The Valkyrie Returns and Slays (Raven)

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

In Vyrdenia's high-up conference room, a dozen of the nation's highest-ranking military officers sat quietly, waiting for orders.

These were the heavy hitters-all generals-holding their breath for someone important to walk through the door. Their ranks were clear just from their expressions: The senior generals sat calm and composed, nothing shaking them. The lieutenant generals shifted in their seats, a hint of unease in their eyes. And the brigadier generals? They looked lost, their gazes bouncing around like they weren't sure they belonged.

Then, out of nowhere, a soldier in a crisp uniform burst in.

"Sir!" he shouted, catching his breath. "Lieutenant General Valor sent me-she won't be here today!"

The top general at the table was a weathered man with a chest full of medals. He stood up fast. "What's happening?" His voice was steady but carried a weight that filled the room.

The soldier lowered his eyes. "Her six-year-old brother-he's been taken by the CEO of Grayson Group.

"What?" The general's brow furrowed, his tone sharpening.

The Vyrdenia officers, usually stone-faced, exchanged quick looks.

Messing with that woman's brother was a bold move-one that could end badly for whoever tried it.

pressed on, hurried. "Grayson's fiancée was in a car accident-she needs a blood transfusion urgently. Turns out the

kid not long ago--a small, chubby boy with messy

in his eyes, "A transfusion? He's only six. What kind of blood are they taking from

boy, it's not just Grayson Group that's in trouble-the whole Bastion City will

explosion

and the room held

force of nature with a kill count that defied belief. If someone she cared about was harmed, she wouldn't

the soldier's

it, and

he said, voice tight, "She's at Grayson Memorial

The general didn't pause.

ordered.

*****

in chaos. Grayson Memorial Hospital

mess.

on the top floor, a sharply dressed man

of Grayson Group, the kind of man who owned half the city and made

fine now," she said

with a quiet beauty that drew people