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.

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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.

heard things have been tough at home. If you'd told me, I'd have bought you a good meal. No need to sneak in here and graze

you picked up from

on, I've got some nice clothes

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16:28 Mon, 14 Apr

Chapter 39

at Amber's outfit, taking it in. Then she

the deal," she said, her tone steady and cutting.

uniform gets at least three years in prison.

you planning to sit

hall

the room went completely still, like the air got

no one there knew Vyrdenia had a

not knowing didn't stop

play around with

snapped out of it, scrambling for his phone to

few seconds

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

crowd gasped in

toward Amber, her shocked face now showing a flicker of

her, Amber finally shook

down. She stared at Raven, her eyes full of hurt

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never liked me, not since middle school. But even if you can't stand me, you don't have to wish I'd end up in prison

"That law you mentioned-it's probably for people faking military status, tricking folks while dressed up. I'm just wearing something my

brother gave it

steady tone, a jolt of panic

a colonel in

can't give you his

nod. "A colonel named Jennings, stationed at

spiked at Raven's words, panic surging even

like Raven's calm words

shot a quick,

her friend, picked up the hint and stepped up, glaring at Raven with

voice cutting, "you're saying Amber could go to jail for wearing military

it?"

question hit, every eye in the room

outfit was pretty much Amber's, just

she knew civilians couldn't wear this stuff, she shouldn't be

either.

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Chapter 39

curled

carrying a hint of unshakable

not military?"

blinked, thrown off

lingered, leaving

just made a fool of her.

she snapped back.

think I don't know you just got out of Bastion Prison two days ago. How

says you can't