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.

you'd told me, I'd have bought you a good

"That outfit-it's just something you picked up from Bastion Prison because you had nothing

acting generous, she said, "Come on, I've got some nice clothes saved up.

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Chapter 39

in. Then she let out a

she said, her tone steady and cutting. "Under Vyrdenia law,

gets

planning

big hall fell in

room went completely still, like the

no one there knew Vyrdenia

knowing didn't stop them from putting it

added up-Vyrdenia wouldn't play around

snapped out of it, scrambling

seconds later, he

"Holy crap, it's legit! Some guy got hit with three years last year

gasped

her shocked face now showing a

Amber finally shook off

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

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know you've never liked me, not since middle school. But even if you can't stand me, you don't have to

status, tricking folks while dressed up.

flinch. "Your brother gave it to you?

Raven's steady tone, a jolt of panic

colonel

can't give you

nod. "A colonel named Jennings, stationed at Bastion.

spiked at Raven's words, panic surging

with tears almost instantly, like Raven's

same time, she shot a

up the hint and stepped up, glaring at Raven with

to jail for wearing military stuff. What about you? If it's such a big deal, why

it?"

eye in the

outfit was pretty much Amber's, just a

knew civilians couldn't wear this stuff,

either.

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Chapter 39

stares, Raven's lips curled into a slow, easy

hint of

I'm not military?" she

blinked,

lingered, leaving

had just made a fool of her. Before

she snapped back.

got out

you can't join