Page 20 of Detonation
I shake my head. "Trust me. She won't be lenient with me. I was surprised she even gave me the chance to stay here to begin with. I should probably just change and find another way to train and learn how to master my powers."
Curiosity crosses his face, his dark brows furrowing with his scrutiny of me. I'd ask if I have something on my face but we both know that’s a stupid question. I have somethingallover me right now.
His short, layered, black hair falls into his eyes when he tilts his head. "You'reOslana?"
My mouth flattens in a line as I nod, unsure of how he’ll take that.
He bends at the waist as a loud, belting laugh comes from him. I allow him to have his moment, not quite sure how to interpret that response. He composes himself after a few moments, wiping his eyes and straightening back up to his full height, tall enough that he towers over my frame. If I wasn't deeply in love with my men, I might have found his looks appealing but, as it is, I think of how cute Lilli and him would be together.
Stop playing cupid, Lana. Focus!
He picks up the bucket and begins to walk away, smirking as he goes on his merry way. "Go find someone to help you draw a bath and get new clothes. I'll handle my sister. Show up to the yard when you're done."
Somehow, I feel like she’s not going to just roll over and go easy on me but agirl can dream.
Looking down at myself, I shake my head at my poor luck before walking to find a helpful bystander—however unlike that may be. And what am I supposed to say to them? "Hi, my name is Lana. I had manure spilled on me about three minutes after I woke up. How's your day going?
Yup, definitely fitting right in here.
Fuck my life.
* * *
Surprisingly, a kind, non-judgmental woman pointed me in the direction of Grammie, who was tending the gardens. I was impressed that she only slightly scrunched her nose at the rank smell of the shit bath I got. At least it hid the fact that I didn’t brush my teeth.
As soon as Grammie took a look at me, she pursed her lips, suppressing a smile. That lasted all of ten seconds before she fell to her knees, laughing so hard, she was crying and complaining about the pain in her stomach.
I can't even blame her, honestly. I'd do the same thing. But since it was me who was covered in the shit, I just crossed my arms over my chest and gave her an unimpressed look.
Once she composed herself, she arranged for a hot bath and new clothes for me, all ready within a few minutes, before leaving me to soak as she scoured the camp for a toothbrush and hairbrush for me. Luckily, most of the manure had been on my clothes so I quickly rinsed off the shit stains on my skin before drying.
As I dress in the soft, blue, linen top and black leather pants set aside for me, I pray that they have some form of armor for me to wear over this. The trainers will beat the shit out of me without some form of protection.
Deja vu strikes as I braid my hair again and pull on my boots, my movements more relaxed than this morning but my mind far more anxious.
Let's try this again.
I exit the tent to the sun glaring into my eyes. Holding my hand to shield myself from the worst of it, I look both ways, make entirely sure that there’s no one to run into, and then set off at a brisk pace to the training yard.
With each step, dread builds in my stomach. Despite the countless bullies I’ve faced in my life, never have I ever had to face a situation like this alone. My men were my armor, my lifelines. But now, I won’t be able to rely on their muscles to intimidate anyone and I’ll have to hold my sharp tongue as well.
It's time to strip away those shields and allow my vulnerability, the real Lana, to show through. To prove to them that I truly want to learn and that I'll put in the work.
I'm not the biggest fish in the pond here but I need to learn from whoever is.
As I enter the yard, men and women, paired off together, train, not one of them sparing me a glance as they focus on their movements. My nose scrunches as I scan to see if anyone is using magic but see no trace of it.
"Get over here, Oslana."
I groan under my breath before turning to the woman from last night. Her voice carries clear across the field but still, no one falters in their sparring, continuing to ignore me as I dodge through the pairs to make it to her.I really need to learn her name.
As I reach her, I take note of the same chocolate brown eyes as the man from earlier and the small button nose that she shares with him. Definitely related.
She cocks her head as she gives me a onceover.
Like what you see?I bite down the taunt on my tongue, considering it would just get me into trouble and I’d much rather avoid getting my face rearranged. She definitely does not like any part of what she sees, considering it's me.
I can see why she holds the respect and loyalty of the people. She's intimidating as hell and clearly not willing to put up with anyone's shit.Good thing I washed mine off.I giggle-snort in my head.
