The grate over the door lifted and we all jumped to our feet, backing up against the edge of the now empty pool. The glint off Luke’s mechanical arm was the first thing I saw, and he shoved the doors open. His eyes glaring at me with a mix of surprise and discipline.

I should have been listening to Luke, but there was a sudden shift in the room. The air felt heavy, and I froze up. Until Simon elbowed me softly, and I jumped. A young woman stood in the doorway, and we stared at each other. I felt pulled towards her, to her dark eyes that said a million things without a single word. The strength in her made my knees weak, her aura poured in to the room and made sure everyone in it knew she could hold her own in a fight. The bright red jacket only enhanced the power that flowed freely from her.

I felt a smile creep across my face before I could stop it. I knew I probably looked ridiculous but I couldn’t look away.

She could.

I didn’t hear the start of Luke’s order, but I did hear the word sit, so I did.

“Yes sir.” Brooke and Simon said aloud, but I silently mouthed it.

I knew the man she was with. Conner, the captain of the frontline Militia. Everyone knew him in the Carrion. Most of the Scavengers that graduated had tried for the Militia first, only to find themselves not good enough and rejected by him. I’ve never tried for the Militia, there’s way too many chances I’d be found out and I also don’t like violence. It’s already in my nature and I try my best not to let it out.

“What’s up with you?” Brooke whispered through clenched teeth. “Swallow too much water during your test?”

“Uh huh.” My chin rested on my hands.

Simon waved her hands in front of me. “Oh,” she stopped and pointed towards the door.

“A Militia girl huh? I see you like to play it dangerous.” Brooke teased.

I shot a glare at her.

“She’s coming this way.” Simon folded her hands together.

The closer she got the faster the Lunite in me pushed towards the surface. What’s happening to me? I’ve never felt this way before about anyone or anything. I couldn’t seriously be attracted to a human, could I? That has to be impossible.

“You.” She pointed at me. “I’ll question you first.”

“Y-yes mam.” Her authority pushed the response from me.

I followed her to the corner, far from everyone else. Even her tone of voice held strength, like she could beat me senseless with just her words. Her hair was a beautiful brown color and waved in a loose bang over the right side of her face. The rest of it pulled back in to a bun.

“Let’s get this over with Scav.” Her venomous tone startled me.

At this point I realized she wasn’t going to introduce herself, nor did she ask me to either.