At the sound of the sword hitting the desk, Camilla sits bolt upright. She sleeps lightly at the best of times, and that particular clink of metal on metal screams danger. For one minute, and then another, she remains perfectly still. Only when no obvious danger presents itself does she slowly get out of bed.

That’s when she sees the sword.

Every bone in Cam’s body is warning her to beware, but still she approaches the desk. Eight months ago, the Blood of Eden officers who picked her up from the wreckage of Canaan House took her swords from her, and she hasn’t held one since. This one looks well-made, but relatively unremarkable. Carefully, she reaches out to grasp its hilt.