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.

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

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

said, "Come on, I've got some nice

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Chapter 39

it in. Then she let out a quiet,

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

gets at least three years in

long you planning to sit behind

hall fell in

hit, the room went completely still,

one there knew Vyrdenia had a

not knowing didn't stop them from

up-Vyrdenia wouldn't play around

guy snapped out of it, scrambling

few seconds later, he

guy got hit with three years

crowd gasped in

her shocked face now showing a

on her, Amber

She stared

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not since middle school. But even if you can't

military status, tricking folks while

didn't flinch. "Your brother gave it to you? What's

Raven's steady tone, a jolt

"My brother's a colonel in the military. His info's'

give you

"A colonel named Jennings, stationed at Bastion. Shouldn't be

Raven's words, panic

instantly, like Raven's calm words

shot a quick, sneaky

picked up the hint and stepped up, glaring at

Luca said, her voice cutting, "you're saying Amber could go to jail for wearing military stuff. What about you? If it's such a big

it?"

in the room swung

pretty much Amber's, just a

she knew civilians couldn't wear this stuff, she

either.

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Chapter 39

stares, Raven's lips curled into

hint of

not military?" she

crowd blinked,

lingered,

made a fool of her. Before anyone could figure

she snapped back.

got out of Bastion Prison two

raised an eyebrow. "Who says you can't join the