He began to walk around the stage, his eyes piercing the crowd, teasing us as the excitement over what the bonus could be mounted. “As you know, each academy insists that their students undergo internships over the summer. Whoever wins the tournament will have their choice of study, or in the case of graduating students, employment. These internships includeglobalopportunities.”
A gasp went up from the crowd. That was huge. The United States was home to many amazing witches, but so were other countries. Especially the European and Asian schools, where witching magic had run in bloodlines for centuries. But the U.S. government didn’t allow students to study with non-Americans as part of our curriculum because they needed as much control over us as possible. This was the chance of a lifetime.
“Yes. It’s all very exciting, I know. Now, for the bit you might not like to hear,” Headmaster Ezra said. “As each school has three academic levels in attendance, the headmasters and headmistresses have decided to select two students from each of the upper classes to take part in the tournament. Whether you will throw your hat into the ring is your choice. But I advise you not to take this lightly. If selected, you must participate in each game, and these gameswillbe dangerous.”
Around me, a few people murmured excitedly.
“Thank you, Headmaster Ezra, for that rousing invitation,” Headmistress Wake said, taking control of the mic.
The vampire bowed, then leapt off the stage and went to sit at the table with Professors Umbra, Tittelbaum, and de Spina.
“As Headmaster Ezra said, two students from both the Grind and Crucible-years are eligible to participate. However, I have made the decision that, for my school, the five Grind and Crucible-year students with the rank of spymaster get first pick. If they decline, I will appraise the other applicants, and select those I believe will best represent our school. You have until the end of dinner to decide whether to submit your name for consideration.” The Headmistress paused, and her face became serious. “Be advised that Headmaster Ezra is correct in stating that these games will be dangerous. They will be on par with the missions we send you on. And speaking of, those who take part in the games arenotexempt from any regular school work, including missions. If a Spy Game event takes place during an exam or on a deadline date, professors will give the school champions extensions, butnotexemptions. That being said, I will leave you to your decision.” She clapped her hands, and waiters rushed out from the sides of the room. “Dinner is served.”
Servers began setting massive platters down in the center of the tables so that students could serve themselves family-style. I barely noticed them stopping at ours to deposit plates of chicken, beef, mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, and other delicious smelling dishes. I was too engrossed in what I’d heard.
The waiters left, and still no one at our table had spoken.
And I knew why.
Everyoneat our table was ranked spymaster. We had first choice to enter the competition.
The quiet had almost become unbearable when someone bumped into my chair.
“I’msoentering. Are you guys?” Diana was breathless with excitement, as if she’d run a mile and not across the room. Her gaze shifted from me to Alex and back.
She would want to know if we were in, because if we were, as theheadjunior spymasters for the Grind-year, we’d get chosen over her.
Still, no one spoke, and Diana moved on to stare at Hunter and Eva. They were both spymasters, same as her.
Eva shook her head. “I’m not even going to try. Although, I could use the money for college and grad school after Spellcasters.”
I wrinkled my nose. Since the day I’d met her, Eva had insisted that she was not going into espionage after Spellcasters. She wanted to be an archeologist, but her parents had bribed her to attend Spellcasters. They’d wanted her to have the clout that being a graduate of Spellcasters assured. After our internships, I’d hoped that she’d changed her mind, but I guess not.
“But the Grind will be hard enough,” Eva continued. “And after what happened this summer . . . I don’t need the extra stress.”
Hunter nodded. “Me either. I’ll stick to my studies.” He wrapped an arm around Eva’s shoulders, and my heart swelled.
Hunter might want to participate in the tournament—knowing him, he probably did—but he was staying for Eva. They were so sweet together.
“Good. Less competition for me.” Diana’s gaze shot back to me.
I squirmed beneath her intensity.
What does she do, take staring lessons from her Mom or something?
I dropped my eyes to the table. I wanted to enter. The chance to study with an elite master warper wasincrediblyenticing. I’d studied with a lower level Master for my internship, but there was so much more to learn—like timewalking. If a warper was capable of timewalking, they were the best of the best. There were only a handful of them in the world—and none in the United States.
My thoughts flitted to Master Mariuca, an elder warper in the wild Carpathian Mountains of Romania. It was said that she had time traveled more than any witch in living memory. She took on students, but never for money. Instead, Mariuca taught only those who had proved themselves to be exceptional.
If anyone could teach me to timewalk, it would be her. And if I won this tournament, I’d surely be proving myself exceptional, right? Not only that, but my judging peers could no longer deny that I’d earned my position.
“I’m in. Can’t pass up getting first shot at the good jobs, now can I?” Sam said suddenly.
“Me too,” Andre agreed a moment later.
“Not me,” Alex said. “I have private healing sessions this year with Professor Medulla, in addition to classes. That should keep me plenty busy.”
Diana fist pumped the air. “Yes!”
