by A K Clark
“I just know it can make women act funny,” he said, refusing to meet my gaze.
“Not that it’s any of your business, no, I’m not bleeding. I’m exhausted. Milo is being a jerk to Cora and she won’t do anything about it.” As soon as the words escaped, I wanted to take them back. Theo had no business knowing about Cora and Milo.
“What did you say about Milo?” he asked. The fire in his eyes belied his calm tone.
“It’s nothing. Are we done?” I asked, trying to escape the conversation.
“No, tell me. What did Milo do to Cora?” He moved closer to me, keeping me within arm’s reach as if he were afraid he would have to grab me before I ran away. “Tell me,” he growled.
So, I did. Not because he should know, but because exhaustion had loosened my lips and the words flowed out. I left out the part where they had become lovers. Instead, I made it seem like Milo was using his position as speaker to keep Cora under his control.
“He doesn’t have the authority,” Theo said. “I’ll speak with her.”
“I don’t think it matters. Cora believes she will lose her appointment, and you said it yourself, she was born to be Pythia. She can’t imagine a world without it.”
“I should see her,” Theo said, ignoring my objections. His eyes were set with determination. Any further reasoning would be pointless. Maybe if someone else talked to her, it would give Cora the courage she needed to stand up to Milo.
When I arrived at the combat yard later that evening, everyone was already paired up and working. Darrien waited patiently at our assigned sparring area, holding a spare weapon for me. My shoulder felt a bit better and it was easier to keep up with him for most of the practice. His sword still managed to slip past my defenses. I winced when the dulled blade smacked my arm or stomach. He expertly swatted away every maneuver I used. The muscle in my shoulder began to tighten by the end of our practice.
“That was better. You did well. How is your shoulder?” Darrien asked, taking a few deep breaths to slow his breathing. I took a small amount of satisfaction in his labored breathing. I might have lost but at least I made him work for the win.
“It’s a little tight right now, but it didn’t bother me for most of the practice.”
He nodded.
“Good. Once it heals, you will be able to practice this hard twice a day,” Isaias said. I hadn’t realized he was standing there, and it took every ounce of willpower not to jump at his words.
“I can’t wait,” I replied dryly, leaving the men to talk. Ilinor and Cicely were wrapping up their practice, Ilinor once again besting Cicely with every thrust of her sword. I was impressed by her abilities. I’d never really paid attention to her in our defense lessons, but it was obvious she enjoyed it just as much as I did. I had just placed my weapon down when I sensed someone behind me.
“You think you belong?” Chestnut met my gaze, eyes filled with disgust. I tried to ignore the jab and walk around Thad but he stepped in my path. “You don’t belong here. You’re a woman. A woman is no good for training. She’s good for a jaunt in bed and cooking.”
I made to move in the other direction, but he blocked me again.
“Get out of my way,” I said, letting my annoyance bleed through.
“Or what?” He stepped closer. My heart began pounding with frustration and fear.
“Women don’t belong here. Do you hear me?” He grabbed my arm, pulling me closer to whisper in my ear. “Just because you’re Isaias’s new pet doesn’t mean you are off limits.”
I slapped away his hand when he brushed a finger across my cheek, shuddering at the touch. His hold tightened on my arm. I threw my free elbow into his face, pivoting so it hit him hard enough to snap his head sideways. He dropped my arm, wiping away a trickle of blood from his mouth. His shoulders tensed, preparing to hit me. I readied myself for his attack.
“Thad.” Isaias stood with Darrien, and both men looked angry.
“What?” Thad said, annoyed, turning his head to look at the men. “I’m just having a little fun. No harm done. Right, Alex?”
I looked at my arm. An angry red impression of his hand covered my arm and I could see the beginnings of a bruise. I took a calming breath before answering. For some reason, I wasn’t comfortable with letting on how much Thad had scared me. When I finally looked at Thad, his smile mocked me. He knew. The slimy bastard.
“I’m fine,” I said, moving my gaze from Thad to Darrien before finally meeting Isaias’s eyes. He held my gaze for a moment before carefully looking me over, anger flaring in his eyes when he saw the mark on my arm. What had Thad called me? Isaias’s new pet—what did that mean?
“See! She’s fine. We were just playing around,” Thad said.
“I need to speak to Alex,” Isaias said. Darrien and Thad stood there, waiting for him to speak. He glared at them before adding, “Alone.”
Thad shot me a withering look before he walked off to catch up with Chad, who was leaving the yard. Darrien stood his ground. Isaias turned to face him.
“Did you hear me?” he asked Darrien, stalking closer to him.
“I did but I don’t want to leave.” Darrien shrugged, as if it were reason enough to disobey his superior’s order. Isaias was master. Trainees and members alike followed his orders without question.
“I will let you stay,” Isaias said, moving closer to Darrien as he spoke. Their faces were just a few inches apart now. “If you hurt her in any way aside from practice here in the yard, I will make you pay for it.”
Darrien’s green eyes glinted with hurt.
“I would never harm a woman.” He said it with enough conviction that Isaias backed off, which was unfortunate for me because he turned to corner me, pinning me with his amber eyes. The same flashing eyes from my vision. The realization hit me and I struggled to connect the future to the present. How I felt when I’d seen him in the vision and how I felt standing with him at practice were completely different feelings. I’d felt kinship in the vision. All I felt now was frustration.
“What did he say?”
“Nothing,” I said, brushing off Isaias’s worry.
“Alex. Why did you hit him?” Isaias picked up my arm, growling as he inspected Thad’s handiwork.
“He said I didn’t belong here.”
“Is that all?” he asked. I nodded but couldn’t meet his eyes lest he see the truth in mine.
“What else did he say?” Darrien asked, his face a mixture of concern and anger. His protectiveness made my stomach flutter and only managed to confuse me more.
“He said I’m not off limits.”
Isaias cursed. “I didn’t think we would have any issues with him. Thad and Chad both seemed like level-headed trainees.” He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.
“It wasn’t so bad. I’m certain he will hesitate before he tries to intimidate me again.” I knew the words were lies. It didn’t matter that I fought him. He would be back to bother me. I just didn’t know when.
“He will,” Darrien said, echoing my thoughts.
“Yes.” Isaias agreed, grimacing. “All right, I’ll think of a way to deal with this. Maybe we can assign him to train in another city.”
I allowed Darrien to walk with me to the healer’s home, mostly because I knew he would follow even if I said no. I’d rather walk with him than have him tail me. We found Ivien inside, crushing something in her mortar. The woman tsked when she saw Darrien.
“You didn’t ask permission to bring company.”
“I didn’t know I would have any. I’m sorry.” I bowed my head slightly.
“Well, as long as he stays out of the way,” Ivien said to me instead of speaking directly to him.
“I’ll do my best.” His mouth twitched in amusement. Ivien still ignored him.
“Top off and on the table, dear.”
“I’ll be outside.” Darrien’s cheeks were pink as he all but ran from the room. Ivien barked out a laugh.
“I’ve never s
een a man so afraid of a woman’s body,” she yelled at his back. I took off the top and lay down after I heard the door close. Ivien’s hands ran over my skin, poking and tickling me with her feather-light touch.
“Still so tense. Have you worked on the neck and back at all?” she asked, grabbing the salves from her shelf.
“I haven’t had a chance to. I’ve been so tired.” I didn’t want to disappoint the healer and I felt guilty for not following her instructions.
“Don’t come back tomorrow unless you’ve done as I’ve asked. I can’t help you if you don’t work with me.” Ivien rubbed the eucalyptus ointment on my shoulders and the rotten-smelling one on my neck and back.
“Thank you,” I said, pulling the top on when she finished.
“You know, I’ve always found men can help release tension.” She tsked and nodded her head toward the door. “That one there, he seems capable.”
I burst out laughing. “You are a bad influence, Ivien.”
“Bah.” The old woman waved her hand. “I’m too old now, but a few years ago I wouldn’t have minded a man like him in my life.”
I was still laughing when I met Darrien outside. He’d gone from slightly pink to bright red. The old woman didn’t speak discreetly; everything she said came out as a yell due to her diminished hearing.
“I’ve found you a date!” I said, enjoying his obvious discomfort.
“Are you having fun?” he asked, trying to hide his embarrassment behind a smile.
“Very much so,” I said as we set off, “Ivien is quite lovely. You should consider it.”
“She’s old enough to be my grandmother’s grandmother.” He scoffed, taking no enjoyment in the conversation.
“Oh, don’t be so serious. She complimented you,” I chided him playfully.
“Never mind.” He made a face. “Where is a good place to get wine around here?”
I grinned. “Well, it isn’t much, but I have some wine at my house. Let me pour you a drink for your troubles.”
We spent the evening talking, and my cheeks grew sore from laughing. We talked for a bit more before Darrien left to attend the nightly meeting Stefan held. I was both relieved and sad to see him go—I’d enjoyed our conversation. Only when I lay down to sleep did I remember Thad and everything he had said to me. Once again, I didn’t feel safe in my home.
18
Zeus showed up unannounced a few days later looking lost.
“What’s wrong?” I asked, closing the door behind him.
He flopped down onto the couch, huffing out a breath. “I just ate lunch with my parents.”
My brow furrowed. “Do you feel sick?”
“No.” He groaned. “The food isn’t what bothered me.”
“Do you want to tell me what did?” I asked, sitting next to him on the couch. I’d never seen him so dejected before. I already disliked his parents and I hadn’t even heard what they’d done.
“They are impossible to reason with! Thinking that I’m some sort of abomination because I don’t like women. I tried to explain that there is nothing wrong with me but they wouldn’t listen. They kept going on and on about what a disappointment I am.”
I frowned. That didn’t make sense. His preferences weren’t abnormal. Many other men had the same desires. The gods wouldn’t care.
“I know,” he said, shaking his head in disbelief when he saw my confusion. “They don’t approve, but I know who I am.”
“I’m so sorry,” I said, side-hugging him.
He sighed. “Thanks. I just wish they could understand it isn’t a ‘condition’ or something wrong with me.”
I rested my head on his shoulder. “One day they will regret making you feel this way.”
He laughed. “I doubt that.”
“They will. No matter what your preferences are, you are still their child. They love you. It might just take them longer to accept you as you are.”
“You think?” he asked, voice thick with emotion.
“Absolutely. If they don’t, they are missing out on knowing one of the greatest people I’ve ever met.” I smiled, hugging him again. We sat in silence, soaking up the moment.
“Eck. Enough with this touchy-feely crap,” Zeus said, startling a laugh out of me. “Tell me about the trainees. Are they awful?”
“No. They are really good,” I said, smiling while I told him all about training. Isaias had told him about Thad. He swore he wouldn’t let him hurt me but I brushed off his concern. Thad wouldn’t bring me down. I was well on my way to being able to kick his ass.
Over the next three weeks, I fell into a routine: waking to workout with Theo, returning home to work, divining for the few customers seeking my help, then working out in the evening with the group. I followed Ivien’s relaxation orders, forcing myself to stretch and meditate every night. Zeus would occasionally stop by, brightening my day with his jokes. I hadn’t seen Cora since I spied on her and I had little time to seek her out.
The first few days after opening for business were slow, with only two customers stopping in for short consultations. But word got out, and every day business picked up. Now three weeks after being open I had a moderate stream of customers.
Some came to me instead of seeking out the Pythia, not wanting to stand in line, but most of my customers were locals seeking advice over small matters. All things considered, most people were happy with my services. The woman sitting in front of me today, however, was not.
“Tell me what happened,” she demanded.
“I’m sorry, Clea. I can’t see what happened.” I cringed under her glare. It was rare the gods wouldn’t show me things, but it did happen. Clea was not pleased.
“Have you asked her?”
“I haven’t.” I paused, wondering if I was ready to speak with the dead. “If it’s what you want…”
“Just do it already!” the woman shouted at me.
“Speak to me like that again and I’ll kick you out of my house.” The woman paled, stammering an apology.
“No more talking. I’ll attempt to speak to your sister. Then you can pay me and leave.” Any patience I had left fled when she yelled at me. I’d only go so far to appease my customers. How she treated me had crossed the line.
I shut out Clea’s muttering and whining. Focusing on the energy around me, I searched for the thread of energy that connected the dead with our world. Once I found it, I pulled on it. The fabric of the living world gave way to the Realm of the Dead. An icy breeze chilled my blood. A bottomless pit of sadness bared down on me. The newly dead wandered around me, seeking their final destinations. Some cried softly as they went, mourning the loss of their lives.
A few shouted angry words as they walked, complaining about the atrocities committed against them. Others wore vacant expressions, void of any emotions. All the feelings—sorrow, despair, anger, and even the nothingness some felt—brushed against me. My body wanted to react to every emotion, but I closed myself off, narrowing my focus to the reason I came here.
I stood in the middle of the wandering souls, repeating the dead woman’s name over in my mind until she appeared in front of me. Unlike the other souls, she seemed content in death.
“Clea brought you?” she asked, her swirling blue eyes met mine.
“Yes.” I nodded, a faint smile lifting my lips when the dead woman moaned.
“She’s never been able to mind her own business.”
“I hadn’t noticed.” We shared a knowing smile. “She wants to know why you did it.”
After a long exhale the dead woman looked at me, her eyes darkened with anger. “Tell her to mind her own business. She has no right to nag me in the afterlife.”
“I’m sorry.” I meant that. Clea seemed like an awful person.
“You won’t be able to find me again.” Her eyes swirled violently before a dark whirlwind wrapped around her body until she vanished. I pinched the bridge of my nose in frustration. Clea wouldn’t be happy.
I shifted my foc
us and found the living realm again, coming to with a hissing exhale.
“Well?” Clea all but screeched at me.
“She wouldn’t tell me,” I said.
Clea shrieked some more but paid me what was owed before storming out of my house, cursing her sister under her breath. Thankfully she was my last customer before my night training.
Besides Ilinor, I was the only other woman in training. Cicely had stopped attending after the first week. Isaias had paired Ilinor and me together but made sure he and Darrien worked with us as well. Ilinor improved rapidly. Our matches ended in ties when I grew tired. The men took turns sparring with us to keep us challenged. Thankfully I was never paired with Thad. Isaias excluded him from our training. Aside from fierce glares from him, which occurred almost daily, Thad left me alone.
I found myself growing fond of Ilinor and her grumpy disposition, which I began to realize was a shield she used to protect herself. Though I hadn’t figured out why she felt protecting herself was necessary. She began dropping her guard around me and our relationship evolved into an awkward friendship. One that came from being thrust together after our real friends abandoned us. Vero would have been proud of our newfound friendship. Zeus and Ilinor filled up the yawning void Cora’s absence left.
“Ilinor, stop dipping your arm. You’re losing your momentum.” Isaias scolded her again as she swung her sword down to meet mine.
“If you’d stop watching me, I’d do better,” she said. I laughed. Isaias had critiqued us the whole practice. His constant corrections made it hard to concentrate, let alone implement the changes he suggested. Ilinor glared at me and I held my hands up in surrender.
“I’m on your side,” I said. “Isaias, why don’t you let us work on correcting ourselves and come back over later?”
He mumbled something about insubordination before he stormed off to check on Thad and Chad. Storming off had become a thing he did around me. Zeus had taken over Darrien’s training and the two were busy sparring. I scowled at them; neither of them needed correction. They fought flawlessly, almost as if dancing around each other.