Chapter 26
The warmer weather had faded into cooler days as the weeks passed.
It was a particularly icy evening as I made my way back to the apartment after training, wind filtering through my hair.
Moonlight reflected off the canal, shifting as the currents fanned out from passing boats.
I was more than exhausted, and my legs ached and wobbled.
A sigh of relief washed over me when I reached the steps to our corridor. As I neared our door, I saw that it wasn’t fully closed. My body froze, nerves rushing over me. Had I forgotten to lock up?
Whimpers echoed from within.
Osta.
I slammed the door open, running inside. My pulse steadied as I found her in a ball on the couch, sobbing into her hands.
“Osta, what’s wrong?” I asked, rushing over to sit beside her.
“Fia, the old hag–she…” Osta mumbled between sobs, “She fired me. For insubordination. At least that’s what she said.”
Shit.
“She’s an idiot, Osta. See how much business she gets now that her secret weapon is gone.” I attempted a smile and looped my arm through hers. “I’m sure you’ll hear back from the Nobility soon…”
“I hope so.”
“What happened, exactly?” I asked.
“Thearna wanted me to combine two fabrics that absolutely did not go together, and I refused. I just couldn’t do it, Fia,” Osta sobbed. “She said she was tired of me questioning her. But I was trying to do her a favor!”
“She was always going to hold you back. You were a threat to her. You know this.” I tightened my arm around hers, “Plus, now–”
“But Fia, this was my plan. I don’t know what to do.
I don’t even know if my life will mean anything now.
I don’t know who I am without it.” Her body still shook, but her voice had lowered to just above a whisper.
Her eyes were fixated on the ground, but I could tell that they were empty of their normal spark.
I shifted on the couch to face her, taking her hands in mine. “Osta, everything is going to be okay. I promise.”
“It’s all ruined. My entire life is ruined. I should have just kept my mouth shut. Now I have no future. No prospects,” she murmured, her hands going limp in mine.
“We’re going to get through this. I can try to talk to General Ashford again, ask him if he’s heard from any of the Nobility?” I added. I didn’t particularly want to, but I would do it for her.
“There’s no point. If they were interested, they would have reached out by now.”
“Osta, you don’t even sound like yourself. You’re really starting to scare me.” I grabbed her hand a bit too forcefully. “Now stop acting like me.”
A small laugh escaped her lips, and after a few seconds, she looked over at me again.
I sighed. “We’re going to figure this out.”
“You really think so?”
“Of course. It’s you. And whatever you do next, it’s going to be better than working for Thearna. ”
“I guess a small part of me is happy I don’t have to see her every day.” Osta shrugged, sitting a bit straighter.
“Exactly.”
“I just need to get my mind off of it.” She pouted, almost back to the Osta I knew.
A realization hit me. It was rare that I had the ability to remedy anything for her.
I wasn’t going to squander the chance.
“Well… I don’t know how I can distract you at the moment, but tomorrow… I’m going out with some fellow recruits. I don’t know if you’d be interested in joining…” I said slowly. I arched an eyebrow in anticipation.
Osta whipped her bloodshot eyes toward me. They widened even more once she saw my expression.
“Excuse me? Fia. You’re doing what now?” Osta’s entire position changed as she pulled herself up and faced me, legs crossed. She wiped the tears from her cheeks, and a grin snuck up her lips.
“They invited me out after training. I think you’d like them. And they would love you. Everyone does.”
Osta squealed.
“Fia. I am so proud right now. My little socialite! I’ve taught you well.” She sighed in self-satisfaction.
Mission accomplished.
“Briar–one of the recruits, was hoping that I knew some good places to go out in Luminaria. Obviously, you’re much more versed in that. Would you want to meet us at the Compound tomorrow evening with a game plan?” I eyed her, anticipating an explosion.
“Fia. I am so excited. Yes, yes, yes! Oh my, there are so many options…” she trailed off, eyes shifting as she rifled through her thoughts.
“Whatever you want to do.” I squeezed her shoulder before standing .
“Thanks, Fia. Seriously, I can’t believe you made friends. That’s so incredible.”
I winked at her before standing and taking a few paces towards my room. I paused.
“Sleepover in the living room?” I asked, whipping around to face her.
“Obviously.” She grinned, throwing a pillow at me.
I laughed, catching it and tossing it back. “I’ll go get the extra blankets. We can make a fort like the old days.”
“Yeah, now that Fairbanks isn’t around to rip it to shreds.” The sound of our laughter echoed through the small apartment as I rounded the corner.
“Want to wash up in the recruit quarters? It shouldn’t be too busy right now. Base, Scales, and Fang don’t finish until later,” Raine said, out of breath, as we made our way back to the Compound from the field.
“I probably don’t smell my best.” I laughed. “So, yes. Thank you.”
Training had become even more brutal, but I wasn’t sure whether to blame it on the sprints or the ache in my muscles that had become nearly permanent.
“Is every day going to be like this?” I asked, following Raine through the front gate. We had to squeeze through the large influx of bodies in the lobby, all wearing pristine white shirts.
“No idea, I seriously hope not.” She sighed. “I mean, at some point we’ll have to learn actual combat skills, right? It can’t all be defense and evasion.”
“One would think,” I mumbled as she led me into the Compound’s lobby, through the mess hall and social area, to the door that sat in the middle of the back wall, between two lounging sofas. She pushed the door open to reveal the stairs that would take us down to the recruitment lodging.
As I stepped back into Raine’s room, I found her in the corner, running a belt through the loops of a pair of blue-gray silk trousers. A high-necked blouse of the same color was tucked expertly, and her braids were twisted into a knot at the back of her head.
Briar was lounging on a bench, sporting a dark-green collared shirt and brown dress trousers. Perhaps I’d packed the wrong outfit for this outing. I glanced down at my typical Apothecary get-up. I’d picked the shirt with the least number of stains, at least.
Osta was waiting for us outside the gates, making conversation with a dark-haired recruit. As we approached, I saw her twirling her hair through her fingers in typical Osta fashion. Of course she had already found a member to flirt with… Wait. My eyes narrowed as I recognized the man.
Nazul.
Absolutely fucking not.
I quickened my pace, trying to get her attention.
Her eyes brightened as she saw us walking towards her, then soured as she looked me up and down. She shook her head but returned to her politeness upon noticing Briar and Raine a step behind me.
Nazul turned and noticed us approaching. He nodded at Osta and whispered something in her ear before sauntering off down the street.
“You must be Fia’s new friends!” Osta cooed, skipping over to us. Osta elbowed me in approval, causing heat to rush over my face.
“Osta, meet Raine and Briar.” I motioned between the three of them.
“Pleasure,” Raine nodded with a bright smile.
“Aren’t you just adorable,” Briar mused, “And look at this dress! You’re absolutely divine.”
Osta was beaming.
She wore a pale ivory dress that fell just below her knees in simple ruffles. The sleeves hung off her shoulders, billowing out. It was all brought together by a muted floral corset that laced up the back.
“Thank you! It’s lovely to meet the two of you,” she gushed, before stepping close to me and whispering, “I brought something for you to wear.” Heat flushed my cheeks again as I glanced down at my simple brown trousers and beige top.
I could only imagine what Osta had chosen for me.
With a groan, I held out my hand towards her. She pushed her backpack toward me with excitement.
“Go change in my room,” Raine suggested, holding out a small key. I smiled and lowered my head before returning through the gates of the Compound.
I stepped in front of the mirror to get a view of the dress.
It was made from a silken fabric the color of spiced wine, and it moved weightlessly as I turned to examine it in the mirror.
The top was structured and clasped around my neck in a thin band, leaving my decolletage bare.
The length spilled down into a simple A-line skirt.
I had to give it to Osta. She knew how to make a statement. The dress was simple, yet completely elegant. It made me look like I had some semblance of style, which was an impressive feat on its own.
I pursed my lips, shifting my weight as my reflection stared back at me, observing my tightly pulled back hair and permanently shrouded eyes .
Osta left some of her beauty products in the bag...
Before I could change my mind, I pulled out the black charcoal pencil and began to line my eyes. I wasn’t as graceful as Osta, so I didn’t have high hopes.
Stepping back, I inspected my work. Not bad. It added that semblance of allure back to my features. I bit my lip. My hair seemed all wrong.
Untying it, I let the white curls fall weightlessly around my shoulders and took a deep breath.
If we were going to one of Osta’s preferred spots, I might as well look the part, plus…
Seeing me like this would cheer her up even more, especially without any of my normal resistance.
I had committed to the facade at this point.
Tugging on the matching slippers that Osta provided, I made my way to the door.
But just as my hand touched the knob, my body froze. I hadn’t thought about the fact I’d have to walk through the Compound looking like this.
Alone.