I scowl, stumbling into the tiny private gym. “I’m not weaker than a kitten,” I mutter, putting my hands on my hips. “I can…do stuff.”
“As eloquent as you are sturdy,” Faiza says, raising a cheerful eyebrow at me.
“Hey, I –“
“Look, kid,” the woman says, taking a step towards me, her voice becoming softer, friendlier as she goes. “Neumann believes in you, and according to the records that the Captain showed me, you’re one hell of a shot with a bow and a gun. I am here because I want to be – because I’m interested in this assignment. And trust me – with what I’m charging to be here? The Academy wouldn’t be footing the bill if they didn’t think you were worth it. So. Go ahead and drop the whole defensive attitude.”
My shoulders slump a little as I stare at this woman, having no idea how
