Meanwhile, somewhere in the Tatra Mountains

Dahlia gazed upon the mountain’s splendor from her office in the chateau. It had been a challenging year since the battle of the island that cost her so much. Her life had changed forever that day. Although she would never admit it to anyone else, she lost part of her soul when her only child and his father were murdered by Jeremiah Mason. She shook off the memory.

It’s not the time to reflect. I must check on the girls.

Moments later she strode down the path that led to the training area. As Dahlia watched two young women fight, she suppressed the pang of regret and nurtured the seeds of hope. One was taller than the other. The taller girl had a long wooden staff, and the other fought with her bare hands. Dahlia paid particular attention to the unarmed girl; she was not afraid of getting hit with the staff—quite the opposite. Neither wore any protective gear, as Dahlia had insisted they fight as they would on the street: with limited protection.

Vedrana and Eva are only fifteen, and they fight like pros.

Although she preferred a bladed weapon, Vedrana wielded the staff with precision. She missed Eva’s head by mere centimeters. The girl ducked, then countered the sudden motion with a swift punch to Vedrana’s side.

“Protect that midsection,” Dahlia chided.

Vedrana blocked Eva’s continued advances with the staff. Although she blocked each thrust, she couldn't regain her advantage. Eva switched fighting stances and missed a blow to the head. Eva continued her upward thrust, and Vedrana attempted to block it but was too late. A roundhouse kick sent Vedrana staggering. Eva kept coming. She threw another punch. It connected with the other girl’s head with a thud. She tried to hit the girl again but was blocked. Eva switched tactics and tried striking low, but Vedrana expected this move and hit Eva on the knuckles. Eva let out a cry but didn’t give up. She straightened her posture, took in a deep breath, and watched as the other girl attacked with the staff. Eva waited for the right moment before striking the staff in its center. It snapped like a twig. Vedrana shot Eva a wicked smile before dual wielding the two pieces of the broken staff. Eva went on the offensive. She threw a series of blows, and half of them landed on the tall girl’s ribs, arms, and head. She managed to land two blows with the broken pieces of the staff, but neither seemed to bother the unarmed girl.

If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

“Enough!” Dahlia said.

The girls both faced her but otherwise didn’t move. Dahlia examined the girls. Each had several cuts, bruises, and scrapes; some of the wounds looked painful and blood oozed from many of them, but the girls stood motionless.

“Why do you think I’m training you so hard?”

The trainees remained silent.

Dahlia pointed to the tall girl. “Vedrana—answer the question.”

“It’s not a matter of difficulty, but how we focus on the target that matters,” the girl replied.

Vedrana shook her head to get the excess hair out of her eyes. It got caught in a light breeze.

She is both a beauty and a beast.

Vedrana’s gaze was unwavering. Her ready stance reminded Dahlia of the young girl she’d been in Czechoslovakia all those years ago, before she’d became the infamous Black Heart.

“What is your full name?” Dahlia asked the tall girl.

“Vedrana Cizerle, Madam.”

Dahlia nodded her approval at the girl’s proper use of her title; most of the other girls didn’t. Dahlia turned her gaze to the shorter, but no less able opponent. She had had long hair, but kept it tied up. She looked frail, but Dahlia could see the muscles in her arms. Dahlia had seen her train many times.

“And your name?”

“Eva Zidarn, Madam.”

These are the two best fighters I’ve seen. They will come with me to the meeting with the Cabal.

“Both of you will serve as my associates for the next conference.”

The girls shared a look, but their expressions didn’t change.

Dahlia bowed without taking her eyes off the girls. They returned the gesture.

“Report to Blanka just before the dinner bell—she has your first assignment ready.”

The girls nodded before continuing their training.

My girls are almost ready. Soon they will pass the ultimate test and become my lieutenants.

Dahlia watched the girls for several moments before taking her leave.