Page 44 of A Simple Truth (the Freckled Fate #2)

43

FINNLEAH

T he welcoming comfort of my cot did wonders for my exhausted body. I sat up, stretching from the full night of sleep, my eyes casually scanning the familiar space around me. The two rows of uniformed cots were neatly made, the Ten gone off to train.

A little, happy grin appeared on my lips as I stared at the empty room. Though the cots and the room were standard and uniformed, the nightstands, on the other hand, were an acute representation of the uniqueness of each member of the Ten.

There was Zora’s: perfectly clean, though charred in spots from what I could only assume were sparks. Then there was Ashe’s, with her tall stacks of various books and the oversized monocle she occasionally used. Then there was Gia’s, with a couple of small pots filled with half-dying flowers she’d attempted to grow. Then Lulu’s, with all manner of intricate jewelry and earrings. Motra’s was simple: a crocheted cover and a large, wooden fairy statue with beautiful wings, so lovely and elegant. Cori’s and Tori’s were the messiest of them all, cluttered with tiny trinkets they’d collected, scattered amidst journals, their favorite romance books, and horoscopes. Yanush’s had nothing on top, though she painted the drawer in a beautiful pattern and replaced a handle with a dull arrowhead. Ioanna’s also didn’t have much on top, but rather, she had carved the wood and used a large, old cleaver instead of a handle. Cass’s had a large, sand clock, the little, white grains constantly moving.

I reached in my drawer for a string to tie my hair, only now realizing that after all this time, my once typical nightstand was also morphing into something else with my personal touch. A few dried flowers I had collected from Svitar, from Priya’s garden, from wild fields and other places I’d been to, laid there on display, like little memories under the thick slab of glass. There, by the flowers, I had added a small, painted card gifted to me by Lady De Villiar of the Svitar markets I used to visit.

A long, loud yawn escaped me as I managed to get up, putting on some clothes. A new thrill of delight rolled through me as I looked at the red sand-filled pants laying in my wicker basket under the bed.

I should do laundry.

I needed to wash them, but a part of me wanted to keep them as a souvenir, my heart unwilling to part with the dust-covered clothes. The feelings caused immediate dissonance within me. I’d grown to very much enjoy clean clothes, and the smell of fresh laundry and soaps had become one of my favorites.

It was just sand. Literal dust, and yet, each time I saw the little, tiny, granular specs of red, all I could think of was joy; electrifying excitement mixed with comforting peace.

His hand in mine, his heart against my ear…

Later. I’ll wash them later , I ultimately decided.

I spent a bit longer on my hair today, attempting to braid it nicely, as unruly straight strands unwillingly bent. It felt childish and maybe a little silly, but I found myself putting on a hint of blush for my cheeks and a little bit of charcoal for my eyes before stepping outside.

This is stupid. I quickly rubbed the blush off with my hand as I walked through the lively camp. Spring must have not only awoken the nature around us, but the people too, as the buzzing War Games conversations filled the air.

It was later than I expected, the midday sun shining high above me. My eyes were already thoroughly scanning the camp for the General’s recognizable figure.

“Good morning beautiful sunshine!” Gia landed a big hug. “I am glad you got some rest. You look extra good today!” She smiled wide, her beaming heart warming mine.

“Thanks, Gia, I’m definitely feeling rested. Though I’m sure the General is never going to forget that I spelt through our training.” I chuckled, attentively unwrapping my bandages. The skin on my hands had finally healed, with only a few minor scrapes left.

“Oh, Gideon sent a message earlier this morning, canceling your training. He also told us to make sure we let you rest, and he’d come get you after,” Gia’s voice purred suggestively.

“Oh, lucky me, I guess,” I replied, attempting to hide a note of disappointment at those words.

“Hey, stranger!” Tori’s bright hair popped up in my peripheral vision, as she also landed an awkward side hug, keeping up with our steps.

“It works out for the best, since Zora has been anxious to include you in our games training,” Gia continued.

“She has?” The corner of my mouth twisted up and I raised my brow skeptically.

“Zora might pretend to be all harsh and strict, but she’s actually an anxiety ridden softy inside. She’s missed having you around just as much as we all have.” Gia wrinkled her nose, stopping in her tracks as she attempted a sneeze.

“We truly did. You also missed a genius prank Ashe pulled on Ioanna. She was pissed for hours. It was glorious!” Tori chuckled as we stopped, waiting for Gia. “Though, pranks and camp talk can wait. What I’d like to hear more about is your trip. Did you really see a demon?” she uttered, hooking our elbows together as we continued strolling through camp to the large training field.

“Tori, I swear to gods, if you are getting the hot gossip without me, I will murder you!” Her twin sister appeared out of nowhere, running up to us. Cori linked her arm with mine on the other side, pushing Gia out as we laughed.

“Not just saw a demon. I got possessed by one.” My face lit up with wicked amusement as I watched their faces explode with excitement.

“Fuck! That sounds somehow so hot and exciting!” Tori proclaimed.

“You read too many romance novels, Tori,” Ashe added, rolling her eyes as we approached the remainder of the Ten.

“Oleyg hasn’t complained once,” Tori sneered, walking up to Ashe as she grabbed the swords already prepped for training. A large, girly smile lit up my face as I realized she was talking about her husband.

“Welcome back, Finn.” Ashe handed me a sword as well. “Excited for the games?”

“Maybe? Nobody explained to me what they are and at this point, I am too afraid to ask.” I smirked.

Zora and I exchanged quick, welcoming nods as she came up to our group.

“Have you ever played capture the flag as a child?” she asked, redoing her hair.

No.

But I’d heard of the game, so I nodded to her.

“Pretty much the same thing. Each spring, all the Destroyers gather for battle exercises. It’s somewhat of a tradition. It started a long time ago to help us work through strategies.”

“And murder our enemies…” Yanush muttered, giving me a pat on the shoulder, her bow readily strung across her back.

“Gideon prefers to kill his enemies any time of the year, and not be limited only to the War Games. So unfortunately, no murdering.” Cass laughed, chalking her wide hands. “A while back, we used to join other Destroyers for the War Games. And then we could kill them,” she explained, winking.

“Nobody has been doing the Games the same way they used to, not since Gideon’s uncle died,” Ioanna added.

“It’s a good thing. Too much Destroyer blood was spilled over stupid games,” Motra agreed.

“So, I’m confused. Do we murder people during the games or not?” I asked, watching the sun reflect from my freshly-cleaned sword.

“ Bloodthirsty much?” Lulu signed across from me with humorous look in her eyes.

“No, we allow tap outs. But people can still die if they don’t tap out,” A suggestive grin tugged at the corners of Motra’s mouth.

“It’s more satisfying to watch the men tap out anyway,” Ioanna scoffed.

“We win every year.” Gia rotated her wrists, reading for the training.

“And this year is not going to be an exception,” Zora commanded, motioning us to the training circle. “So, if you are all done chit chatting, we have a few plays to run. This year, we are doing it on the small island near the dragonfly one. Creators are in charge of the layout, so who knows what they will make it look like. Though, I swear, if they put in swamps like last year, I will personally hunt them down.” Zora shook her head. “We have three strategies that I think will work great this year, considering the teams roasters.”

At my questioning look, she explained, “Not every Destroyer participates. The ones that are up for the challenge create leagues, about nine to twelve person teams. Each team will compete and then the winning team gets to play the Ten in three games together as a final round.”

“It’s a week-long event to completely demolish those chumps. And then they throw a large feast and celebration for the winners, or in this case, us.” Tori grinned near me.

“We are a big deal after all,” Cori chipped in, bumping their hips together.

“Focus, girls,” Zora grumbled, and the twins quieted as all of us fought back a smile. “We are working on mechanics today, so no fire.”

Zora didn’t waste a single second, throwing plays and new combinations at us, one after another. We practiced until our muscles gave up, until my arms ached so much that I couldn’t lift even a teaspoon, much less a sword. The Ten were also dripping sweat, though holding ground much better than I was. All of us were too eager for the dinner bell to sound through the fresh spring air, signaling the first break in hours.

We waited in a long line, the large canopies above us were a much-needed shade from the late afternoon sun. The loud chatter of soldiers filled the dining space, composed of wooden tables lined up in rows. Seats filled rapidly with hungry Destroyers. Some of them had also come straight from training, as their faces were just as red as ours. I nodded to the passing Orest and Broderick as they took their seats amongst other battalion commanders. My eyes hungrily devoured the food on their plates: roast deer soup, apples and hard-boiled eggs, and most importantly, Troy’s amazing bread. My mouth salivated at the smell as we inched closer to the serving table. I wiped away a few sticky hairs off my sweat-covered neck. Missing breakfast was clearly a terrible idea, as my stomach grumbled, demanding to be fed.

Yet, my obsessive thoughts about food were abruptly interrupted, the saliva in my mouth somehow turning bitter as I saw them.

There, marching across the camp was none other than the missing Destroyer General. And with him, the most beautiful redhead I’d ever seen.

Whoever she was, she was drop dead gorgeous with legs that went on for days. Her copper hair, impeccably silky, extending well below her waist, swayed with each of her steps. Not a blemish, not a single imperfection adorned her body and face. She was perfect.

But it wasn’t even her beauty or the casual way they walked, parading across the whole camp, that made my blood turn to scorching acid. It was the way they laughed together. Both of their faces exulting with delight, as I was sure she was saying something absolutely hilarious.

Gods, my fucking blood boiled in rage at that sight. I watched him escort her through half the damn camp to his tent, so valiantly holding the flap-door open and letting her stroll through, his face enthralled with total bliss and pleasure.

Oh, if I thought I knew undeniable fury before, I was wrong. Because the sheer force and urge to incinerate them both right now almost blinded me.

“Careful, there,” Ashe whispered to me, “or you might turn her into dust.”

Ashe’s voice pulled me away from my murdering and vengeful thoughts, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from his tent as I scowled.

Both of them there…alone…together…

Troy said something, smiling at me, as he started filling up my plate. I politely nodded, not hearing his words.

Redheads? Easily... The General’s words came back to mock me.

I sat at the table, putting my plate down, my eyes involuntarily darting through the camp towards that stupid tent. The Ten took seats around me, ravenously diving into their plates. But my food tasted sour to me now, so I took a dithering sip of my water.

“Who is she?” I turned to Ashe, attempting to sound cool and relaxed, but failing.

“That was Petunia. She is a Creator, and Xentar’s right hand,” Ashe casually replied between bites of her food. “Also, she and the General used to be a thing a while back.”

I shouldn’t have been surprised. He was a grown man. Of course, he was involved. Of course, he had someone. Of course, she had to be the most gorgeous redhead to ever exist.

Yanush snickered. “Oh, I know that look. Jea-lou-sy …”

“I have nothing to be jealous about,” I objected. “He is a free man to do whatever he wants. Plus, it’s not like I have any interest in him to begin with. So good for him for finding someone who tolerates his awful personality.” I took another sip of water, almost choking on it, raising my chin up as if somehow, it would make me feel better.

“Do you want us to mess her up for you? Because I’ll gladly do it, no questions asked,” Ioanna offered sincerely she was quickly becoming my new favorite of the Ten.

“Nobody is messing up anyone.” Zora glared at Ioanna. “They haven’t been together since last summer, Finn.”

As if that was going to make me feel better.

It didn’t.

“For the record, I didn’t like her from the moment I met her,” Ioanna continued.

“You don’t like anyone, Ioanna, so that doesn’t mean anything,” Cass chipped in.

“That’s not true,” Ioanna complained.

“Yeah, well, who have you liked from the first moment you saw them?” Cass continued.

“She liked me.” Yanush raised her hand, slurping up her soup straight from the bowl.

“Exception just proves the rule.” Cass shook her head.

“Plus, you two are sisters-in-law, so that doesn’t count,” Motra argued.

“You have nothing to worry about, Finn,” Gia assured softly, taking a crunchy bite of a green apple.

“Like I said, there is nothing between us. I already had to deal with him for a whole week. I’m glad someone else must deal with him now. A whole week with the General is more than I can handle,” I said dryly, hoping that my racing heart would believe those words.

“You say that, but whatever happened between you two in Elfland...” Motra stated suggestively.

“Nothing happened.” I stopped her there.

“No, not like that…Destroyer men know to court their women first. But even if you two did, you know we wouldn’t judge you for it…” Motra shook her head, almost looking half offended. “But for reference, I meant more of…” She paused, looking for the right words. “…two souls connecting.”

He doesn’t have a soul, and perhaps I should’ve listened to that statement better.

“Destroyer women don’t do well with jealousy, Finn,” Cass explained.

“Yeah, we are quite territorial,” Cori nodded. “Granted, so are our men, but gods, women are a whole different level. I almost killed that one bitch that stared at my husband for too long.” Cori’s jaw tensed. “Still think about killing her sometimes. Was it a bit crazy? Yes. But I refuse to feel bad about it,” she said as she took another bite of her bread.

“And you are fully justified.” Tori nodded in agreement. “There is nothing more sacred for Destroyers than their marriage and their soul-bond.”

“Soul-bond?” Those words caught my ears as I turned to Tori.

“Yes, unlike Magic Wielders, Destroyers don’t have soul mates. However, we have soul binding marriages which are way better than any soulmates could ever be. Imagine looking your entire life for some magical person that is supposed to be meant for you? What if you don’t find them until you are old?! Or you don’t find them ever! Imagine that!” Tori spoke passionately.

My confused eyes turned to Zora. She snarled at those words, not liking the topic.

“Soul binding is a process where you bind your souls for time and eternity through marriage, so even Lady Death can’t keep you apart because your souls are bound forever.” She boringly waved with her hand in the air explaining.

“Bonded souls are inseparable. It’s a much stronger bond than soulmates could ever have,” Ioanna replied.

“What if one of them dies?” My brows bunched together.

“Destroyers only marry once. They either stay single forever or choose to soul-bind to one person for eternity. They do not marry again, even if one dies. However, it’s not unheard of for some widowers to find companionship with other widows, creating partnerships. Bonded by grief, they live together, usually raising children in camaraderie until they are eventually separated by Death, reuniting with their soul-bonds,” Cass explained.

“Once your souls are bound, there aren't any unbinding options. So, when Destroyers marry, it’s forever. Unbreakable bond to carry for eternity and beyond,” Cori added. “So, when I said there is nothing more sacred to Destroyers than their marriage, I meant it.”

“Yeah, the one time a Destroyer cheated and broke their soul-bound marriage, a literal civil war broke out,” Tori said dramatically.

“The Great Betrayal is getting a whole different light now, isn’t it?” Ashe sarcastically chuckled, taking another slurp.

“Can we return to the fact that our raw fire wielding Lost Destroyer is jealous of some lousy Creator ?!” Yanush smirked at me, and I glared back. “What? I think it’s rather cute! She literally almost had smoke coming out of her ears.”

“She is very pretty,” I finally admitted, though hating those words immediately, ashamed they even came out of me.

I was not that woman. I would never be that woman. I would never despise someone for looking better than me. I appreciated the beauty around me, the variety, the uniqueness of each one of us. It would’ve been an ugly world if everyone looked like me.

And yet, I was ready to storm in and cause a scene because of her.

No.

I stopped myself, for a second not recognizing who I was in that moment.

Hell no.

I was not that person. And over some guy? A man that was supposed to train me but instead, chose to spend time with that woman?

Yeah, fuck that. And for that matter, fuck him too.

I was relieved as I felt the rising anger build the walls back up within me; walls that should’ve never came down in the first place.

“Those Creator pricks are all nauseatingly beautiful, aren’t they?” Ashe cackled.

“Finn, Destroyer men have different tastes than typical human men. Pretty ain’t what they look for,” Motra added gently.

Yet, the General dated her... That thought was eating me alive.

“Yeah, we would all go extinct if they were attracted only to beauty.” Cass laughed.

“What is it that they are attracted to then?” I asked, sending her a look.

But it was Zora, who kept her eyes on her food, who answered.

“Power.”

“Power?” I raised my brow.

“Yes. Looks aren’t enough to capture the heart of a Destroyer man. You need to have a certain level of badassery and strength.” Tori’s mouth widened in a large smile as she tugged on her shirt, exposing the leather strap around her wrist with her marriage ring. “That’s why we all got snatched so damn fast by our equally badass men,” Tori cackled, before wincing as Cori elbowed her painfully. “What was that for?” she hissed.

“That was soooo rude of you. Gods, Tori, you know Zora and Finn are single,” Cori loudly whispered, glaring at her sister.

“But they both know they wouldn’t be if they wanted,” Tori fought back.

Zora just sighed, getting up from the table and taking her empty plate back.

“Look what you did!” Cori angrily whispered. “I swear to gods, why don’t you take a vow of silence like Lulu. It would do you some good.”

Lulu shook her head, finishing up her food. I let myself glance over to his tent once more, the anger now turning my blood into nothing but ice.

The muscle in my jaw tensed.

Laundry.

I needed to do laundry.