Chapter 1

In my previous life, after my pilot mother passed away, I was taken in by her brother-in-arms. His two sons were my shadows, protectors who granted my every wish since we were kids.

That all changed when their childhood obsession returned from her studies abroad. Suddenly, I was met with nothing but cold shoulders and silent treatment.

They didn't just let her steal the credit for my flight achievements. They forced me to abandon my wings and enter a forced marriage as her substitute, leading me to a lonely, bitter end.

Now, I have returned to the moment the Sterling twins tried to pressure me into a flight competition for their precious Winona. I didn't cry, and I didn't argue.

I simply turned around and submitted my application to the National Combat Pilot Team. This time, I am chasing my own horizon and serving my country's skies.

1

On the training field, the buzzing voices of the others grated against my ears.

"Gia, you're the reason Winona's hand is hurt! What's wrong with taking her place in the competition?"

Young Sean Sterling, clad in his olive flight suit, glared at me with a darkened face.

Beside him, Shane Sterling yanked off his aviators and chimed in.

"Exactly! You're obsessed with training anyway. Just look at this as an extra practice session."

Behind them stood Winona Zell, tears streaming down her face like a wilting lily.

"It's all my fault. My hand is just too weak. Don't make it hard for Gia anymore."

"I can handle the pain. Sean, Shane, please don't worry about me."

I looked at the three of them performing their little drama, and a wave of nausea washed over me.

In my past life, Winona had made a bet with the ace pilot from the neighboring class. The prize was exclusive weekly access to the training grounds.

Three days before the race, she suddenly claimed I had bumped into her, injuring her hand. The twins didn't hesitate to force me to fly in her stead.

Now, the scene was repeating itself. Instead of resisting like I did before, I gave a calm, slow nod.

Sean wiped away Winona's tears with a look of heartbreak. "Winona, don't be scared."

"Gia hurt you, so this is her penance! It's the least she can do."

Shane looked at me in disbelief, nudging his brother's arm. His voice was thick with excitement. "Brother, look! Gia actually agreed!"

I spoke up before they could celebrate. "I have one condition. All of your after-hours training slots belong to me."

We were at the new campus of the Flight Academy, where resources were tight. After-school practice time was strictly regulated for every cadet.

That was exactly why the other class had used training time as the stakes for the bet.

The brothers froze, their faces hardening as they instinctually prepared to refuse. But when they met my unwavering gaze, Sean reluctantly caved.

"Fine. If that's what it takes for you to help Winona, consider it a deal."

Shane, always following his brother's lead, added a threat. "You better train hard. If you lose this race, you're going to regret it."

With that, they escorted Winona away to rest. I stood still under the setting sun, watching their retreating silhouettes.

In my last life, my refusal to sub for Winona led to a campaign of bullying and isolation led by these very brothers. It ended with me crashing during a test flight due to a mental breakdown and being expelled.

I won't let history repeat itself. I won't swallow any more insults.

Taking a deep breath, I turned and headed straight for Coach Miller's office. I knocked and walked in, declaring my intent to join the National Combat Pilot Team.

Coach Miller's brow furrowed. He looked at me skeptically for a long moment before speaking.

"Gia, you spend every waking moment following those Sterling boys around. Are you really ready for the isolated, grueling life at the base?"

"Besides, the elite team requires a brutal entrance exam. You should think this over carefully."

My voice didn't waver. "I have thought it over. It is my final decision."

"Becoming a combat pilot is my lifelong calling. It's what I was born to do."

"Coach, my grades and physical scores are at the top of the class. I know I can do this."

Miller's eyes filled with sudden admiration. He stood up and actually started clapping.

"Good! That's the spirit we need. You're a true talent of this academy!"

"Since your mind is made up, I'm behind you. I'll register you for the selection trials in three days."

Three days. That was the same day as the competition I'd promised Winona I'd fly. I asked the coach to keep my application a secret until then, and he gave me his word.