After failing miserably at group combat training against Lanse, Tess wasted no time. She got dressed in record speed, eager to escape before he could corner her. She swore his stalking was getting out of hand.
The beach would be her refuge.
As she made her way there, her thoughts wandered to her short return to her home district. She remembered the old swing—the one that made her feel like she was flying. Whenever life felt too heavy, that swing had lifted her above it all. That memory sparked an idea.
Oddly, the mission base was silent. No Annie, no Sensei. She headed to Sensei's office, hoping to find Annie there. Instead, the blond snake himself greeted her.
"I'm just here to get some rope," she blurted out before he could speak. "Really, really strong rope."
Sensei's brow rose sharply. "Your secret is now out." His voice carried a note of suspicion as his brows knitted. "What exactly are you planning to do with rope? Cadet… are you sure getting the Seal isn't better?"
