Reclaimed (The Phoenix Chronicles Book 1) by Erica Ortega Page B

herself for sounding overly cheerful.
    Troy offered her a grateful smile. “Hey Summer.”
    “Summer,” nodded Fay. “I'm sorry you had to see that poor boy’s body.”
    “Um thanks.”
    Fay looked like she wanted to say something more but, smiled at them both and left. She was just about to turn the corner when she spun on her heel and pointed a finger at Troy.
    “You remember what I said!”
    She disappeared before Troy could answer. Both of them sat in silence until the footsteps faded. Once it was silent Troy leaned against the wall and let out a deep breath.
    “Are you okay?” asked Summer.
    “Yeah. Fay can just be...intense.”
    “Seems like it. The head of the light wielders is-”
    “An old, stupid, naive man,” snapped Troy. He smoothed his hair back with both hands and smiled. “Sorry, I was headed to get something to eat. Want to come?”
    “I’m exhausted. I think I'm going to go to bed early since training starts again tomorrow.”
    Troy patted the top of her head. “Good idea. See you tomorrow.”
    She waved bye and watched him round the corner. Once he was gone Summer let out a sigh. She hated that she was bound to this place in so many ways and it was still hard to trust people. After the slaughter of that poor kid she was definitely going to be more cautious.
    The last person she trusted had broken her and made her realize that the only person who would ever look after her was herself. No matter how many friends she continued to make she would always remember that.
    Summer headed back to her room and one thought kept ringing loudly in her head. Geoff had said that in darkness you would find light and in light you would find darkness. What did he mean and why couldn't she stop thinking about it?
    Summer changed into her pajamas, curled up into bed, and let the blanket of stars tuck her in just like they did every night.
     

 
    Chapter 10
     
    Summer stood nervously outside the fire wielders dorm. Ash had told her to wait there for him instead of the field because he didn't want to take the chance of her being caught out in the open by herself. There was no arguing that with him. She agreed that everyone should have a buddy to walk around with even though Jasper claimed it was safe.
    The loud echo of footsteps had Summer squinting down the hall to see who it was. The messy, curly hair was the first thing she saw. Then the purple eyes came into view. They were always so different than the other wielders. Intelligence and kindness were constantly present even though she still didn't trust him completely.
    Ash was wearing black track pants and a long sleeved, grey shirt. Basic clothes that hugged his body and showed just how powerful he was. Summer was starting to regret asking.
    “Ready?” he asked.
    “Maybe I should practice a bit more.”
    “Isn't that what we're doing?”
    Summer folded her arms. “I think it would be better if we started tomorrow. It's my birthday and I'll be stronger.”
    Ash shook his head. “No you won't. Your power will be but, that has nothing to do with how well you can control it. Let's go.”
    She sighed and dragged her feet after him.
    “Besides,” said Ash, over his shoulder. “You had me wake up early and I hate mornings.”
    Summer rolled her eyes when he wasn't looking and tightened her ponytail. After being here for almost three weeks and eating a good amount of food, her hair had started to come in much thicker. It was starting to frustrate her.
    “If you drank some of that elusive coffee then you might like the mornings a bit more,” said Summer.
    “Maybe I'll try it tomorrow.”
    Summer blinked a few times. “Really? I thought you were mister follow the rules?”
    Ash narrowed his eyes at her. “Is that what everyone thinks? It's the opposite. I hate all the petty rules that the council has but, I follow the ones I think are important. New wielders do not need caffeine to make them jittery when they're already nervous. It's just a suggestion. I