Chapter 10: First Notes of Opposition

As Luca and I staggered back, the weight of tiredness hanging over us, the camp was quiet. Every stride threw a new wave of suffering throughout my body, yet motivated by pure will I continued. The other rogues looked at us as we passed; their looks combined curiosity, terror, and something like respect.

Luca gently let me down from a little cot at the edge of the camp. Rest, he murmured, his voice kind yet forceful. "You need to heal correctly."

I nodded, leaned back, closed my eyes, the events of the morning still playing out in my memory. The fire, the scouts, the knife—all had occurred so rapidly; I felt I would not have lived without Luca.

Sitting beside me, Luca murmured, "You did well," his eyes fixed on mine. You battled today like a real warrior.

Though the tiredness pressed down on me, a little grin pulled at my mouth. "I virtually lost control."

But you did not, Luca said, his voice calm. You returned to find your pat