In Shadows We Rise

Chapter 10

Reia

It's been a week since I've woken up at the rebel's home. I've been training with Xander every day and he's been telling me I'm his best student yet. I'm his first but I'll take the compliment.

I am a fast learner, I think. Every task Xander throws my way I excel at by my third try. I can call on my power whenever I want and am just starting to learn how to direct it. I can make ropes of darkness move how I want them to. At first, they were just shadows but now they can wrap themselves around the training dummies and move or crush them at my command. I don't know how that would look with actual humans but I can hardly try it on a member of the group. I've also been practicing blending in with the shadows and turning invisible. It takes a shit ton of concentration and always leaves me exhausted but I'm getting better at it.

Whenever I use my power it's like an out-of-body experience. I'm not worried or on edge. I'm powerful and nothing can touch me. That's not true, of course, I can be touched while I'm using my powers but it sure as hell doesn't feel like it.

I seem to generally be less on edge here than I've ever been as far as I can remember. I haven't been attacked or felt like I was in danger since the time I first woke up. I haven't had to worry about my next meal either. I keep expecting to wake up in the damp ruin.

I haven't spent much time with the other group members but it feels like they're starting to accept me. It's a dangerous thought that threatens to evoke dangerous feelings. I'm here because they need me. I'm here because it's convenient for me. There's nothing more going on. Still, I find myself looking forward to my daily training sessions with Xander. I catch myself anticipating the next time my eyes meet with a certain raven-haired grump or a subtly smiling, short blonde.

There's a knock on my door and Xander walks inside.

"We're going out for dinner tonight," he announces.

"I won't run." I roll my eyes and plop back down on my bed.

"I know you won't. You're coming with us."

"I am?" I ask surprised. I haven't been eating together with them so far and my heart skips a beat, much to my dismay. I feel like a pathetic little girl looking for validation in moments like these. I clear my throat. "Why?" I make sure my voice sounds unimpressed this time. Xander still smiles. Him and his damn powers.

"We've let you play the outsider for a week now, how about you let us get to know you a bit."

"When do you leave?" I ask slowly.

"In an hour. I'll place your clothes in front of the door and, uh, maybe take a bath." Wow.

"What's wrong with my clothes?" I look down at myself a little subconsciously. I'm still in the clothes I came in but I've washed them. There are no blood or dirt stains, just a few tears.

"We're in the capital, Oscurina. You'd attract too much attention." He smiles warmly and I force my face to stay indifferent.

While the group might have changed their behavior towards me a bit, I haven't. We're not friends and I am certainly not part of their family.

"Fine, I'll come."

"Brilliant, I'll see you in an hour." With that, he leaves again. I take a deep breath, wondering if this was a bad idea before walking to my bathroom. Yes, I have my own bathroom. Not that I've used it much but it's there.

I look around for the first time. There's a small tub in one corner of the room, a toilet, and a sink. Above the sink is a mirror and I stop short. I've never noticed it.

I'm still feet away but I don't dare step closer. My hands are getting clammy as I look into my own eyes. I've seen myself in a mirror before but it's been eleven years. My mother had a small hand mirror but this before me is gigantic.