Accepted

Back to training

I stood there frozen as everyone stepped forward one by one, paid their respects and placed flowers on the casket before walking away. My mind was in a haze, unable to focus as I struggled to stay afloat above all my emotions threatening to overwhelm me. The only reminder that I was still here was Esat's arm looped in mine.

Finally, I watched as Oreres spoke a spell that opened up the ground beneath the casket, the coffin slowly sliding into the Earth before being covered by soil.

"I'm sorry," I said, turning to Esat. After all, she'd known Edward much longer than I had. I couldn't imagine how she was feeling.

"At least I have you," she said, choking back a sob as she forced a smile. I returned it before turning to look at my friends who had all been walking on egg shells since I arrived.

"Sorry I shut you guys out," I said, clearing my throat as I looked at each of them.

"I missed you!" Star said, rushing towards me and pulling me down to hug her. I coughed as I felt the wind knocked out of me before hugging her back.

I looked over her shoulder at Zion who had been eying me carefully, afraid to say a word. It was almost as if he thought I'd break.

"We should eat. You two especially," Bonnie offered, looking at me and Esat.

I looked over at Esat, suddenly noticing the bags under her eyes were almost as big as my own. I doubted she'd slept or eaten since hearing the news.

"Hey, does your mom know you're here?" I asked, suddenly remembering that unlike me she actually had a parent left.

Nodding, she replied, "she thinks it's best for me to be here, with my sister for now."

"She knows about me?!"

"She knows you exist, that's about it."

"Good. The less she knows, the better," Oreres said, suddenly appearing near us.

"We should go get some food," Tom said, looking at me with the same cautious look Zion had. I was starting to hate that look.

"First, I need to speak with Saron. She'll join the rest of you in a bit."

Once they'd left, Oreres began to walk. I followed her, waiting for her to speak.

"I hate to put this on you right after we laid Edward to rest but it can't wait any longer. A lot has happened in the days you've been mourning. I've managed to throw the Yuri off of our trail for now but at most we have 5 days until they find us. You need to join the rest of the students and begin training immediately, even more than the others. I'll allow you today since Edward was just buried but tomorrow, you must join the others. We've temporarily halted any classes that aren't battle courses and we've been training the students on their fighting skills."

"I understand."

"Saron, you know what your destiny is. I know you've been through a lot but you need to focus and give it your all these next few days. This war could change everything, for better or worse."

"I won't fail you, I promise," I said, looking deeply into her eyes in attempts to convince her.

Nodding in approval, she outstretched her hand towards the door back to the Academy.

"You may join your friends."

I made my way towards the door quickly, zooming to the Cafeteria where I found my friends huddled near the entrance.