Page 71 of A Simple Truth

The welcoming comfort of my cot did wonders for my exhausted body. I sat up, stretching from the full night of sleep, my eyes casually scanning the familiar space around me. The two rows of uniformed cots were neatly made, the Ten gone off to train.

A little, happy grin appeared on my lips as I stared at the empty room. Though the cots and the room were standard and uniformed, the nightstands, on the other hand, were an acute representation of the uniqueness of each member of the Ten.

There was Zora’s: perfectly clean, though charred in spots from what I could only assume were sparks. Then there was Ashe’s, with her tall stacks of various books and the oversized monocle she occasionally used. Then there was Gia’s, with a couple of small pots filled with half-dying flowers she’d attempted to grow. Then Lulu’s, with all manner of intricate jewelry and earrings. Motra’s was simple: a crocheted cover and a large, wooden fairy statue with beautiful wings, so lovely and elegant. Cori’s and Tori’s were the messiest of them all, cluttered with tiny trinkets they’d collected, scattered amidst journals, their favorite romance books, and horoscopes. Yanush’s hadnothing on top, though she painted the drawer in a beautiful pattern and replaced a handle with a dull arrowhead. Ioanna’s also didn’t have much on top, but rather, she had carved the wood and used a large, old cleaver instead of a handle. Cass’s had a large, sand clock, the little, white grains constantly moving.

I reached in my drawer for a string to tie my hair, only now realizing that after all this time, my once typical nightstand was also morphing into something else with my personal touch. A few dried flowers I had collected from Svitar, from Priya’s garden, from wild fields and other places I’d been to, laid there on display, like little memories under the thick slab of glass. There, by the flowers, I had added a small, painted card gifted to me by Lady De Villiar of the Svitar markets I used to visit.

A long, loud yawn escaped me as I managed to get up, putting on some clothes. A new thrill of delight rolled through me as I looked at the red sand-filled pants laying in my wicker basket under the bed.

I should do laundry.

I needed to wash them, but a part of me wanted to keep them as a souvenir, my heart unwilling to part with the dust-covered clothes. The feelings caused immediate dissonance within me. I’d grown to very much enjoy clean clothes, and the smell of fresh laundry and soaps had become one of my favorites.

It was just sand. Literal dust, and yet, each time I saw the little, tiny, granular specs of red, all I could think of was joy; electrifying excitement mixed with comforting peace.

His hand in mine, his heart against my ear…

Later. I’ll wash them later, I ultimately decided.

I spent a bit longer on my hair today, attempting to braid it nicely, as unruly straight strands unwillingly bent. It felt childish and maybe a little silly, but I found myself putting on a hint ofblush for my cheeks and a little bit of charcoal for my eyes before stepping outside.

This is stupid.I quickly rubbed the blush off with my hand as I walked through the lively camp. Spring must have not only awoken the nature around us, but the people too, as the buzzing War Games conversations filled the air.

It was later than I expected, the midday sun shining high above me. My eyes were already thoroughly scanning the camp for the General’s recognizable figure.

“Good morning beautiful sunshine!” Gia landed a big hug. “I am glad you got some rest. You look extra good today!” She smiled wide, her beaming heart warming mine.

“Thanks, Gia, I’m definitely feeling rested. Though I’m sure the General is never going to forget that I spelt through our training.” I chuckled, attentively unwrapping my bandages. The skin on my hands had finally healed, with only a few minor scrapes left.

“Oh, Gideon sent a message earlier this morning, canceling your training. He also told us to make sure we let you rest, and he’d come get you after,” Gia’s voice purred suggestively.

“Oh, lucky me, I guess,” I replied, attempting to hide a note of disappointment at those words.

“Hey, stranger!” Tori’s bright hair popped up in my peripheral vision, as she also landed an awkward side hug, keeping up with our steps.

“It works out for the best, since Zora has been anxious to include you in our games training,” Gia continued.

“She has?” The corner of my mouth twisted up and I raised my brow skeptically.

“Zora might pretend to be all harsh and strict, but she’s actually an anxiety ridden softy inside. She’s missed having you around just as much as we all have.” Gia wrinkled her nose, stopping in her tracks as she attempted a sneeze.

“We truly did. You also missed a genius prank Ashe pulled on Ioanna. She was pissed for hours. It was glorious!” Tori chuckled as we stopped, waiting for Gia. “Though, pranks and camp talk can wait. What I’d like to hear more about is your trip. Did you really see a demon?” she uttered, hooking our elbows together as we continued strolling through camp to the large training field.

“Tori, I swear to gods, if you are getting the hot gossip without me, I will murder you!” Her twin sister appeared out of nowhere, running up to us. Cori linked her arm with mine on the other side, pushing Gia out as we laughed.

“Not justsawa demon. I got possessed by one.” My face lit up with wicked amusement as I watched their faces explode with excitement.

“Fuck! That sounds somehow so hot and exciting!” Tori proclaimed.

“You read too many romance novels, Tori,” Ashe added, rolling her eyes as we approached the remainder of the Ten.

“Oleyg hasn’t complained once,” Tori sneered, walking up to Ashe as she grabbed the swords already prepped for training. A large, girly smile lit up my face as I realized she was talking about her husband.

“Welcome back, Finn.” Ashe handed me a sword as well. “Excited for the games?”

“Maybe? Nobody explained to me what they are and at this point, I am too afraid to ask.” I smirked.

Zora and I exchanged quick, welcoming nods as she came up to our group.

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