Chapter 10 Chapter 10 t vanished. A little The three of them whipped out their phones, staring at the forum post that had just v Their faces said it all—total shock. That’s her version of messing around!‘ Across campus, Imani was glued to her phone, grinning at the tidal wave of shade hitting Briar online. … Read more
Chapter 9 Chapter 9 While Briar was out of the picture, two posts about her set the school forum on fire. One read: Freshman Animation Star’s Got Model Looks–Is She Snatching Imani’s Campus Queen Title“] The post was straight–up: just sneaky pies grabbed when Briar showed up for registration. She was in a plain white … Read more
Chapter 8 Briar shung her backpack over her shoulder and bolted from school, only to nearly crash into her parents and Imani at the gate. Imani was glued to Louise’s arm, giggling like they were BFFs. As the school’s queen bee, Imani had every head turning her way. Briar rolled her eyes and kept walking, … Read more
Chapter 7 The plaza outside Limond University’s main gate was hopping, lined with tables and chairs, each sporting a sign with a college or major’s name. Student council folks running orientation were decked out in white tees with the school logo front and center. Behind the animation department’s sign, a guy peeled a book off … Read more
Chapter 6 0 “What’s that supposed to mean?” Louise’s voice was hot with anger, practically burning a hole through the room. She added, Imani’s not you, Briar. If people found out she’s not a real Shepherd, how’s she supposed to keep going? Four years ago, you had it in for her, and now what? Why … Read more
Chapter 5 Black Wolf [Yup. Supervision Department.] Briar’s head pounded like a cheap drum. Fox: [Wait, the Supervision Department nabbed the files? No way.] Black Wolf: [Yo, Snake, you’re in deep. Word from the boss, no files, no future.] Briar rubbed her temples, staying quiet. She got it. No files didn’t mean she’d have to … Read more
Chapter 4 Outside Limond City, in a swanky estate. A pale guy was sprawled on a bed, face half–sunk in a pillow, sharp jawline barely peeking out. Bandages hugged his body, with faint bloodstains creeping through. Enzo Wilkins kicked back nearby, a sleek laptop on his lap, spitting out the latest intel from abroad. “Yo, … Read more
Chapter 3 Briar hung up the phone and stored inside. Secing Martin still standing there, she held out her hand. “Gotta jer. Hand over the car keys.” Martin was consoling a teary Imani, but Briar’s words made his face sour. “You just got back from overseas. What’s the rush?” “Dad, why’re you all up in … Read more
Chapter 2 Next day, Briar sprawled on a bench at Limond City Airport, a lollipop tucked in her cheek, eyes glued to her phone as she smashed through a game. In a worn T–shirt, ripped jeans, and a messy ponytail, she looked like any other college kid. Without her usual camo gear, her sharp, stunning … Read more
Chapter 1 On a sweltering tropical island in the Baclan Ocean, the sun was brutal. A young woman in camo stood tall, twirling a slick black whip like it was part of her. She snapped, “Welcome to District 21, newbies! Name’s Black Mamba, and I’m your drill instructor for the next three months. “Trust me, … Read more