The Trial

Chapter 14

I passed by the three other buildings on the training grounds and was coming up behind the infermory, when I felt the hairs on my arms and neck stand on end. someone was watching me. I didn't care much at first. I figured it was just one of the hunters or a guard, making sure I wasn't some kind of threat, but, when the feeling didn't go away after a few minutes, I paused my slow jog and glanced around. 

I couldn't see anyone, but I knew someone was there. I tried to shake the feeling off and continued on my way, but the feeling seemed to intensify. "I'm not a threat." I called with thick annoyance in my tone. I was just about to pass the infermory, when I felt someone behind me.

in an instant, I knew they were about to grab me, so I dropped to one knee and spun around. as I looked up, I saw a surprised Apollo, smirking down at me. "you shouldn't be out here alone."

"there's no threat in the daylight, unless you count Ares or yourself." I snipped and stood up, glaring at him. 

he let out a small chuckle and nodded a little as if in thought. "I've never seen a human detect someone behind them so easily. tell me. how long have you been able to do that?"

"a long time."

"how long is a long time? a few months? a few years?" he inquired, eyeing me over.

"my father taught me, when I was little. if you'll excuse me, I'd like to finish my jog." I clipped and turned away from him, but, as soon as my back was turned, I felt him reach for my left shoulder. gritting my teeth, I didn't turn around, but I did grab his hand, before it could touch my shoulder. "satisfied?" I snipped and let go of his hand, before I took off in a sprint, keeping my heart and breath slow and even. 

I could feel him watching me, so I picked up my pace, pushing myself close to my limit. I just wanted to be alone for an hour. was that really too much to ask? I focused on the path and pushed myself harder and harder. before long, I couldn't feel his eyes on me anymore, but I kept up my grueling pace. 

it seemed like only minutes had passed, before I was back at the main building. I wasn't ready to go inside yet, so I passed by it and stayed on the same path. gradually, I slowed down and started to clear my mind. I needed to focus on my Trial. I needed my head clear, and I really needed to be left alone. 

I passed the main building again, but I still wasn't ready to stop. I was so focused on keeping my breathing and heartbeat slow and watching the ground on the path that I was able to finally just clear all my thoughts. I had passed the main building three times, before someone came out the doors. I barely even glanced over at them as I passed by. if it had been anyone else but mason, I don't think I would've stopped. 

"hey, Becca. food's ready." he called with a wave and a smile. 

as I veered toward the building, I slowed down to a walk and called "anyone else in there?"

"just Simon. why?"

"i think I've just about had my fill of everyone else." I muttered as I came up beside him. 

he snickered a little and said "they're not that bad. they just really like to test our limits."

"some more than others." I scoffed and stepped through the door, since he was holding it open. 

"make sure you eat a lot. you'll need your strength."

"I know, mason." I sighed, letting my irritation out with my breath. "look." I murmured and stopped, touching his arm to make him stop too. "don't try to fight him. you'll loose. no offense, but he's faster and stronger than any normal vampire. avoid him as much as you can and try to reason with him. it's our best option." he was frowning, but I added "just be careful. okay?"