Page 43 of Feathers of Ash and Hope

“Your name,” he clarifies. His lips curl into a smile. Something flutters in my belly. Which has nothing to do with his smile and everything to do with nerves, I assure myself.

I clear my throat again.

“My friends call me Ara.”

He inclines his head to one side.

“And given how concerned Cassius seemed and how he tried to butt in, he is one of your friends?” I can’t read his expression.

“Yeah, we’re close.” I shrug.

“I see,” he says, and his expression shutters and my stomach sinks.

Get a grip. He is not your new best friend but your superior.

“Get dressed so we can grab something to eat,” Tate orders and gets to his feet. I tug my tunic back over my head, fumbling with the buttons, when I realize he’s watching me. Dammit. He must think I’m the most awkward person in the whole kingdom.

Once I’m done, he offers me his hand. I take it and realize my mistake as soon as he pulls me up. An electric spark shoots up my arm, and I snatch it away. Only to stumble over my own feet. His arm shoots out to steady me.

Gods, I’m turning into a clumsy, fumbling idiot.

I all but jump away from him, my face growing hot.

Fortunately, it is quite dark next to the trees, so I hope Kyronos doesn’t notice when he offers me my helmet.

I put it back on my head, grateful for the cover it provides. My secrets once more hidden, I turn to my centurion.

“What are you going to do now?” I try to sound relaxed, which is laughable after my display of nerves a few seconds ago.

“I'm going to eat something and wish for a shower, but I guess that has to wait until we are back.”

I roll my eyes before I remember that he is my division leader. I hope he didn’t see it.

“I mean … about me,” I clarify.

“Nothing.” He shrugs and starts walking toward the others. I hurry after him.

“Nothing?” Even I can hear the disbelief in my voice. Kyronos laughs softly, and damn if I don’t like that sound even better than his smile.

“You earned your place the same way as everyone else. If you prefer to be a boy”—he shrugs—“that is your decision. But you'll have to reveal it at some point. You know that, right?”

I nod.

“Why did you go through all the trouble?” He sounds genuinely curious, and something about him makes me want to trust him. But I can’t.

“I didn't want the attention.” I shrug.

He nods. “I get it.” We are nearly back with the group when he adds, “If you are hurt again, you come to me, okay?” When I don’t respond, he grabs my arm. “I mean it, Summer. If you aren't at full capacity, it can endanger everyone around you.”

I nod, stunned by his intensity.

Joel comes over to me as soon as we reach the campfire.

“Summer, eat something and then rest,” Kyronos orders from right behind me. “I think your friends are already waiting.”

He’s right. Calix is already waving me over. I use the excuse he provided and walk past Joel, who probably only wants to lecture me anyway.

“Summer is excused for tonight, and Cassius, you and I will talk about why I hate lies once we are back.”

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