When Lexa opened her eyes, Anya's face came into view. "Wake up." Lexa groaned and sat up. How could it be dawn already? "We have to get you ready for Polis," Anya said. "You must look like a warrior when you arrive." Anya carefully braided Lexa's hair to look just like her own. The braids were intricate and criss-crossed in the back. Then she produced her war paint. Lexa gasped. She had never worn war paint. She hadn't even thought of a design. But, it didn't matter, because Anya knew just what to do. Anya's fingers expertly painted Lexa's face. "Close your eyes," she commanded, and Lexa did. Anya spread the black paint straight over Lexa's eyes and into her hair. She left her skin bare at the bridge of her nose. Then, Anya carefully swept three fingers down each of Lexa's cheeks, leaving a trail of black paint of varying lengths. When Lexa opened her eyes and saw her reflection, she almost didn't recognize herself. The girl was gone and a warrior stood in her place. She felt powerful. She looked dangerous. The paint made her feel surprisingly safe, like a mask she could hide behind. The girl who wore this paint would not be afraid, would not be swayed by emotions. "Thank you," she whispered to Anya. "One more thing." Anya reached into her belt and produced her favorite knife. She offered it to Lexa.

Tentatively, Lexa took it and nodded. In that moment, Lexa knew that Anya cared for her. No words were needed between them. Lexa turned the knife over in her hands and stared once again at her reflection. She thought about all the people she had loved. Her mother. Her father. Anya. Costia. Thinking about them gave her strength. If she became commander, she would use that strength. Her father had wanted her to be different. To be something more. If she won her conclave, Lexa decided that she would be a commander who fights for peace. She would make her family proud. She turned to face Anya. "I'm ready." When she emerged from her tent, Costia was waiting for her. Her eyes were red and swollen. She pulled Lexa into a hug. "Promise me you'll win, ok?" She said. "I promise." Costia gave a faint smile as she released Lexa. "Let's go," Anya said. Anya and Lexa mounted their horses and turned to leave the village. Lexa never looked back.