Page 8 of Angel Lost

With that, she’s off. The vamp in me can’t resist and, despite my heavy legs, I’m up and after her without thinking. We flit through the trees, Jess darting this way and that. She’s quick. She squeaks as she dashes around atree in front of me and my fingers graze her shirt. She dives back out into the open and sprints down the playing field. I slog after her, only catching up because she stops right in front of the cafeteria.

“You’re fast,” I say between pants.

She takes a gulp of air. At least she’s breathing out her ass too.

“Had to be.”

I cock my head.

“Never knew what they’d throw at us in the correction facility. The king is so convinced fae are plotting against him that he lets his trainers use whatever tactics they want. Some of the students from the fae academy didn’t survive…” She blinks quickly. “I’m not naturally very physical. I’ve worked at it. You? You’re all legs. You should be better. Stronger.”

I nod slowly, digesting her words.

“You need more muscle, less of the…skinny.”

I snort. “That’s what Frank always called me. Skinny. ‘Get me a beer, Skinny. Clean the kitchen, Skinny.’” I see her confusion. “My foster carer.”

“Then pretend you’re chasing him down.”

“Did that already,” I grumble. “Don’t ever need to worry about that asshole again.”

Jess pumps the air with her fist, doing a little jiggle dance on the spot. “Knew it! Knew you were a killer. Let’s go again! Pick up those legs.”

“What?”

“I dunno, I heard it on some coaching clip. Sounded cool.” And with that she’s off. I cast a long look at the cakes in the cafeteria window, grit my teeth, and push myself after her.

And that’s how the next week continues. I have the mornings to chill, train with Jess through the scorching afternoon heat, and load the fight simulator every evening. I was hoping to see Kai too, but apparently he’s allowed home to see his family. Unlike the rest of the fae. From what Jess said, the fae here are still being monitored, their families kept under controlby having their children held political hostage at Fates. I guess for Kai there are perks to having the king’s sister as your stepmom.

Shoving the wrought iron doors open, I slip into the whitewashed rooms beyond. The plain walls belie the extensive technology hidden within them. At least the dean agreed I can use the simulator. It’s not kit we’ve been trained on, not yet. But how can I expect to get better if I keep cutting myself slack? The programming isn’t that difficult to figure out. Not really.

I run my fingers over the sleek gray control panel and flick through the options again. Basic scenarios: complete. Satisfaction blossoms in my chest. My finger hovers over the keypad.

“Heard you got sent away for your own protection.”

Kai.

“You’re still running the baby simulations?” His hand lands on my shoulder, and I wrench away. He peers down his aquiline nose at me, the corner of his mouth pulled up in a smirk. “Maybe you needed that protection after all. All us mere fae are using mid-level scenarios, at least.”

This is not how I pictured meeting Kai again. What happened to the charm he exuded last term? I know fae can be cruel, but…The humiliation of being “saved” sweeps over me again. Ignoring the heat creeping up my cheeks I jab the screen, select a scenario, flash Kai a smile, and step into the cold, slightly blue-tinged room beyond the plexiglass.

Kai’s smug expression falls away and he waves frantically through the window. His lips move like he’s shouting, but the soundproofing is too good. I turn away just as he flickers out of view, the pixels of the scenario loading around me.

The heat hits me first, then the humidity. It’s stifling. Wiping the beading sweat from my forehead, I tug at my collar. People live in these conditions. Every. Single. Day. Their lungs work just fine. Just breathe. Thick, lush vegetation blocks my view in every direction. The tree closest ripples slightly before solidifying as the scenario settles into place. Okay. Jungle.This is new. I try to picture the simulation screen, to remember what I selected but…I draw a blank.

Guess I’ll find out soon.

A flock of birds takes off, bursting out of the canopy, scattering, screeching. I freeze. Did I alarm them? Or…

A hush falls. So quickly, so suddenly, a chill crawls across my skin. Crouching, I meld into the shadow of the nearest tree, bunching my fists. Not even a knife on me. Shit. What would cause even the insects to shut the hell up?

Prowling through the undergrowth in front of me is…Hecate…is that Chano? Chano in full demon form, and at his side…Farrell, geared up for military combat. Standing, I step hesitantly toward them.

“Guys, what are you—”

A sheet of fire barrels at me. I duck, smelling singed hair and patting at my head frantically.Shit! They're the enemy in this sim.Got it. Even scenario Chano is an asshole. He glares at me, barely pausing before sending another burst of fire straight for my feet. This time, I’m ready. I flick my wrist, pushing out my aether, holding on until the blast stutters to a stop.

Farrell fixes me with his piercing blue eyes, raises his hands, and swipes at me with the full strength of his air magic. I stumble, losing my footing, and I’m swept up in the tornado, spinning, disoriented. Throwing my arms out, I steady myself, counteracting with my magic. More fire. Agonizing pain cuts down my leg. A scream wrenches out of my throat as I’m spun higher and higher, tumbling head over ass. As suddenly as it started, the tornado stops, and I plummet headfirst toward the ground. Below me, Chano and Farrell have set the ground alight. Flames lick up toward my face.

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