The Dark Hunters

Chapter 1

Braden POV

10 years ago....

Everyone said that she was the best student they had brought in since they began the academy. She was naturally skilled with a bow and her wrists could slash a sword through anyone's throat within seconds. And she was just 10 years old. I was fascinated. How could a little thing like her have so much anger and energy. I remember seeing her during my training lessons.

Winning round after round, passing level after level. And I was jealous. I waited and waited. 6 long months before they finally paired me against her. I was ready to beat her. To be the first person to take her down. But, to her I was the wimpy one. And I was never able to beat her in combat. I remember the first time I faced her.

Livy's dark blonde hair was tied up in a tight pony and her dark blue eyes had a fury beneath them. She came at me hard with no mercy. She swung her fist into my jaw and then into my gut. She round housed her leg taking out one of the last baby teeth I had. I remember clutching my jaw and standing there as the blood ran down my neck. I could of ran, but they would have killed me. I knew that. But once the girl saw the blood she took a step back and bowed her head. I briskly nodded mine back and waited for the men to call quit.

When they did I was outta there and into the infirmary. I held back the stupid tears as the lady gave me a dirty washcloth to wipe the blood. I examined myself in the nearby mirror and gasped at my reflection. My whole jaw was red and swollen making my left eye puff up. Blood was smeared all over my face and I tried my best to wash it off. After a minute the nurse went and got me a warm ice pack. Yes warm.

She said, her voice raspy from cigarettes. "Put this on yous face beanpole. I gotsa a lot more patients more important than you so hurry it up." I sighed and put the warm pack to my face, wincing as I heard the cries from the next room over. I couldn't believe she had beaten me. But surprisingly I wasn't angry. I was actually impressed by her skill.

And Quietly, so quiet I almost didn't catch it, there was a knock on my door. It creaked open and my breath caught in my throat. It was her! It was Livy. I was so surprised I just kinda sat there with a dumbfounded look on my face.

She gave me a half smile and said. "sorry about that." She points to my face. I recover and say "uh it's no big deal. You can punch my face anytime."

I mentally cursed myself, but she giggled. "Not so tough for a big kid huh?" I stick my tongue out at her. "I don't know what you're talking about I'm only two years older than you!" She giggled again. "I know. A little ten your old just kicked your butt." She covered her mouth with her hands and giggled some more. I stood up. "Alright, alright a ten year old kicked my butt. But hey, how on earth did you get so good-" I was cut off by the door slamming open.

It started both of us so much I feel back in the bed and she fell on the floor. "

"LIVY!" A grown man voice boomed.

But not any grown mans voice. That was Theo Osborn Head of our training program. A guy not afraid to break a kids arm to get them to do what he wants. He bursts into the room his gray mustache quivering. His army hair cut shorter than the last time I saw him.

He picked the little girl by her shirt off the ground and into the air. Her terrified squirming said it all. "What are you doing in here?" His voice deep.
Threatening.