I was heartbroken, but the fact that deep inside, where it really counted, our connection was still strong helped me survive the pain. As long as that wasn’t lost, I could deal with anything.
In fact, I was almost 100% sure I could hear my men now. I even caught the sound of Pantar whispering in my head… sofaint that I couldn’t understand the words spoken, but I had faith our connection would strengthen.
Maybe Selene did me a favor. The trauma of her actions may have let me get past the barrier that being here had put between me and my Faction.
I smiled at the thought.
Today, I was on my way to the dining hall for a meal, and then to training. I had rested in my room for as long as possible. I needed to train, but I also had to keep my healed back and front concealed for at least a few more days.
I stepped out of the shower but froze again at the sight of my chest, bare of my mark. I paused, clenching my eyes shut tightly to send a prayer to the Ancestors, hoping that somehow my mark would return to where it belongs. Suddenly, a gentle breeze lifted the dark, wet strands of my hair, and I felt a wave of peace and comfort.
I opened my eyes, and my skin shimmered, illuminating all the dark corners of the small bathroom. I stared in the mirror in amazement as my mark appeared briefly before seeming to sink deep into my skin.
I sank to my knees on the cold bathroom floor and bowed my head in gratitude. I didn’t fully understand what it all meant, but I knew at that moment that no matter what lay ahead, I would face it, and I wasn’t alone.
Walking down the hallway toward the dining hall, I saw Torren approaching me. “Hey, stranger. I haven’t seen you in training or the dining hall for several days. I was beginning to worry.”
I smiled warmly, “No worries, I had a small injury from sparring. It really wasn’t a big deal.”
“Must have been pretty serious to keep you down for so long.” For a second, I thought I caught a flicker of rage in his eyes, but it was there and gone so fast I couldn’t be sure. “Are you headed to the dining hall?”
“Yes, I planned to grab a quick bite and then do a light workout to get me back on track.” I needed to ensure that I kept my training limited until my recovery reached a speed that would be considered normal.
“Why don’t I come with? Then we can train together afterward,” Torren said, then looped his arm through mine and started heading in that direction without waiting for my approval of his plan.
We entered the room, and everyone paused in what they were doing. I believe it was partly because of my appearance after days of absence, and also because of the man beside me. In all the months I’d been here, no one had dared to befriend me openly.
“Why don’t you take a seat, and I’ll fix us a plate?” Torren led me to a table smack dab in the middle of everyone.
“It might be better if we sat over there.” I pointed to a table in the back corner.
He frowned, “What’s wrong with this table?”
“Nothing. But it would cut down on the bullshit if we were a little more isolated.” I shrugged my shoulders. “I told you that I’m not well-liked around here.”
“And I don’t care.” He raised his brow. “Anyone who doesn’t like where you sit can take it up with me.”
“Well, okay then, big man.” I shrugged. “Don’t complain to me when you get heartburn from all the shit they feed you about me. Carry on and bring my food, garçon.” I waved him on with my hand.
“As you wish, my Queen.” Torren bowed deeply before turning and heading to the buffet laden with food.
I smiled. This guy was something else. I admired his bravery —or maybe it was just pure arrogance — that made him think he was untouchable. Either way, I was happy to have his company. After everything that happened, I needed some lightness and humor in my life, or at the very least a distraction.
I hadn’t been completely honest; it was only Kristine and her Faction that caused trouble. I didn’t think everyone here hated me. They would’ve probably befriended me if it weren’t for all of her bullshit. Most were so busy trying to stay alive and find a Faction they wanted no part in whatever was going on withme… I understood that, but it was lonely.
I was pulled out of my thoughts when a large plate of food was placed in front of me.
“This should put some meat on those bones,” Torren smirked as he sat across from me with a plate even more loaded down than mine.
I laughed, “I have a large appetite, but there is no way I can eat everything on this plate.” He’d brought me a large steak, a mound of scrambled eggs, and a small stack of pancakes.
He motioned at me with his fork. “Eat what you can, then I’ll finish the rest.”
As I watched him dig into his food, it reminded me of my guys; every one of them ate as if it were their last meal.
“Why the sad face?” Torren asked around a mouthful of food.
“Just thinking about some people I miss from home.” I smiled faintly, then started to eat.
