Heathen Chronicles - Changed

Chapter 23 - The Crucible of the Arena

Raven's POV

I woke earlier than usual; I opened my eyes and glared at the time.

Four a.m.

I sighed, rolled my eyes, and looked around. I stopped, staring at the wall. Was I seeing things differently—in far more detail than normal? Oh God, what was happening to me? I realized then that the clock I was focusing on wasn't a wall clock at all, but the face of my watch from across the room. I shook it off as my imagination and got out of bed.

In the bathroom, I turned the shower to steaming. I stepped in slowly, enjoying the feel of the hot water running through my hair and down my spine. The second the water hit my body, it calmed me. I felt each drop roll over my skin and I swore I could feel every breath of steam filling my lungs. At that moment, all I could think of was relaxation. I followed a single drop as it fell, passing through the air resistance to land on the tiled floor.

Those vitamins must be really good, damn.

As I stepped out, I remembered how Sebastian's eyes seemed to change color. That deep blue seemed to suspend me in time, sending a shiver down my back. I splashed cold water across my face to wash the image of him from my mind.

What the actual fuck!

I dressed quickly, donning the new uniform delivered last night. I opened the door and peered around for guards—or Sebastian—before starting my usual walk around the base. I heard someone approach; his footsteps were light but arrogant.

"Hello, Sebastian. Following me again? Is this a new habit?"

"How did you know it was me?" he asked, sounding impressed.

"Let's say natural instincts. Also, you've been doing it a lot lately. What do you want, or should I ask what the General wants?"

I turned and folded my arms over my chest.

"Funny. I'm not just a messenger, you know. I have a dark, sensitive side too. I do what I want, when I want... with who I want."

"I'm sure you do, though I'm not sure who would want to do anything with you. Is that why you spend your free time stalking girls? Fascinating. And I'm sure I could handle your 'dark and sensitive' side, if you actually had one."

I wasn't sure where this confidence was coming from, but I liked it.

"Don't objectify me! I'm more than just a sexy guy." Sebastian dramatically put his hand to his forehead and took a step closer.

I looked down—I couldn't seem to meet those deep eyes lately—and felt his hot breath on my neck. I stepped back before he could do anything unexpected.

"Nobody said you were sexy. Don't twist my words and just answer the question."

He chuckled and took another step, blocking my path. He caught a rebellious curl that had escaped my ponytail and twirled it around his fingers.

"Why are you following me?" I took a deep breath. My voice came out low and intentional. I wanted an answer. For a second, his playful look vanished, replaced by something different. Then the smirk returned.

"General gave me the task of training you, remember?"

"That was not in the program the General presented."

"Things... change. He's giving you a taste of the soldier's life."

"He's turning me into something I'm not. I AM NOT A SOLDIER."

"Are you complaining? A person only signs up for this when they're running away from something, or trying to change something within themselves."

I stared in disbelief at how he saw right through me. "I signed up for a different experience."