The Lines of Ebrus Series by Grace McGinty

Every year, on the first day of spring, each of the Twelve Lines of Ebrus sends a conscript to enrol in Boellium War College, the training ground for Ebrus' Dawn Army. Some come willingly, others not so much. Avalon Halhed had two lie low and survive her conscription at Boellium War College, and then retire to be an eccentric old woman in a run down cabin in the secluded mountains of her family's lands... moreEvery year, on the first day of spring, each of the Twelve Lines of Ebrus sends a conscript to enrol in Boellium War College, the training ground for Ebrus' Dawn Army. Some come willingly, others not so much. Avalon Halhed had two lie low and survive her conscription at Boellium War College, and then retire to be an eccentric old woman in a run down cabin in the secluded mountains of her family's lands. To achieve those goals she had keep herself apart from the other conscripts and not draw attention to herself. No friends. No connections.However, as days turn into weeks, Avalon fails at remaining a shadow to haunt the halls of Boellium. Instead, she draws the gaze of two of the most powerful people in all of Ebrus. They look at her and see too much, and that terrifies her most of all.Because what if they see past Avalon Halhed, unwanted daughter of the Ninth Line, and right down to her secrets? Secrets that killed her mother and made her father hate her?Secrets that would make the whole country of Ebrus want her dead if they knew? less

A tender heart in Boellium would soon bleed out, and then it would be their blood painting the courtyard’s cobblestones red. That wouldn’t be me.Avalon Halhed was the sacrificial lamb for the Ninth Line, but walking through the gates of Boellium felt wrong, and she couldn't put her finger on the reason why.It was more than her instant attraction to an Heir of the First Line, who was so far above her station he may as walk among the stars while she scrabbled in the dirt... moreA tender heart in Boellium would soon bleed out, and then it would be their blood painting the courtyard’s cobblestones red. That wouldn’t be me.Avalon Halhed was the sacrificial lamb for the Ninth Line, but walking through the gates of Boellium felt wrong, and she couldn't put her finger on the reason why.It was more than her instant attraction to an Heir of the First Line, who was so far above her station he may as walk among the stars while she scrabbled in the dirt.It wasn't even the face that looking at the Hayle Taeme inexplicably made her heart seize in her chest like it had beat its last beat either.She was out of her depth, and it was more than just the gruelling training and marathon lectures. She'd captured the attention of the two most powerful people inside the walls of Boellium, and not everyone was happy about it. It didn't matter that she'd been keeping her head down, determined to get through her conscription and return back to the Ninth Line Barony to live out her life in solitude.She'd upset the careful balance, and now they were out for blood.This is Part Two in an ongoing novella series. Reading Daughter Of The Ninth Line : Part One is strongly advised. less