TheaThe next morning the doctors say that I can be discharged in the afternoon, but only if I am sure to stay hydrated and take it easy for another day or two. I guess the rogue ended up tearing some tissue in my windpipe, but with shifter healing, there will be no permanent damage.Knox was with the doctor when I woke up, he said that I’d be staying at the packhouse and we’d discuss my future later.Future…How funny is it that I’ve never thought about my own future? I’d been living each day as they came, so settled into my routine, but what do I do with my time now?As I sit here in my hospital room, the shock has worn away, leaving me with an alphabet soup of emotions. Sure, I was used to being alone for long stretches of time, but I saw Apollo almost daily. He was someone to talk to, laugh with…and now, I had no one. My chest constricts as more tears blur my vision. I couldn’t possibly have any more to cry after last night. This isn’t fair! I won’t even get to go to his funeral!

TheaI look at my reflection in the full-length mirror on the closet door as I smooth out the material of my favorite black t-shirt dress. Gamma Niko did a decent job with packing the clothing I loved best, all the basics, and a few of my favorite books, but I’ll have to ask about a job. I need more clothes and money.I glance at the clock to check the time, Bennet should be back up any minute now. When he came by this morning to take me to breakfast, I pretended to be sick. I wasn’t ready to face Knox yet. That kiss…just a simple kiss, but it still made my toes curl. None of Apollo’s kisses made me feel like that. Should I feel guilty for kissing Knox back? I’d only seen him a few times since I got here. His face was so stoic that I can’t seem to get a read on him, but that kiss…Ugh.A knock on the door pulls me back from the spiral I am descending. I open it to see Bennet holding a cup of coffee and a very large and fluffy blueberry muffin with chunks of shiny sugar on it.“My hero

Thea“Hey Thea, how's the ankle?” Travis asks as he sits down beside me at one of the long tables in the dining hall.“Much better, I think I’ll even be able to walk again. It’s a miracle really.”He chuckles softly, “Good, I was worried.”“Well, save it. I’m sure I’ll manage to hurt something else tomorrow too,” I say in between bites of lasagna. “Maybe I can help with that?” He turns towards me, “I know my sister is helping you with the basics and you are doing good, but if you wanted some extra training, I, uh, I could help you out.”“Uh, yeah, that would be nice. Thank you,” I say, smiling over at him.His icy, blue eyes light up as he smiles widely at me. “Cool we’ll start tomorrow.”**I snuggle into the plush blankets of my bed, sleep is still something that doesn’t come easily. After that tea infused memory dream session thing last week, I have found myself getting lost in my thoughts more often.Training has been helping. It is wearing my body out and is a good distraction.

Thea“Grip the bag like this, and alternate driving your knees into the center. Stay on your toes and draw your leg out and around to gain power,” Travis says, demonstrating knee drills on the heavy bag.I bite my lip and nod. I step up to the bag and grab it like Travis instructed, the vinyl cool under my hands as I grip onto it. I let out a breath before I start to mimic Travis’ actions.“That’s good, Thea, but a little harder. Put force behind it. Show some anger,” He encourages me. “Your knees, elbows, and shins are going to be your biggest assets in defending yourself. You don’t have to be big or strong to do damage when you use those.” Anger? I harness my conflicting emotions and let them wash over me. The way Knox kissed me and then ran off. Knee.How he reeked of that woman the next night.Knee.How he’s avoided me since I got here but put me across the hall from him. Knee.Was I delusional? He made the moves first…ugh, he's so frustrating!Knee.“Nice! I’d hate to be the

Thea My body practically vibrates with excitement when my alarm goes off. I know I’ve only been training for a little over a week and working with Travis for about the same, but the thought that I have done well enough to try sparring with someone… Eeek! I’m just so pumped. I never pictured myself training or thought that I could do well at it. I hope you are proud, Apollo. I walk over to the closet, discard my jammies and pull on a pair of burgundy leggings and a heather gray sports bra. I’m just starting to french braid my hair when a funny rhythm of knocks plays out on my door. I smile to myself, knowing it’s Bennet. ‘Come in, I’m decent,’ I mind-link him. The door opens before he steps in and nudges it shut with his hip. “I’d be happier if you weren’t.” I feel my face flush at his comment. I bite my lip and finish braiding my hair, before popping up from the vanity stool and take the cup of coffee he brought me. “I didn’t think I’d see you until lunch. Don’t you have a meetin