Flashback ( PDFDrive )

Sophie took a slow breath, working up the courage to ask, “So . . .
does that mean I can start training tomorrow with my left arm?”
Elwin scratched his chin and adjusted his glasses as he checked her
one more time. His expression was impossible to read, and Sophie
tried to prepare herself for disappointment.
But he told her, “Yes, I think you’re ready.”
• • •
With Elwin’s permission for training secured, Grady and Edaline
jumped on board as well.
And Sandor made it official.
Sophie’s first lesson would start the next day after her morning
round of medicine—which was the only thing everyone could agree
on. Extensive debate followed over which bodyguard should teach, and
what exactly the lessons would be—and Sophie decided to stay out of
it, content to sit on the couch and watch Sandor, Bo, and Tarina wave
weapons around, trying to outdo each other.
She had a feeling that bodyguard bickering would now be a regular
part of her day—and she was good with that. At least they’d all be
driving each other as crazy as they’d surely be driving her.
“Not joining in the my-training-is-better-than-your-training
fight?” Sophie asked when Flori came to sit beside her.
Flori shook her head. “Most of my defenses cannot be taught to
those outside my species. But I have a different request.”
“Anything,” Sophie told her.
For Calla’s niece, the answer was always yes.
Flori’s cheeks flushed, and she twirled a strand of hair that had
fallen loose from her plaits. “I’m . . . hoping you’ll let me sing to you.”