Violet Path by Olivia Lodise Page A

asked me to stay. “I guess it’s because I would like to stop Matthew.”
    Megan smiled. “That’s everyone’s answer here; you’ll fit in fine.” She left, and I dressed.
    Maxime and David greeted me outside and took the swordsmanship uniform from me. I thanked them and walked down the stairs alone. Before I reached the bottom, I realized that I hadn’t the slightest idea of the time or where I was supposed to be, so ran back up. As I approached the door, I heard the two brothers arguing.
    “You almost killed her!” Maxime was enraged.
    “How is this my fault? You’re the one keeping her here where she is in danger. You know the penalty!” David shouted.
    “She’s in more danger if we let her go,” Maxime said.
    “Why? How?” David asked.
    “You can answer that yourself. Besides Matthew’s plans, the other communities also act on opportunities.”
    “So we keep her here, still in danger, and endanger everyone else?”
    “I’m working on the outcome of all of this,” Maxime said in a tired voice.
    “Talk to her. She might have an idea or at least a bit more common sense than you. You act before seeing a plan through!”
    “First of all, she doesn’t know what we’re talking about. Secondly, you should apologize,” Maxime said.
    I stood outside the door, fighting every urge to barge right through and demand some answers.
    “Why should I apologize to you? Since when are you so emotional?” David said irritated.
    “No, you should apologize to Alex.”
    My heart flourished as Maxime defended me. On the other hand, it was really weird.
    “Why? She’s not even here—”
    “Come in, Alex,” Maxime interrupted.
    My heart raced. I knew I wasn’t supposed to eavesdrop, but how could I not? I took a deep breath and pushed the door open, embarrassed again. “What time is it?” I muttered as I fixed my eyes to the floor.
    “Lunch will start in no more than five minutes. You should head over there now. No need to go see Will; I’ve already talked to him. And don’t forget to drink some water,” Maxime said in a concerned voice.
    I nodded, then closed the door and left. All the way back to camp, I couldn’t help but wonder what they were talking about. David had said that I wasn’t safe here, but I didn’t know what he’d meant. If I was in danger here, would I be safe anywhere? I had started to trust Maxime, but that was as far as my confidence in anyone went. Matthew had kept everything from me. On the other hand, I desperately wanted to fit in somewhere. I couldn’t stop thinking about their argument, but I didn’t want to demand answers.
    To my surprise, I wasn’t the first at the long tables. I sat down in front of the filtered water pitcher and poured a glass. I gulped the water down, then served myself a second, then third, then fourth, and then finally a fifth glass. I was extremely thirsty.
    As more people came, the food was served. Sam sat next to me and asked if I was all right. I nodded and thanked him for his concern. It was a relief that no one else asked if I was okay.
    Marc sat beside me. He was one of the younger soldiers in his twenties with dark, black hair similar to mine. He introduced himself very professionally with a strong handshake, but he also beamed with a sense of warmth. After a few minutes of slow and mundane conversation, he started to tell me about his fiancée and how excited he was to be engaged.
    “I proposed almost two months ago. She’s beautiful; you’ll have to meet her. We’ve known each other for what seems like forever. God, I wish this war were over so I could spend my days with her. Do you have a girlfriend, Alex?” His voice was overflowing with passion.
    “Um . . . no . . .” I looked away. I sat up straight with my shoulders back as a form of reassurance that I was fitting in and acting like a boy.
    When everyone finished eating, my group cleared the table, then ran off to get our hunting gear. We met at the clearing where Maxime had