Neptyn and Kyrr.

Above me, it growls, baring terrifying rows of razor-sharp teeth that could shred anyone or anything in an instant. It reminds me to calm my racing heart and pay attention.

I focus on the leopard as it confidently prowls back and forth atop a towering boulder. The way it watches me draws up more adrenaline as I lie in wait, watching for the subtle moment just before it will take the leap. In one heartbeat, the cat pauses; the next, he launches into the air, claws out, and ready for an attack. I fire off two shots directly to his heart just before throwing my arms over my head, waiting for a weight that will never come.

I learned that the hard way, the first time I was attacked by an onyx leopard, the only way to kill it is to go for the heart. The last time I was attacked, I fell to my back and screamed like I was actually about to be eaten alive just before pulling the trigger. That same adrenaline pulses through my body even now. No matter how many times I run a simulation with it, I can’t convince my body it’s just a hologram.

The lights flash, signaling the conclusion of the simulation, but remain dimmed, casting the room in shadows. The hairs on my neck rise, and something tells me I have an audience in the darkened observation room.

Professor Ainslyn had alerted me earlier that I had been chosen to demonstrate the weapon to juniors taking the test. I take a moment to hydrate and gather my breath before heading back toward the platform.

The following simulation will be interstellar, pushing my knowledge and skills to the limit. Space training is packed with challenges that require me to think quickly and adapt to the unfamiliar environment. As I strap on the vest and waistband designed to mimic the sensation of antigravity, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement.

The room darkens even further, creating a sense of vastness thatmakes me aware of how small I truly am. I embrace the weightlessness that blurs the line between standing on the platform and floating freely. It’s part of the magic of this place. I spin, awash in the cold darkness dotted with twinkling stars, beautiful planets, and a golden sun peeking out from behind a moon, offering me a glimmer of light on the set before me.

I inhale deeply, and then I hear the familiar clacking associated with enemies filing out of their shuttle, their magboots grounding them to the ship’s hull as they run for me. I fire a warning shot, but I’m too far off, not accounting for the lack of gravity—a rookie mistake.

With a grunt, I grab the tether that will pull me back to my ship, securing it to my waist with one hand. Three figures, clad in shining black suits, stand before me, each poised and ready. I quickly assess the situation, noting that the plasma won’t hit its mark from this distance.

I can’t help but appreciate Professor Ainslyn’s effort to incorporate real opponents into my training. Previously, they were just faceless shapes, but now, as I peer through the glass of their helmets, I catch a glimpse of their hate-filled expressions—two men and one woman—before the glass transitions into a dark, reflective amber.

My attention shifts to my own suit. I’m dressed in a white space suit that resembles my flight gear but with thick shields. Padding enhances my defenses, and the gold belt at my hips holds my weapons. I blink, and my helmet appears, already locked in place, displaying information such as distance, temperature, and the rate of my heartbeat.