Alex continued to look dejected, and since my parents seemed to have told us all they knew in regards to our totems, I sought to change the subject.
“Speaking of upheaval, did you hear that the shifter Spy Games event has been moved up? I leave the day after we get back to Spellcasters.”
Dad’s brows furrowed. “Why would they do that, pea?”
“To ensure that the PIA agents who knew about the games before they deserted no longer know the date,” I said. “It’s a safety precaution.”
Mom exhaled softly. “I have to say that makes me feel slightly better. Who knows what these agents are up to or how you two fit into their plans? Everything seems so scattershot, but my intuition is strong that all of this is related.”
I felt exactly the same way.
Chapter Forty-Two
“Our quiz on the poisons discussed today, and their antidotes, will be given next Friday.” Professor Bane pointed to the whiteboard, where a list of fifty poisons stared back at me. “I may also throw in a few bonus poisons later next week.” The professor’s lips twisted up in an evil grin that had half the class groaning.
The owl hooted, dismissing us from the last class of the day, and one by one, my peers stood.
“Until Monday!” Professor Bane threw a wave.
I closed my eyes, trying to squash my rising anxiety.I had two missions coming up, a seemingly never-ending mountain of coursework to complete, and two more Spy Game events—one of which I was leaving for in three hours. To say that I was starting to question my sanity over volunteering for the Spy Games was the understatement of my life.
Five more months, and this will be over. I’ll be at an internship of my choosing. That can’t possibly be worse than the Grind.
“Take a breath, Odie,” Alex whispered as he joined me.
Geez, I must really look like a mess.
Not wanting to look as harried as I felt, I repeated a few calming mantras and took slow calming breaths. When my heart rate slowed, I focused on Alex.
“Trying. How is it that this is only our first day back, and I’m already stressed the hell out?”
“This year has been a lot,” Alex rubbed my back. “What do you say we get a little snack, and then you can pack for the Games?”
“Sounds perfect,” I said, gripping my stomach.
Our Battle Magic class, combined with a physically rigorous Advanced Demonology session that morning, had me burning through calories. I’d been starving all day, but was told not to eat dinner before we warped to the Shifter School of Spies. As usual, a pre-event feast would be served there.
We left the classroom and wove through the hallways. As we approached the Grind-year tower, people clapped me on the back and wished me luck in the event to come. Of course, not everything was hunky-dory, but overall, almost my entire class believed in me now.
I found it hard to care about the few who didn’t, because the support and cheer of everyone else was so infectious. Everyone was getting really excited because after the shifter event, Spellcasters would get our turn to host the Spy Games. As for me, I just wanted to do them proud and keep Spellcasters in the lead.
With Nightdwellers only two points behind us, it would be a tall order to fill.
After a flurry of squeezing in coursework and packing, I said goodbye to my besties and made my way to Alice Kyteler Hall to warp to the Shifter Academy of Spies. The other champions and our headmistress were already waiting. Andre and Sam chatted merrily, while Diana sat with her back to the wall, scribbling in a notebook.
Apparently, I wasn’t the only champion feeling squished for time.My gaze shot to Andre and Sam, who didn’t appear to have a care in the world.
I can’t wait for Crucible year, when I can get rid of a couple classes.
Professor Tittelbaum created the warphole, and we stepped through.As soon as I emerged onto the other side of the warphole, I pulled my jacket tight to protect from the bitter cold in the air.
The Shifter Academy of Spies was definitely not as austere or beautiful as the fae and vampire academies. It was more like Spellcasters, an impressive manor house, but with fewer flourishes. Although, to account for the needs of the creatures who studied within its walls, the academy did possess an interesting quirk.
On one side of the academy, a massive cave nearly the height of the school yawned opened wide. On the other side lay a forest heavy with evergreens covered in snow. The difference in environments was stark, but also fitting when one considered that many North American shifters thrived in those environments.
As if he’d smelled us, Alpha Conon stepped out of the woods and made his way to our group.
“Good afternoon,” he said and held a hand out to Headmistress Wake. “I’m pleased to have you at my school. Allow me to show you to your rooms so that you might put your bags down.”
