A Life in the Shadows: The Story of Two Assassins

Chapter 1

Despite the fire in front of me, chills run down my spine.

"You okay?" Jade asks, looking at me over the flames, momentarily pausing from sharpening her sword.

"I'll be better when we're back inside." I say looking around at the dark woods, the moon providing enough light to see a few feet in any direction.

"I second that."

I glance at my friend. "You didn't have to come out here with me."

"It's my job and privilege to aid you." Jade says.

"But it's my right of passage. It's against tradition to have help!" I exclaim, sitting down in a pout.

"What good is tradition if you die?"

I sigh, looking up at the night sky. "Father doesn't trust me. He thinks I'm not strong enough." I say.

"He's lost one daughter, you think he wants to lose another?" Jade asks.

"I'm not like her, I'm stronger, I just need him to see that." I cross my arms.

"Get some sleep Artemisa, we have to finish by sunset tomorrow."

I lean back, watching Jade stretch out and close her eyes. Her swords laying by her side, right in easy reach.

"What's it going to take to prove I'm strong?" I whisper as I get up.

I grab my bow and an extra quiver, then reach down and curl my hand around one of Jade's swords, lifting it from the ground.

"I'm sorry, but I have to do this alone. It's the only way to prove that I am strong enough."