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“Reese—”
“Don’t be a hypocrite, Aria,” she snapped. “You think I don’t know you’re here because depending on Sariel makes you look weak? How do you think I feel?”
The conversation ended there since I could not refute her without pointing out the fragile nature of humans and further insulting her. I had half a mind to share my worries with someone who might convince her to sit this one out, but Neo was also wrapped around her little finger. Judging by her silence, I knew that conspiring with Neo would ruin her trust in me, too.
After an awkward breakfast, we were called out into the yard to be introduced to our instructors. After Commander Thorn explained that he would be responsible for stealth training, he introduced us to a pair of Guardians.
Male, human Guardians, who would be responsible for weapon training.
To get here, they had to have survived not only beginner training but intermediate and advanced training. They had to have been awarded medals for their contribution to training the new generation and thwarting an assassination attempt on the Queen.
I could feel Reese’s gaze on the side of my face as they introduced themselves.
Our hand-to-hand combat instructor then stepped out, and we both paused.
It was Lucia. She looked as badass as she had when we first met. Her expression was no-nonsense.
I gulped as she stepped towards us. The others took a collective step back, leaving space for her to circle us.
“You’re behind,” she said to us by way of introduction. “Your friends have been placed in higher levels, and you’re about five months too late for therealbeginner classes.
“Some of your colleagues will be moving to intermediate in the spring. You have even less time than they do to become perfect and impressive by the time your final exam rolls around. Otherwise, you’ll be here again next year.”
And we didn’t have that kind of time.
“You’ll have night classes,” she explained, stepping back in line with the other instructors. “You’ll train during the morning period, complete whatever duties you’ve been assigned, and then you’ll be back here at seven PM, after dinner.”
I felt Reese tense next to me.
Lucia was talking about long days and even longer nights. It was a sacrifice I was already prepared to make, and judging by the set of Reese’s jaw, so was she.
“Good,” Lucia said at our silent confirmation, an evil glint in her eye.
Commander Thorn took over from her, his expression just as sinister as hers. His owl shuddered.
“We’re starting today’s lesson with a game of hide and seek,” he stated calmly. “We’ll have our newcomers hide first. Do we have any volunteers for seekers?”
Reese and I cringed at the number of hands that shot up around us. Today was going to be a long day.
4
FAKING IT
SARIEL
Iprayed that Aria wouldn’t notice how distracted I was.
Moonlight spilled through the blinds, bathing her in an ethereal glow. Her dark hair shimmered on the sheets like expertly-spun silk, and her eyes sparked and glinted, their color shifting into several shades until they were a kaleidoscope. They were true portals to the soul.
I was enchanted. I could hear her speaking, but I was too distracted to listen. I’d stepped out of the shower earlier to find her sprawled on her back, her hair fanned out like an inky blanket behind her, and I’d been enraptured since.
She laid on her back, talking animatedly even now. As for me? I laid facing her, my head propped on my fist as I attempted to pay attention to her adorable rambling.
“Right, Sariel?”
My name from her lips drew me out of my stupor. Unfortunately, I could only blink distractedly at her. “What?”
She frowned. “Have you been paying attention?”
