TRAINING I

I winced softly as Caroline poured the content of the small bottle that she held onto my feet. My wince turned to low grunts as she gently rubbed the ointment around my ankle, apologizing every time her hands came in contact with my wound.

"It is too strange a coincidence that you hurt the same ankle two times, Miss Elora," she said as she looked up at me. "You really should try to be--" Her words were cut short as I let out another low grunt. "Sorry, sorry," she muttered as she turned her attention back to my feet.

"I didn't know being chased by the hunters was a part of the test," I murmured in frustration as I leaned back into my seat. "I thought they were rogues sent by Zora to come attack me."

"Zora?" Coraline asked, confusion etched in her voice as she looked back up at me. "Who's that?" I bit my tongue, cussing myself inwardly at my slip of tongue. Alexander had been discreet about Zora's return as he didn't want to spread panic, and here I was, babbling it out.

"Oh, it's no