VALENTINE was in his private gym, his fists wrapped tightly as he hammered a heavy punching bag. Sweat poured down his face and soaked his shirt. Each punch was hard and sharp, fueled by the frustration and helplessness he had felt since leaving the palace. He put all of his anger into every hit, the bag swinging wildly with the force of his blows.
The image of Cynric's closed off expression as he told him to leave flashed in his mind. The frustration he felt doubled over once again. He swung his hand hard, and his fist connected with the punching bag, sending it swinging far away from him. As it swung back toward him, he heard his Terminal ring, causing him to stop mid-motion.
If it had been an ordinary call, he would have ignored it. But that particular notification sound was assigned to only one person. He knew immediately who was calling. He quickly pulled off his gloves and accepted the call.
