Avery is the youngest child of General Thane, a man who has shaped six of the kingdom’s greatest generals but has no idea how to raise a daughter. Out of habit, pride, and fear of weakness, he trains Avery exactly as he trained his sons. Eventually, he stops seeing Avery as a daughter at all—only as another soldier under his roof.

Avery becomes sharper, faster, and more disciplined than any of their siblings. The secret demands perfection.

When the king announces that all of General Thane’s sons must attend the Royal Military Academy, Avery is included without hesitation. The king even comments that Avery will make a fine companion for his own son, Prince Elias—the second prince, destined for command rather than the throne.

General Thane agrees immediately.
Not because he believes Avery is ready.
Not because he believes they will thrive.
But because refusing the king’s decree would raise questions he cannot afford.

Avery is sent to the academy with a single order:
Do not fail. 
Do not falter. 
Do not be discovered.


Hidden in Formation