The Blackened Blade (The Blackened Blade, #1)

by Isla Davon

My greatest regret in this life, and I have many, is not living freely. Not believing I was worthy enough to defend myself.

I deserved better. The younger me deserved better.

I go to move, realising the soft ‘cloud’ underneath me is a bed. A cream cotton blanket is draped over my legs with a fluffy matching pillow behind me. I pull myself further up and glance around. Looking around the space I’m now in, my eyes now fully adjusted, as I gaze around a familiar room. A room I hadn't seen in over seven years after having graduated from the academy.

This was a different me. A younger me. One before The Facility.

I gaze once again toward the main academy building, a small grin pulling at my lips. “Enjoy it while you can because this time…I’ll be the one to give you all a taste of real misery.”

Jake’s eyes go wide. “That's not fair, she–” “Fair?” Mr. Valor’s tone darkens, his eyes narrowing as the boy swallows the rest of his words. He takes a step past me, closing the distance between them. “Is three against one fair, Mr. Andrews?” Jake begins to tremble with whatever he sees in Mr. Valor’s face. “Your lack of awareness and ability is baffling. Or was it that you realised just one or two of you weren’t capable of being her opponent?” He takes a step towards the two boys still lying on the ground and prods them with the toe of his boot. One of them groans, and I have to school the grin, trying to stretch my cheeks as he continues. “It seems I also haven't taught you three well enough. But don't worry, I’ll be giving you all extra attention from now on.”

“Taking on three shifters without a weapon and getting the better of them is impressive.” He takes a few steps forward before turning back toward me, the sun setting in the sky and illuminating his golden white strands, making them glisten as a small grin tilts his lips. “I’m looking forward to seeing what else you're capable of.”