Deception

22 ¦ You're Cold As Ice

I fussed in front of the looking glass. My month-long fitness regime made me leaner and stronger, but I still felt a bit sheepish in my form-fitting exercise garments.

Axa and Lena were chatting on the bed about Lena's romantic prospects. Somehow they landed on Alex despite Lena's insistence yesterday that he would never touch 'her goods'.

I'll never understand women. Or men, for that matter. Scratch that--people are confusing.

"Are you sure this is necessary?" I interrupted, tugging at the black skirt and willing it to be longer. "It doesn't even reach the knee."

"It's the standard uniform. You want the Shadowmeister to correct your form, don't you?" Axa said. "Legwork is really important, and you need freedom of movement."

"If you say so."

"Be glad you ain't a guy," Axa chuckled under her breath. "They have to wear tight leather armor for resistance."

"Besides, I'm pretty sure Lord Darius is asexual," Lena said in a hushed whisper. "It'd be different if he were a sexy Greek god." She deepened her voice. "Like Ares, the God of War."

"You got a point there," Axa replied. "Or Aphrodite ... No, no, Artemis, Goddess of the Hunt."

"I mean, what is his deal? Men? Women? Both? Neither? I don't care which--I just wanna know where I stand." Lena gave us a sultry grin. "No, I've got it: genderless wraiths!"

"What?" Axa exclaimed with a scoff. "What do you think he does, Lena? Hide in the forest and screw phantoms from Hades?"

"It would explain so much, wouldn't it?" Lena grinned. "You know what they say? He's really a teenager, but his body is holed up somewhere, and he's living out his years as a Shadow Rider."

"What? Where did you hear that rumor?"

"I mean, is Lord Darius a teenager, or is he ancient?" Lena cupped her chin in thought. "If he's eighteen or something, he's up for grabs. Maybe if he comes back to life as a real human--"

I rolled my eyes. "Good gods, focus, Lena!" I grumbled. "He's my instructor. Ew. He's not up for grabs. Date Alex--he's more your type anyway."

"Yes, ma'am!" Lena growled at me. "Just exploring my options."

"Anyway, this isn't about sexuality--it's about being comfortable." I attempted to stretch the black wool top below my midriff. "This crazy uniform ... ugh ... isn't!"

"Relax. If you were any thinner, you'd make an ink quill look fat," Lena said with a wink.

"You should have seen her a month ago," Axa muttered under her breath. "At least I put some meat on her bones."

"People!" I shouted as I put my hands on my hips. "That isn't helping. I want to be a strong, powerful, fearless warrior like both of you, not a weakling."

"Hels Bells: Warrior Princess."

I could feel my cheeks flushing. "Shut up, Marlena."

"Marlena, huh? Bringing out the big crossbows there."

I lunged at her. "I could just--"

"Hey! Enough!" Axa held up her hands, and we both stopped arguing. Walking towards me, she put her hands on my shoulders and gazed at me through the mirror.

"Strength comes from within, my young warrior," she said, her golden reptilian eyes shining with pride. "Find the fuel that drives you. For me, it's my pride, my honor, and my love."

My stomach clenched with nerves, but I squared my shoulders and nodded.

"Be confident," she continued. "Work hard. Do what Lord Darius tells you, and the muscles, the technique, and the power will come with time."