Drained and exhausted, she wouldn't feel herself as she was lifted and carried away from the training grounds or eased into one of the beds in the hospital wing. She was out for about half an hour, sleeping soundly under the supervision of experienced healers. The two women in the medical wing assured Maxim and Sera that she would be fine with rest, and despite their assurance that she would make a full recover within the hour, they both stayed by her side. When Professor Relic showed up they both straightened up, surprised that he showed up after dismissing them not long ago. Sera found herself in his clutches, and by force she made to give back the power that Diem had imbued her with. The return of the energy she released made her stir. She could faintly hear voices around her, but her body wasn't ready to return to consciousness. Maxim watched her carefully, then turned as the professor addressed him next. He nodded to acknowledge his words. Though he knew he was wrong for misjudging her based on her mixed race, and had apologized for it, he was also somewhat guilty of believing Diem was weak.<br/><br/>Not long after the instructor left, Diem came to. Her eyes fluttered open, greeted by the sight of a hanging light over her head. She squinted and pushed herself up, confused to see her new surroundings. "You overdid it." Maxim informed her, coming toward Diem with a glass of water in hand. He handed it off to her, taking a seat at her bedside next to Sera. "Thanks for saving our asses back there. It felt kind of good to end training on my feet for a change." He smiled.<br/><br/>"Speak for yourself," Sera snorted, still her usual bitchy self until her expression softened. "Listen . . . I know I haven't been the nicest to you and . . . I'm sorry. I underestimated you, among other things, and I want you to know that I'm grateful for your help today." She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, as if being emotional and empathetic was painful for her. "I'd like to continue to be on your team, if you'll let me have the honor."<br/><br/>The corners of her lips tugged into a small smile, “Of course.” Diem agreed before the nurses approached. They performed a few checks, and when they were through they released her from their care. She was able to hit the showers and redress for lunch. Much different than the last few days, she actually had company. Sera had split off from her group of friends, who glared daggers at the angel as she seated herself next to Diem. Maxim did the same, but unlike the elitist seraphim, the warriors were much more inclusive and accepting of other social statuses. Still, he earned a few nosy stares himself. As they walked with their trays out to the courtyard to eat in the peace and talk strategy, they crossed paths with Professor Relic, looking awful chummy with some unfamiliar faces—not that Diem would know. There were so many unfamiliar faces at Lancaster.<br/><br/>“Are they professors too?” Diem asked, taking a seat on one of the benches. “I didn’t think he liked anyone.” Well, she knew he liked a certain someone from the steamy shower scene that she unearthed accidentally. Other than that, she hadn’t seen him interact with anyone else.<br/><br/>“I don’t think so,” Sera said, tucking her white hair behind her ears. “I’ve never seen them before, but they could be instructors for upperclassman or advanced students.” She locked eyes with the battered angel in their group, briefly wondering what she’d been through to sustain permanent damage to her wings. Angels were known for their resilience, after all. Even without Diem’s magic aiding her, she was healing from her wounds at an astonishing rate. The hand shaped bruise on her neck from being manhandled by Professor Relic had almost faded completely.<br/><br/>Diem watched till they were out of sight, then resumed eating her lunch. They decided that if they were going to be a team, they would need to train together. Since Freya was already training Diem, Maxim figured she could train them all. “You may have to do her another favor. She doesn’t usually do something for nothing.” He said, looking like he was dreading asking his older sister for another solid.<br/><br/>“That’s fine.” She agreed, pushing herself up after she finished her meal. Diem was on her way to toss her trash when she felt a tug around her waist that held her in place. Her eyes darted down to see what looked like a black, leathery rope wound around her. Reaching a hand down, she pulled at it, and almost like the body of a serpent it moved; muscles flexing to tighten against her.<br/><br/>“Tickles.” A smooth voice behind her said. Diem tilted her chin upward, meeting the eyes of a tall demon. His thick horns were nestled in sleek, black hair, curling away from his face and his leathery wings rustled behind him. His uniform was all black, and on the breast of his blazed was an archaic symbol. She didn’t see them much, but she knew he was from House Void. Like angels, Void members kept to themselves, rarely ever intermingling with other house members.<br/><br/>“I knew something stank like a demon.” Sera sneered.<br/><br/>“Quiet, you. I’m talking to Diem.” He purred, yanking her off her feet. The tray she was holding in her hand, tipped down and her drink spilled and the half eaten apple rolled onto the ground.<br/><br/>“And you are?” Diem asked in a somewhat strangled tone as he lifted her so that they were eye to eye.<br/><br/>“Bastian, and he’s a perverted jerk.” Maxim said as he strode over to them, plucking Diem away from his grasp.<br/><br/>“Perverted? Yes. Jerk? I am not. I came over here to ask very nicely if I could join your group.” Bastian let his tail uncurl from around Diem’s petite middle.<br/><br/>“Group’s full.” Sera lied. She was already compromising by joining up with a half-breed. Demons and angels were natural enemies, so she didn’t think she had the same capacity for cooperation.<br/><br/>“You’re not the leader. She is. What do you say, pretty girl?” His tail gently brushed under her chin.<br/><br/>“Um, well . . . the more, the merrier I think.” There was a synchronized groan from the warrior and the angel. “We don’t have anyone like him, and our team isn’t full. From what you told me, we can add one more.” Diem said, smoothing over her skirt with her hands and adjusting her blouse.<br/><br/>“Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should.” Sera huffed, stomping off gracefully.<br/><br/>“It’s your team, Diem. Do what you want.” Maxim smiled, clapping a hand on her shoulder encouragingly. “I trust your judgement.”<br/><br/>“Hmm, a pretty girl with good judgement? My favorite.” Bastian gave her a fanged smirk, “I look forward to playing with you.” That ever-roaming tail trailed up her inner thigh before he vanished in a swirl of black smoke.<br/><br/>Diem shuddered, half creeped out and . . . mildly aroused. With a deep breath, she made her way to her next class.