Marissa
Again I nodded and mumbled, “Yes.” My voice was barely audible, for the terror threatening to overcome my composure was beginning to overwhelm all sense. He released my arm and gestured towards the main entrance to the training grounds. A loud clatter echoed as I made my way inside. As soon as my foot left solid ground, the coldness returned. Though I had expected it to, my heart thudded at the shock of it all. I took several paces back and waited for the guards to follow suit.
When all ten of them had gathered inside the entrance, the man commanded, “Take the lead.” He then proceeded to take my hand in his, interlocking our fingers in an intimate fashion. The warmth emanating from his hands caused my pulse to quicken with newfound vigor. Inwardly I marveled at how delicately his
