lasted until after sunset, I brought a few lanterns. It wasn’t the best of conditions. I knew my old tutor, Mistress Ingrid, would faint at the ridiculousness of it all, but I was still proud.
As my eyes swept over everyone, I saw Tallis by his tent talking to Mia. Once our eyes connected, he grinned. His piercing gaze took in my appearance, and I noticed how he adjusted the band of his pants before walking towards me.
“Your clothes swallow me,” I complained just as Tallis walked up. He coughed away a blush and brushed his hands over his abs before speaking. I swallowed thickly as my eyes followed the movement.
“I missed our walk today, Agapimenos. I’m glad Mia wanted to do a border check. If we were a minute later...” he drifted off and grabbed my satchel to start unloading the books I brought.
“I’ve never seen an infected Walker like that,” I said softly. The Walker’s angry dead eyes flashed through my mind. I shook the image from my memory, but I could still feel his burning hold on my wrist.
My eyes fluttered to Mia again who stood across the camp. She wore a snarky smile as she leaned against the trunk of a tree. I wondered if she saved me because she was a good person or because she liked to kill. Surely a scorned Scavenger wouldn’t save someone like me, especially after I insulted her. What was her motive?
Gordon limped towards us, jarring me out of my morbid thoughts. He winced and leaned against his crutches, but he moved with more skill than before. The prosthetic was helping. The ground was a bit muddy, so he sank with each step. They made the most of their situation, but I couldn't help but think that the high-tech schoolhouse would be ideal.
Class started, and I spent the next three hours teaching a variety of subjects. I reveled in the distraction. It kept my mind from drifting to the aggressive Walker. Tallis helped with some of the younger kids, he read them books while Gordon tutored the others. I watched Tallis use animated gestures and facial expressions as he read. His enthusiastic face was handsome and carefree. Once class was over, I made quick work of cleaning up, and then I began my walk back to the Walker Dorms—without Tallis.
I wasn’t in the mood for Tallis’ wise words or his lack of respect for personal space. But also? I wanted—no—needed to prove to myself that I could walk alone. That I could save myself if need be. I spent the majority of my life in solitude, and I needed to know that I could rely on myself.
I took the long path to the dorms. Although I craved control, I wasn’t emotionally ready to walk by the dead body again. I wasn't ready to see the grim reminder of what happened.
“Jules!” I heard Tallis yell. “Wait up!”
I kept walking, despite his yells.
Eventually, he caught up with me, and I felt his warm hand on my shoulder, pulling me to a stop. “Why didn’t you wait for me? You shouldn’t be walking late at night by yourself,” he scolded.
“I can handle myself,” I growled in response while yanking my shoulder out of his grip. “It’s not that far of a walk. Besides, I figured you’d be busy again,” I said. I immediately hated how pathetically needy I sounded. No one was ever there when I needed them.
Tallis’ eyes brightened in the glow of the lantern he was carrying, and I wanted to kick myself for being so obvious. “Beautiful girl, of course you can handle yourself, but you don’t have to be alone. I wasn’t there for you today, but I won't let that happen again,” Tallis promised, stepping closer to wrap his arms around my waist. I froze and spun in his arms to face him.
“My brothers always kept me out of the loop. At the first sign of danger, they locked me up in the manor. And now? I see a big bad Walker and I freeze,” I said pointedly. I felt manic. Self-destructive. “I wanted them to include me, but maybe I’m useless. Maybe they had good reason for leaving me out.” I needed to lighten the mood—and soon. Tallis was too close. I could smell the smoke on his skin. See the light in his soul.
“I think, if prepared, you could definitely rise to the challenge, Agapimenos. You’re a fighter.”
I looked deep into his eyes, and for a brief