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.

urgently. Turns out the boy's the only match they could find, so

long ago--a small, chubby

his eyes, "A transfusion? He's only

that boy, it's

A distant explosion rattled

fell silent, and

force of nature with a kill count that defied belief. If someone

the soldier's

it, and his face

voice tight, "She's

The general didn't pause.

he ordered.

*****

in chaos. Grayson

mess.

floor, a sharply dressed man

of Grayson Group, the kind of man who owned half the city and made sure everyone knew it-looked down at the

fine now," she said

fragile, with a quiet beauty that drew