When I taught my classes, it was painfully hard not to give in. Not to let my body move like it could. And in that one second, I’d given myself away.

Hillary’s eyes were wide as she stared up at me. She’d had a close call a couple weeks ago and ended up in my class a little battered and bruised, but I saw the will to fight burning inside her. I wanted to make sure that next time, she’d fight and win.

“Are you—? Was that—?” She was too afraid to ask what I was.

Roan was right. I hadn’t lived this long to be stupid now, but the implant was distracting me. It was making me too on edge, and I couldn’t afford to forget my Earther facade for even a second.

“Sorry. You startled me.” I’d found that if you explained a movement away as being scared or excited or some other extreme emotion, most Earthers dismissed it. They didn’t want to find an Aunare living on this planet, especially if it’s someone they’d been spending significant time with. Hillary had been here every night for three weeks. She didn’t want me to be Aunare.

“Oh. Sorry,” she said, and her shoulders relaxed. “I didn’t mean to startle you.”

“Everything okay?” I asked.

“We only have twenty minutes left in class.” She swallowed. “I need the practice.” Her words were barely audible.

“Of course. I’m so sorry I got distracted. Apparently, I’m having a day.” I shoved through the curtain. “Okay, everyone. I promise to stay focused on your training for the rest of class.” My finger burned again, and I bit my tongue. I swallowed the coppery tang of blood in my mouth along with another curse that was begging to slip out.

This might not get any easier for me, but these kids? I could help them. Volunteering here three hours a day, six days a week took its toll on me. Especially since I also had my shifts at the diner. But if teaching them to survive was the only thing I did before SpaceTech caught me, then that was something I could be proud of.

“We’re going to work off of the bunkai we were just practicing while sparring with Roan. Each movement in the bunkai is something that can be used to fend off an attacker. Roan is covered in padding, so don’t be afraid to let loose,” I said as I settled back into teaching.

Everything was going to be fine. I could do this. I could stay hidden, teach my classes, and save my money. One day, I’d be light-years away from here and safe. Until then, I’d dream about making my escape from this godforsaken planet.

Chapter Two