The Phoenix Society

Chapter 29

Sweat dripped down my forehead as I swung my fist against the punching back.

SMACK.

The sound rang through the training room.

SMACK. SMACK.

It ran over and over again as I through punch after punch after punch, every so often adding a kick. The training room was otherwise quiet. Everyone had gone to bed hours ago, leaving me to the night. While Lillian's words still replayed in my mind, they weren't as prominent as before. Instead of a constant, painful tugging, they were now only a quiet nagging. Kind of like a fly that keeps buzzing in your ear.

I was going to change. I was going to be good. I was good. I made mistakes in my past, but those mistakes don't define who I am right now. I wanted so badly to believe the words Banks spoke, but after years of being 'bad', it wasn't going to be a change that happens overnight. But I was going to try...that's all I can do. I'm going to make up for all the wrongs I have done.

"I thought I heard you down here." Tyler's voice spoke from behind me. Not expecting anyone to be awake at this hour, I jumped. I whipped my body around to see Tyler slowly sauntering my way. He chuckled, "I didn't mean to startle you."

"I didn't think anyone else was awake." I responded, a hand held to my chest feeling my rapidly beating heart.

Tyler raised an eyebrow, "Neither did I."

I grazed my finger over my brand nervously, as I watched Tyler stuff his hands into his pockets thoughtfully. It wasn't that being around Tyler was nerve-wracking. In fact, Tyler was one of the easiest people to talk to. However, after what happened with Lillian today, I was a little nervous to see anyone; in fear of what they might say.

"Tyler, I'm sorry about what happened today...with Lillian." I apologized quickly, the guilt eating away at my insides.

"Its impossible to get along with everyone, Kya." Tyler spoke knowingly. "Not everyone is going to agree with everything you have done. As is the case with Lillian."

"I know." I agreed, my gaze traveling down to my shoes.

"You know, there was a time, after my parents died and I was sworn in as Head here, that everyone questioned the decisions I made." My eyes glanced up at the mention of his parents. I fought back the urge to ask what happened. "It was a lot I was thrown at one time. The death of my parents, guardianship of my kid sister, and control of the Order. Everyone thought I was too young and immature to lead and make the hard choices." There was a way Tyler spoke, like he had so much knowledge and wisdom, that it made me want to listen. I found my ears perking up and listening intently to every word he spoke. "I only used that as fuel. All their doubts added fuel to my fire. And I used that fire to prove to them that I could do it. I could be the leader they needed." Tyler stepped toward me, a soft look crossing his face contrasting the usual look of stone he gave. "You can't let what people say affect who you are."

I nodded in agreement.

"As hard as that may be." Tyler added with a small chuckle, earning a small smile from me. "That being said, while I'm not saying I condone the fight that occurred between you and Lillian, she was attacking you and your family. You had every right to defend yourself."

I raised my eyebrow, my grin growing. I opened my mouth to say something, but Tyler held up his hand, stopping me.

"That's all I'm going to say." He smiled. "Now go get some sleep."

While I wanted to argue and tell him that I wasn't tired and didn't want to go to sleep, I knew he would see right through it. I'm sure by now Banks has told him how I'm down here everything training. And after he practically let me off free, without so much as a scolding, I felt like the least I could do was go to my room. He didn't have to know if I went to sleep or not. So, I nodded as I wandered out of the room.