"You're getting awfully slow in your old age." I grinned wickedly, circling my opponent, searching for any weaknesses in his defense stance.

He raised a brow in amusement, "Remind me again who won our last two bouts?"

I scowled, making my bruised face ache even more. But before I could make a witty response, a loud pop, followed by a roaring splash echoed in the room. Alarmed and furious shouts arose soon after. Damien's stance remained confident but his eyes shifted slightly towards the noise. Taking advantage of his distracted state, I quickly stepped forward, twisting my body and wrapping my right arm around his waist. Before Damien could even return his focus to the fight taking place, he was flat on the ground, groaning.

"I win," I smiled triumphantly.

Damien glared at me, "That doesn't count."

"Nuh uh uh," I tsked, "Don't be a sore loser. A deal's a deal: you have to make dinner tonight."

Grumbling, my uncle made his way towards his water bottle and took a large swig. "Don't you have somewhere to be?"

"Ugh. Don't remind me. I'd much rather continue beating your sorry behind."

Grabbing my stuff, I joined Damien and we walked out into the hallway where Lance met us, walking out of his own training room with a satisfied smile. Lance was a big and gruffy looking man who had a special talent for creating chaos and pulling elaborate pranks. He was my uncle's closest friend and had been in my life ever since I was a little girl because of it.

My uncle took one look at a completely drenched Lance. "I'm assuming you're to blame for that splash that lost me my bet?"

Lance grinned and winked at me, "I wouldn't go into room 6B anytime soon if I were you."

"As long as you replace everything that was inevitably damaged, I don't want to know." My uncle sighed and we all walked out of the building together.

I glanced at my watch, "Shoot. Is that the time? I got to go. I'll be expecting a Gordon Ramsay worthy dinner when I get home, Uncle Damien!"

He chuckled, "I'll see you tonight. Don't get into any trouble until then." He raised his eyebrows in warning.

I rolled my eyes, knowing what he was referring to, "That was one time and it's not like the zoo has any shortage of monkeys."

I opened the car door and waved, "See ya, Lance! Don't go around making mischief and causing mayhem without me!"

"I make no promises!" was his shouted reply.

I quickly turned on the ignition and began the drive to the public library. I sniffed my shirt in disgust. I didn't have any time to shower or change out of my workout clothes. Guess my classmates will just have to suffer. I stopped at a red light and looked in the mirror. The bruise on my jaw, courtesy of Uncle Dearest, was already turning into a very obvious purple. I sighed. No time to cover it up with makeup either. I loved training but the bruises and cuts that come with it create questions. Questions that turn into more questions. And I can't have that.

I parked near the library, grabbed my backpack, and shimmied my way out of my white MINI Cooper. A slight drizzle left me pausing to inhale the fresh, earthy scent. I briefly closed my eyes, revelling in the moment of peace. Breaking out of my reverie, I opened my eyes to find blue ones staring into them. I walked towards Noah, who was leaning against the entrance wall with his arms crossed.

He took in the wonder that was me— bruised face, stinky clothes, wet hair and all, "You're late."

Not bothering with a response, I glanced at him briefly before walking passed him into the library. He followed and together we made our way to the study room where the rest of our group members waited.

Hadley and Aaron seemed to be in the middle of a heated debate but quieted when we walked in. I sauntered over to a vacant seat and settled in, crossing my legs on top of the table. I smirked as Hadley and Aaron coughed as they inhaled.

"Now that we're all here," Hadley gave me a pointed look, "we should get started. I made a list of all the requirements..."

The planning went on for a while. I only half listened as I took in my surroundings. It was a small, rectangular room with a few chairs and a semi-blackened whiteboard at the front. Rain gently pattered against the large window Noah was currently staring out of. I observed him. His posture was relaxed and his expression pondering. He looked away from the window and added something to whatever Hadley said. I focused on the enhanced senses I inherited as a Freyja. He smelled of the earthy scent from the rain, mixed with a fading deodorant. His-

"Hello... Maraya...? Are you going to contribute or are you just going to keep staring at Davis like a stalker?"

"I didn't know your self-esteem was so low, Aaron," I winked, "Don't worry, you're next."

Aaron rolled his eyes. "Just do the part that we assigned you and then we can finally finish this stupid project."

I saluted, "Aye, aye."

Noah and I walked out of the study room to go hunt for some poster paper. "So I guess it's just you and me, huh?"

He gave me a sideways glance, "Guess so."

He went quiet, not offering any other attempt at conversation. I picked up his slack. "Where did you move from?"

"Washington."

He paused and I sighed, about to ask for more than three syllable answers when he continued.

"I needed a change of scenery so I moved here to stay with my aunt and uncle."

"I think you'll find that Ohio isn't much of an upgrade," I replied dryly and paused, preparing for my next question. I kept my tone casual, "Where in Washington did you live?"

He gazed at me curiously, "Olympia."

My heart fluttered but I maintained a look of neutrality, "Cool."

We stopped at the poster paper roll holder. I ripped two long sections of white poster paper and two more equally long sections of blue poster paper and handed them to Noah. "What else do we need?"

"A little bit of yellow and a good amount of pink."

I tore off what we needed and we began our walk back to the study room.

"Do you know anyone in Olympia?" Noah continued.

"No. Not personally." I left it at that.

We worked on the project for two more hours. I gathered my supplies and made to leave.

"Where are you going?"

I looked at Aaron, "We've been working on this for three hours. I'm going home and I'm going to eat." My stomach grumbled. I hadn't eaten since before training at noon.

"But you still haven't finished your part," Hadley protested.

"I'll finish it later."

"But you'll still need to practice your lines and what you're going to say."

I sighed impatiently, "I can do that on my own."

"No. You and Noah need to meet up and practice your lines together. You two have the most important part and I'm not starting the school year with a bad grade because you mess up."

Noah almost looked like he was about to object but then gave a reluctant nod. "That's fine with me," he turned to look at me, "I'm free tomorrow at 12."

I scowled but said, "Fine. Meet me at Koffie Cafe."