I curl into a tight ball in the corner, Gemma's lifeless eyes boring into my mind every time I blink. Hot tears streak down my cheeks as memories of her assault me.
I can still hear her laughter ringing out that first day we met in the rebel camp's makeshift training grounds. She'd been a fresh recruit then, eager and full of youthful bravado as she demonstrated her archery skills to the grizzled veterans. A stray, poorly-aimed arrow thudded into the ground mere inches from where I was observing the recruits. Rather than being cowed, Gemma had flashed me a brilliant, unabashed grin.
"Sorry about that! Guess I got a little carried away."
I remember trying to scowl disapprovingly at her, but her infectious spirit had me returning the smile instead. "Just be more mindful of your surroundin
