Murmurs flew up from the crowd as everyone in my class began to fidget and squirm in their seats.
Headmistress Wake smiled and released a heavy sigh. “As you all know, these last few days have been . . . full . . . and I’m aware you want to spend time with family and friends before your internships begin. So without further ado, I shall begin by announcing the three junior spymasters for next year’s Grind class.”
Her eyes swung across the room, taking us all in, and sending chills up my spine. I’d heard of this ranking, but had barely given it a thought. At the beginning of the year, it had seemed so out of reach, but now . . .
Could I make the junior spymaster cut? Could the second half of my year make up for my poor performance in the first term? It was a long shot, but not impossible.
Headmistress Wake cleared her throat. “The first junior spymaster I’d like to congratulate is Hunter Wardwell.”
Hunter’s family shot up from their seats and began to cheer. Even Alex’s parents smiled and clapped. My heart clenched for my friend, whose green eyes were wide as Eva’s lips crashed against his.
“The second junior spymaster will be Diana Wake.”
Everyone cheered, and Headmistress Wake actually hugged her daughter before taking the stage again.
“And the final junior spymaster for this year’s initiate class is . . . Evanora Proctor.”
My stomach dipped with regret for my loss.
Guess my first term was too awful to overlook. Maybe next year I’ll have a chance. Then pushing aside my disappointment, I beamed and gripped my best friend’s hand. “You made top-five! I’msoproud of you.”
“The judges must be drunk,” Eva said, but the grin on her face belied the sarcasm in her voice.
The cheering died down, and Headmistress Wake gave everyone a pleased nod. “And now, it is my great pleasure to introduce you to the head spymasters for the upcoming Grind year.” Her voice shook with emotion. “For the gentlemen, the head spymaster is . . . Alexander Wardwell.”
Allthe Wardwells shot up from their seats, and everyone hugged and cried. A lump formed in my throat. I turned to Eva, who was bawling at the sight of the two families rejoicing together.
“Silver lining?” I asked.
“If Ihadto get attacked by a succubus, then this made it all worth it,” Eva sniffed.
“And the female head spymaster of Spellcasters’ upcoming Grind year is . . . ” Headmistress Wake’s amplified voice cut through the excitement, hushing the crowd. She paused dramatically, her eyes sweeping the room.
“Odette Dane,” Headmistress Wake finished.
My lips parted, and everyone toppled on top of me. Mom’s scent of vanilla and myrrh overwhelmed me.
“Odie! Odie, you’re number one!” She was crying.
And the truth was, so was I.
Adrenaline was still zooming through my veins when Eva and I said goodnight to my parents that evening. They traipsed off through the woods to alumni housing, swinging their hands and laughing. The news of our rankings had kept the Wardwells, Proctors, and Danes up for hours. It was a fun celebration, but the truth was that I was exhausted and my leg hurt. I was ready for bed.
Eva, as if knowing exactly what I was thinking, nudged her shoulder beneath mine.
“Off to bed?” she asked.
I nodded. “Yes, please.”
We made our way back toward the first years’ tower. Alex and Hunter had left with their families two hours ago so the Wardwells could reunite in private. They might not see each other again until after the guys’ summer internships, which would start in a week.
We were approaching the initiates’ tower door, when a figure stepped out from the doorway and threw an awkward wave.
Diana?
Eva halted, and we shared a confused glance.
“Hi. . .” Diana stepped forward and wobbled a little.
