The Valkyrie Returns and Slays (Raven)

Chapter 39

Chapter 39

Amber didn't waste any more time with small talk. She flashed a quick grin and dove right in.

67%

+5

Then she said, "This outfit's something my brother grabbed from the military. Rumor has it, a legend designed it-a young one not even twenty who shot up to general."

The second she finished, a gasp rolled through the crowd.

Someone spoke up, acting clueless, “A general before twenty? You talking about THAT guy? The one who might be the military's fourth in command?"

Amber blinked, thrown off. "Hold up, you actually know him?" she asked, sounding surprised.

"Holy-" someone blurted.

Her response pretty much confirmed it, and the room let out a collective gasp, mouths hanging open.

The person who designed that outfit was THE military legend!

While everyone stood there, stunned, staring at Amber, Raven and Hailey walked into the banquet hall.

It didn't take long for a classmate to spot Raven.

He blurted, "Hey, check it out! Her outfit's just like Amber's!"

Everyone turned to look at Raven at once.

Then they stopped cold.

It wasn't just close. Anyone could see it was the same exact design-same shape, same style.

Only Raven's looked like the upgraded version.

Amber's eyes locked onto Raven, her expression darkening fast.

She'd just bragged about how unique her outfit was, and now this nobody shows

up in something way too similar-nicer material, too. It felt like a punch

in the gut.

"Hold on," someone muttered. "Doesn't she look like that Raven girl who got sent to Bastion Prison a few years ago?"

Another voice jumped in, confident, "Oh man, it is her!"

The first guy frowned. "She's out of Bastion already? But... shouldn't a reformed convict like her be banned from a party like this?"

Amber's lips twitched, a flash of scorn in her eyes as she looked Raven up and down.

But then she put on a smile and strolled over to Raven.

"Hey, Raven," she said, her voice oozing fake kindness. "Out of jail already? Why didn't you let me know?"

Her eyes softened into a pitying look as she scanned Raven.

been tough at home. If you'd told me, I'd have bought you a good meal. No need

something you picked up from Bastion Prison because you had nothing else,

I've got some nice

1/4

16:28 Mon, 14 Apr

Chapter 39

glanced at Amber's outfit, taking it in. Then she let out a quiet, sharp

said, her tone steady and

military uniform gets at least three years in

planning

hall fell

hit, the room went completely still, like the air got sucked

no one there knew Vyrdenia had a law

not knowing didn't stop them

wouldn't play around with something

guy snapped out of it, scrambling for his

seconds later,

crap, it's legit! Some guy got hit with three years last year for the same

gasped

slowly, they turned toward Amber, her shocked face now showing a flicker of

her, Amber

to settle down. She stared at Raven, her eyes full of

+5

me, not since middle school. But even if you can't stand me, you don't

folks while dressed up. I'm

brother gave it to

stiffened at Raven's steady tone,

a colonel in the military.

can't give

named Jennings, stationed at Bastion. Shouldn't be tough

Raven's

tears almost instantly, like Raven's calm words

a quick, sneaky glance at

hint and stepped up,

could go to jail for wearing military stuff. What about you? If it's

it?"

every eye in the

much

knew civilians couldn't wear this stuff, she

either.

2/4

16:29 Mon, 14 Apr

Chapter 39

stares, Raven's lips curled into

hint

not military?"

crowd blinked, thrown off

lingered,

had just made a fool of

she snapped back.

just got out of Bastion Prison two days ago. How could you be

an eyebrow. "Who says you