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.

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

in, "That outfit-it's just something you picked up from Bastion Prison because

"Come on, I've got some nice clothes saved

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Chapter 39

Then she

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

uniform gets at least three years in prison.

planning to sit

big hall

went completely still, like

knew Vyrdenia had

didn't stop them from

wouldn't play

out of it,

seconds

legit! Some guy got hit with

gasped in

shocked face now

their eyes on her, Amber finally shook

breath, forcing herself to settle down. She stared

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started, "I know you've 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 like you

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

gave it

at Raven's steady tone,

colonel in the

can't give you

"A colonel named Jennings, stationed at

spiked at Raven's words,

filled with tears almost instantly, like Raven's calm

the same time, she shot a

up the hint and stepped up, glaring at Raven with cold

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

it?"

every eye in the room swung

much

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

either.

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Chapter 39

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

a hint

I'm not

crowd blinked, thrown

words lingered, leaving them

felt like Raven had just made a fool of her. Before anyone could

she snapped back.

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

says you can't join