“Enjoy training together,” I said sweetly.
Matt wrapped an arm around Valarus’s shoulders. “We will.”
She shrugged him off. “As if,” she muttered.
I left them to it and walked back toward Oliver and Ichi, already knowing the little game between Matt and me wasn’t over.
I snuck a peek at Aspen while Ichi disarmed Oliver, his sword thudding to the ground.
Aspen sat on the stone stands, watching the Devils split into groups, two circling wide while one held the center. He should be training with them, but he wasn’t.
Was it because of his depression? Or did something happen at the healers’ wing this morning?
“You really can’t help yourself,” Oliver remarked, sliding up beside me. “He’s not going for any pointy objects. He’s not fighting. He’s safe just sitting there.”
“That’s the problem.”
Oliver threw his hands in the air. “You want him to fight?”
“I just want him to act… himself,” I admitted lamely.
He twisted me around just as Ichi held out a sword toward me.
“I can teach you more skills with a blade, or if you prefer, we can warm up with a javelin or throwing knives, Tormentors Leader.”
“Ichi, you can still call me Lucy. I’d prefer that.”
She bowed low. “As you wish. Your choice?”
I wished she didn’t feel the need to bow to me. Ever since Ni attacked me, it had become a habit. One I didn’t feel worthy of, especially right now.
“Have you seen your sister recently?” I asked instead.
She paused halfway up from her bow, seeming stunned by my question.
“I am not allowed to see her.”
“Says who?”
Straightening to her short height, Ichi kept her head tilted down. “Our General.”
Why?
“Do you want to see her?”
“I am not allo?—”
“Ichi, do you want to see her?”
“Yes,” she said softly. “I know the sight may haunt me. But I would like to see her.”
“Alright then. Let’s start with throwing knives.”
“My favorite.” Oliver rubbed his hands together.
Ichi finally lifted her head and nodded.
By the end of training, my muscles were weary and my brain fried. I had every intention of locking myself in my room and not going on the date with Ronen.
