Glynn has always wanted to be a Protector, but the secret she hides may tear the dream from her. Under the stern watch of Thaddeus, Glynn defies all odds to become first in her class.  However, one startling revelation could unsettle all her aspirations.
 

   What if you were born only to die?  Glynn splashed cold water on her face and stared at herself in the mirror.  She found no answers in the gray-green eyes that stared back.  Glynn shoved away from the sink basin in disgust.  She stalked the few paces the dorm bathroom allowed while pulling her dark brown hair back into a regulation ponytail.

    She was soon back at the mirror.  The question rang in her brain like a death knell.  What if you were born only to die? Glynn tucked her faith medallion into the green undertank of her uniform.  Her fingers lingered on the collar.  With a lump in her throat, she drew the material down the center of her chest to reveal a thick red scar.  Evidence that, once, she had been meant to die.

    The door opened behind Glynn.  She started violently and quickly recovered the tell-tale scar.  She cleared her throat.  "Geez, Fant, you scared me."

    "You still buggin' about that stupid question?" Fantine asked.  "Take a load off.  Marcoux asks it of every third year.  Wants to know if we're crazy or something."  Fantine primped in the mirror.

    "Well, aren't we?" Glynn asked.

    "There you go, girl," Fantine encouraged with a smile.  "When's Tad picking you up?"

    Glynn checked her timer.  "In ten."

    "You best put your make-up on, then," Fantine teased.

    "Come off it.  It's mandatory drill practice."

    "Whatever you say."  Fantine checked her appearance in the mirror one last time before heading out.

    Glynn turned back to the mirror.  All lightness and humor faded from her face.  "I'm not dead, yet," she informed the mirror and finished getting ready.