Alia’s lips curled slightly—not in disapproval, but in cold amusement.
“Pity,” she said. “Then this should be interesting.”
With a sharp flick of her wrist, Alia tossed something in River’s direction. Instinctively, River reached up—and barely caught the hilt of a sword.
She stared down at the gleaming steel in her hand, horrified.
“Wait—what are you—”
“Defend yourself.”
Alia didn’t give her time to panic.
The Queen drew her own blade, flashing silver in the air, and lunged.
River shrieked and stumbled backward, raising the weapon in a clumsy block just in time. The clang of steel on steel reverberated through her bones. Heiko didn’t move—he stood frozen, jaw clenched, watching with narrowed eyes but saying nothing.
This was a test.
River scrambled to keep her footing, wildly swi
