Mira's Pov

I stood at the edge of the clearing just before dawn. The old training cabin was in front of me. It was small and made of dark wood. The air was cold and it made my breath come out in white clouds.

I had not slept much, my mind kept going back to his face. His dark blue eyes. His promise to teach me, I clenched my fists. I would not be taught. I was here because I had to be, not because I wanted to be.

The door of the cabin opened. Simon stepped outside. He was not wearing a shirt, just a pair of low pants....