I shot a glance at my best friend, dressed in a long, sage green dress that set off her blazing hair, and my heart clenched.
“I think they’ve put the initiates in the front.” Eva pointed to the long table near the stage where Headmistress Wake would announce the theme of this year’s trial and our partners.
“The better to view our horror-stricken faces that way,” I replied, not relishing the idea that we were being put on display. There was too much riding on this trial. Only when it was over would I breathe freely again—I hoped.
We made our way to the table, and I was pleased that Hunter had saved us a seat.
“Ladies.” He stood at our approach. “You look amazing, as always.” His green eyes stuck on Eva, and she turned pink beneath his smoldering gaze.
“Thanks,” I replied with an easy grin, now used to Hunter’s flirtatious ways, especially around my bestie.
Eva hadn’t come out and told me yet, but I was positive they were hanging out and not just as friends. Hunter still flirted with any girl who breathed, but he treated Eva differently—with reverence.
As if to prove my point, Hunter pulled out a chair and gestured for Eva to take a seat. My heart melted, noting how he pushed it back in carefully and brushed her copper tresses to the side so it wouldn’t catch between her back and the chair. And while Hunter pulled my chair out too, the gesture was different, less weighted and more friendly.
What I wouldn’t give for a hot gentleman to treat me like a queen.
My eyes trailed down the table and settled on Diana, whose hand was on Alex’s shoulder, as she laughed at something he’d just said. Jealousy roiled within me at the sight of them touching. Even though it was clear they both despised me, which meant they probably deserved each other, seeing them together annoyed me an irrational amount.
Why can’t I just let him go? He isn’t that hot,I lied to myself.
As if he could hear my thoughts, Alex turned and locked eyes with me. An involuntary shiver ran up my spine, and I glanced away. Dressing up for the night’s occasion had been mandatory, and Alex did not disappoint. His black suit clung to his tapered waist and broad shoulders. He’d styled his hair in a way that was both a little careless and so devastatingly attractive that my fingers yearned to run through his black locks.
I fanned my cheeks and thanked the universe when Headmistress Wake took the stage and gave me a reason to focus on her.
“Welcome, students,” she said, her tone warmer than usual. “It’s a pleasure to see so many familiar faces. The staff at Spellcasters loves the first-year trials, for it’s an occasion where we get to not only test our newest students, but see our more advanced students all in one place again.”
Someone in the crowd let out a whoop, and shockingly, Headmistress Wake gave them an indulgent smile.
“Initiates, as you can see, unlike at the orientation feast, we have not served you yet. That is because for the Samhain Trial, I will pair you with another student in your class.” A hush fell over the room. This was the moment many of us had been waiting for. “Once the pairings are announced, you will sit with your partner. Relationships are often best built over a warm meal. Take that advice to heart as tonight is youronlychance to discuss strategy before the Samhain Trial begins.”
I shifted in my seat. The entire room was scanning the table, sizing up our class. Since I was one of the weakest in our year, I figured I would be at an advantage pairing with pretty much anybody, and yet I still hoped to avoid Diana or Alex. No matter how skilled they were, the Samhain Trial would be hard enough without one of them as my partner.
“The pairing will take place after I announce the magical species you will oppose this year.”
Murmurs rose from the tables where the second and third years sat. Many of them were leaning in, pushing money to the center of their tables. A smirk lifted my lips. I wondered what else they were betting on tonight. Perhaps which team would return soonest or most unscathed?
“So, because we are all famished and curious, allow me to get on with business.” Headmistress Wake’s arms flung wide, and blue smoke unfurled from her hands, shimmering and undulating like a wave on the beach.
I gasped. Every witch and wizard’s magic was a different color, or sometimes colorless, depending on their aim. Producing colorless magic took more energy, but for some instances, it was necessary. Like when you wanted to do magic in front of a human, or during a secret spy mission. However, when we were at full strength, proud and strong, our magic always looked the most beautiful.
Headmistress Wake’s power was probably some of the most radiant I had ever seen. I sat there mesmerized as the blue waves began forming a body. Eyes and lips and hands carved their way out of smoke, and just when it was clear that whatever we would face had a humanoid form, the headmistress snapped, and the image crystallized into perfection.
I fell back in my chair, taking in the wrinkled gray skin, rows of razor-sharp teeth, and glowing red eyes that stared back at me.
Upperclassmen either cheered or groaned, depending on the bet they’d made.
“Wraiths,” Eva muttered.
“As you can see here, I’ve conjured a replica of a wraith.” Headmistress Wake echoed Eva’s proclamation as her fingers moved up and down the body of the conjuring. “However, do not assume that the creature you will meet tomorrow will be a wraith. It can beanysort of lesser demon. After all, you will not always be spoon-fed every bit of information in the real world. You must learn to think fast, adapt your knowledge, and pivot easily. And once you discover who your partner is, I recommend that you discuss strategies for conquering the larger classes of the Hell-born.”
I shuddered, completely positive that I couldn’t beatanyrace of demon. Not unless I had my can of magical mace, which I doubted they’d allow me to use in the trials. So far, none of the techniques I’d used in our Battle Magic class had worked. I simply couldn’t reach deep enough to trounce anyone. And incantations? Well, I knew them by heart, but that was about it.
“Now for the pairings.” She began to list my classmates’ names.
Eva’s name was read off with Alex’s, and a few names later, Headmistress Wake paired mine with Hunter’s. I straightened my spine and smiled at my friend. This was lucky. Hunter was not only one of my best friends, he was near the top of our class. Only Diana and Alex consistently outperformed him.
“Now that you know your partner, please sit with them. You have until the end of the feast to discuss how to prepare for the big day. When you leave here tonight, you are to go straight to your rooms and spend the evening and next day alone, until we call you. Be warned, the professors will charm the doors to your rooms. Should anyone try to lift these enchantments, there will be severe repercussions.”
