Vikoria's lips curved faintly. "Or unlucky. Now they will expect more from us."
He winced. "I was hoping for just… less dying."
Their group was led forward with others into the training grounds beyond the courtyard. Sunlight finally broke free of the clouds, sharp and pale, painting long shadows on the dirt field.
Commander Ahn stepped forward this time, her voice softer but no less firm. "We will see how you breathe together, move together, strike together. Teams that collapse will be dismissed. Teams that stand will advance."
Shunya's pulse hammered. He glanced sideways at Naomi and Vikoria. Naomi gave him a look that said, "Do not falter." Vikoria gave him one that said, "You won't, because we won't let you."
And for the first time that morning, Shunya almost believed them.
✦✦✦
