I pushed my food around on my plate, unable to eat a single bite. My insides were still trembling after the visit to Astrid. I know she told me not to worry but I couldn’t help but think of the part where she said the person had decided to finish what he started, and very soon.

I wasn’t ready at all. I know early I kind of boasted about my fighting skills, but I was terrified. It felt like my insides were twisted in a painful manner and I couldn’t breathe well.

“Genny,” Lily called, and I looked up from my plate to meet her concerned gaze. “What’s wrong? Are...