Heathen Chronicles - Changed

Chapter 11 - Ripples in the Water

Raven's POV

I woke up way earlier than I would have liked, and certainly earlier than the others. They probably wouldn't be up for another hour or two; perfect. I decided to head out for some fresh air to enjoy the scenery. I stretched my still-aching limbs and started walking toward the tables set out in the middle of the campsite, where the sun kept things warm but not yet burning to the touch.

There was a fruit bowl in the middle of a wobbly table filled with ripe apples, welcoming bananas, cheerful pears, and a lot of other inviting fruit. Yummy. I grabbed an apple that shone in the sunlight and decided to go for a stroll to get a feel for the environment; it might give me an edge in the training. Despite the circumstances, I really enjoyed being out where nature thrived.

True freedom.

I had an hour, maybe an hour and a half at most, and planned on using it to get ready. The sun was not yet at its peak but was visible over the horizon. There was a large body of water straight ahead, surrounded by a few trees and thick bushes. I looked around for any prying eyes. Seeing none, I stripped and took care to fold my clothes neatly, placing them softly on a log that lay lazily over the sand. I checked the water for wildlife, then readied myself and dove straight in.

I had no swimwear, so my black underwear was the next best thing; hopefully, no one else had decided to wake up early. The water was still, clear, and cool against my skin. The heat of the day was already threatening even with the low sun, and the water washed it all away. Needing to calm the inner storm that threatened to overwhelm me, I swam further out.

I dove deeper, maneuvering through the waves that seemed to part just for me. It was calming and peaceful—a world away from the one I was currently in. I emerged with a bright smile as the water rushed down my body, dragging all negativity to the depths. I floated on the surface, watching the clouds multiply rapidly. I closed my eyes just as a shadow passed over me. I opened them quickly and looked around; was it a bird or a plane?

I dove down one last time before climbing out and dressing quickly. I tied my wet curls back into a ponytail, hoping they wouldn't become bushy once dry. Jogging back to the campsite, I grabbed a towel and dried my body, leaving my hair to drip.

I turned toward the tables and froze. I didn't expect anyone to be there yet. I watched him play with an apple; it danced in and out of his hands while he sat behind the table with his head ducked down. He seemed to be waiting, as if he knew exactly where I had been.

Had he been watching me?

His shirt sat tight against his body and his right leg was crossed over his left. He gave an arrogant smile—one I was growing accustomed to.

"How was your swim?"

I stepped back at the unexpected question and straightened up under the gaze of the Captain's eyes, so captivating and possessive. With the others, he inspired fear; I had seen it in their body language yesterday. With me, I felt nothing but calmness and... annoyance. Asshole.

So, he had been following me?

I decided it didn't matter; I was here to do my job and forget what I needed to. I was here for the program and shouldn't care what he did as long as he got me ready for what was coming. I could not have a repeat of my dreadful holidays; I wouldn't survive it again.

"It was refreshing... Sorry, I didn't know we weren't allowed to swim," I admitted, feeling embarrassed.

"What you do with your free time when we are not training is up to you. There is no law against cooling yourself off on a hot morning."

I kept quiet. He stood up and walked past me—brushing his muscled arm against mine—toward the lake. Before he left, he turned back.

"But if I were you, I'd be more... careful. Most of the soldiers here have not been with a... partner in a very long time and wouldn't hesitate if they saw you in your... swimsuit. Think of it as fresh prey ready to be grabbed."