Chapter 22

• Eliana POV
• Rays of the afternoon sun fell in through the great open windows of the drill-hall and caught the dust-particles in the same atop of pizness or golden fire which danced along with each step. My body hurt, the hurt that made you glad to be alive,--the hurt of bruised knees and elbows worn, well-pursued blood-stained proof of trying and living and perhaps becoming stronger.
• Astrid was smiling and circling me on the sparring mat, errant pieces of her blonde hair hanging on her sweaty brow. “Alright, Blood Moon. Show me what you’ve got today.”