My lips tugged up in a grin. Like his academy, Alpha Conon was the least flashy of all the heads of schools. Even Headmistress Wake had a flair for drama from time to time, but I’d never witnessed that tendency in the wolf-shifter.
“We’d appreciate that, Alpha,” Headmistress Wake said. “Are we the first to arrive?”
He shook his head. “The vampires are already here. I believe the fae will arrive right before dinner. You know how their timelines differ from most magicals’.”
It was true. Fae were generally creatures of the afternoon and night.
Alpha Conon led us through the front of the academy. It seemed that most of the shifter students were in their rooms, but the few we passed were definitely sizing us up. I wondered if Dasha and the guys had said anything about us.
While Alpha Conon and Headmistress Wake chatted, I took a moment to absorb my surroundings. In comparison to the other academies, the shifter school was barren of decoration, save for the trees and plants that lined the hallways. Although it was simple, the greenery was a nice touch. And considering that shifters needed time outdoors to maintain their health, it made a lot of sense too. I bet the vegetation saved the sanity of cold-blooded shifters who couldn’t brave the frigid winters as easily as their long-furred cousins.
Suddenly, the alpha stopped and gestured us down a hallway. “I expect you will return to your respective academies tomorrow evening, although that depends on your performance during the challenge. Whatever the case, all of the champions will be staying here tonight.”
My eyebrows shot up and I shared a glance with Diana.
“Yes. Even the vampires,” Alpha Conon said, correctly interpreting our expressions. “One of the aims of the Games is to instill camaraderie. Therefore, you will be in close proximity—as will your heads of academies—andshare a table at dinner.”
Oh great.I adored the fae and shifter champions, but sharing a table with Simone and Francis, or even Magdalena and Anton?No thank you.
“I’m not gonna lie, I’m a little worried about sleeping next to the vamps after the Nightdwellers games.” Sam voiced a valid concern. “Who knows what kind of shady shit they’ll pull?”
Alpha Conon gave her an understanding smile. “I thought you might say that, but do not worry, I have everyone’s best interests at heart. The rooms for the Spellcasters students are the first four on the right. Directly across from the shifters, who all have excellent hearing. What’s more, each room is equipped with a strong lock, and of course you may ward them at your pleasure. In addition, there will be two shifters on guard all night long. They have pledged to protect each champion, should another try anything dishonorable in the name of competition.”
That made me feel better, and assured me that Alpha Conon wasn’t blind to what the vampires might do.
“Right then, we’d better prepare,” Headmistress Wake said. “What time is dinner?”
“In an hour,” Alpha Conon replied. “If you would like to rest or change beforehand, I will leave you to it.”
“Thank you, Alpha,” Headmistress Wake said, before ushering us to our rooms.
Chapter Forty-Three
As the Spellcasters champions descended upon the dining hall, I hoped that I wouldn’t have to sit next to any of the vampires.
As it turned out, I was fated for disappointment. The fae sat on one side of the table, and the shifters directly across from them. All the champions from those schools gabbed merrily, while the vampires sat in a line facing the crowds. Their eyes were narrowed, and their lips formed a thin line, as if they were trying to intimidateeveryonein the room and not just the other champions.
And now we get to sit right across from them. Oh joy.
Headmistress Wake motioned for us to join the champions’ table, and with Andre in the lead, we walked one by one through the cluster of tables decorated with lush plants and candles.I brought up the rear, and a few shifters smiled at me as I passed. I grinned back, pleased to be welcomed so warmly. When I reached the front, I took the only seat remaining—which of course was directly across from Simone.
Universe help me.
“Hello, witches,” Simone said, her goblet of blood pinched between her fingers. “It’s about time we had a little chat.”
“Maybe. That depends on what you’d like to chat about,” I said as I unfolded my napkin.
Unlike at Nightdwellers, there was already food on the table, and as soon as I sat down, people began to dig in. The Shifter Academy of Spies gave fanfare little weight, which considering that I was starving I was pretty stoked about. I slowly began picking out foods and placing them on my plate, my eyes drifting up to Simone for only a moment as I did so.
“But I won’t be bullied into talking about anything I don’t want to.”
Simone’s full lips flattened for a moment before she leaned forward. “I don’t want to bully you, witch. I want to know how you discovered that fae in Faerie. I went to see him in the dungeons, you know. He was passed out from the iron they had wrapped around him, but nothing smelled or looked off about him. Did he perform dark magic in your presence?”
I could feel the eyes of the shifters and fae watching us, and on the other side of me, I heard Diana snigger.
I made a show of taking a few bites of my food before setting my fork and knife down. When I looked up again, I bit my lip to stop from laughing.
Both Simone’s and Francis’ faces were so red, it looked as if they might explode at any moment. Even Magdalena and Anton, the more chill of the vamps, appeared stony.
