The Valkyrie Returns and Slays (Raven) novel Chapter 158

Chapter 158

Thirty minutes later, Corey’s military issued vehicle rolled to a stop in front of a vast estate nestled in the heart of Regalhold’s city center.

Gilded letters were carved into the towering gates: The Lysander Family.

62%

11

This was the ancestral home of the Lysanders–one of Regalhold’s Five Great Clans–and also the designated venue for tonight’s event, where the top- tier families would be selecting candidates for their Hundred–Man Unit recommendations.

Corey stepped out of the vehicle, his face still clouded with displeasure.

He hadn’t expected it. It wasn’t often he extended a personal invitation to a junior–yet not only had Raven refused it, she’d practically thrown it back in

his face.

As he approached the gate, a second car pulled up beside his.

The door opened, and out stepped Caleb, still visibly pale from having been put through hell all day by Raven. Even now, he hadn’t fully shaken off the nightmare of her training.

But despite the exhaustion, the powerful aura he carried was undeniable.

Corey instinctively paused mid–step.

Then Caleb spotted the insignia on Corey’s chest and froze. The military crest–that meant something.

He immediately straightened and offered a crisp salute. “Commander.”

Corey gave a slight nod and was just about to walk on when something made him pause. Without warning, he placed a hand on Caleb’s shoulder.

Years of training kicked in–Caleb instinctively pivoted to the side and twisted Corey’s wrist into a counter–grip. But as soon as he realized who he was dealing with, he released the hold and stepped back, clearly about to apologize.

Corey, however, simply raised his hand to stop him.

“A reaction time like that,” he said with a low chuckle, “and at your age? Impressive. You’ve got potential.”

Caleb saw the glint of approval in Corey’s eyes and immediately replied, “Thank you for the compliment, sir.”

“What’s your name?” Corey asked, now smiling.

“Caleb.”

“You here for the Hundred–Man Unit recommendation?” Corey asked.

“Yes, sir,” Caleb answered truthfully. One of his comrades had tipped him off about the event. He had some time, so he thought he’d take a shot at it.

“Well then,” Corey said with a grin, “from now on, you’ll be working under me. I’ll see to it you’re granted a confirmed slot in the Hundred–Man Unit.”

Caleb blinked. “Confirmed?”

There was such a thing?

“You doubt I have the authority?” Corey’s smile faltered slightly, clearly remembering what happened with Raven not long ago.

“No, sir. Not at all,” Caleb said quickly. He straightened again and saluted with genuine respect. “It’s an honor to have your recognition. I promise I won’t let you down.”

He wasn’t sure even with Raven’s support if he could pass the final selection. But with this? With a guaranteed position he could finally breathe.

1/2

10.57 Tue, 22 Apr

Chapter 158

More importantly, this was a general recognizing him personally. This was more than a nomination. It was a backer.

Corey’s smile returned in full.

‘Finally, he thought. ‘Someone who knows how to accept an opportunity.”

“Seems I’m luckier than I thought,” Corey said. “I hope you’ll prove yourself. Show her what she threw away.”

“Her?” Caleb asked, confused.

62%

11