Dawn broke over the Forbidden Woods with the subtlety of a slap.

Ice-cold water hit my face.

I gasped, flailing, rolling straight off the narrow bed and crashing onto the hard wooden floor with a thud that rattled my teeth. My heart leapt into my throat as I scrambled for breath, blinking water out of my eyes.

Zane stood over me, an empty bucket hanging loosely from his hand. His expression was utterly unsympathetic.

"Training starts now," he said flatly.

I pushed myself onto my elbows, sputtering. "You could have-"

"You have five minutes to get dressed and meet me outside."

He turned toward the door.

"Four minutes and fifty...