The Apple Test Novels & Stories

Not the processing quiet — something more personal than that. "I made decisions based on what would prove you wrong," he said. "For years. Every case, every win, every time I made an Alpha answer for something in a courtroom — part of it was legitimate and part of it was directed at you specifically." He said it the way he said things that cost him something — directly, without cushioning, because cushioning it would make it smaller than it was. "I'm not sure that's healthier than what you did." "It built something real," I said.

Later that day, in Combat Hall, the next Trial was announced. Trial Two: Restraint. Each alpha had to pair with Ava in turn—to “train” her. To test her control. To see if the Bond obeyed her... or overwhelmed her. She would fight them. Alone. One by one. And the one who made her lose control—of her emotions, her powers, or her instincts—would be punished. The Academy elders called it a lesson. Ava knew better. It was a trap. First Pairing: Cassian Vale.