***
Back in my room, I’m still flustered. We have training today, and after the monumental beating I received yesterday, I’m not sure I can muster up the strength. I sigh, picking out one of my training outfits from my large closet—black sweatpants with a single red stripe up each side, a simple grey tank top, and a soft brown vest with lots of pockets and hooks for my various tools. I pull on a pair of black-and-gold-striped arm warmers and strap the brass cuffs on each arm. My stomach gives me an angry growl. I thought the pangs had just been guilt and nerves, but now I realize I’m hungry. Like, haven’t eaten in a month hungry. Maybe I can grab a protein bar and a juice before class.
I button my vest, just about to sprint for the cafeteria, when a knock at my door makes me jump. The doors have a chime if someone is requesting access—the tap is metallic and hollow sounding by comparison. Ethan and Kara are standing there in full sparring gear—tight pants and loose grey T-shirts—ready to head to class. Kara looks almost as colorful as I do, and the bruises from our battle with the Hollows are in full bloom along her jaw.
“Hurry up, slacker. We’re going to be late,” Kara chastises playfully. I know she’d just as soon miss class altogether. Today, I would be tempted to ditch too, but I’m already skating on thin ice.
I snort. “I thought we were beyond the reaches of time.”
Ethan shakes his head. “Time moves everyone, Ember. Even us. Maybe especially us.”
I can’t argue with that.
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