When school was in session the doors were controlled by voice activation. Only the room’s occupants could open and lock them during the school year. However, tonight the locking mechanisms had been set up specially to react to a simple incantation, rather than voice activation. I sincerely doubted that anyone who went upstairs in a haze of passion and beer had seen the instructions placed in the rooms regarding how to use the incantations. My friends might be getting an eyeful—or others might walk in on them—but that was on them.
“I’m Amethyst,” the girl stuck out her hand. “You’re Headmistress Wake’s daughter, right?”
I nodded. “Diana Wake. I noticed you did well on the physical exam. That’s a good sign.”
Amethyst broke into a sweet smile. “Thanks. I feel like I’m just hanging on. I suppose I better get used to it. I’ll probably feel the same way during the Culling and the Grind if I get in.” She let out a long sigh. “It sucks, but my true interests aren’t even options for students to study until the Crucible-year. Still, I think suffering through the first two years will be worth it to study my passion.”
“I can’t disagree,” I said. Spellcasters students were always guaranteed a job after they graduated. Usually really good ones too. “Which areas of study are you interested in then?”
“My parents are pretty good spirit walkers and talkers. I want to follow in their footsteps.”
My spine straightened. Spirit walking and talking was a rare skill, almost as rare as warping. And while I personally didn’t think it was quite as useful as warping, spirit walkers and talkers had helped solve some of the most gruesome mysteries and international conspiracies of the last century. And at Spellcasters only certain students were admitted into the top level class that dealt with speaking to and possessing ghosts. “Are you a legacy? What’s your family name?”
“Rhines,” Amethyst gave me a shy smile.
Holy crap!The Rhines werethetop spirit walkers and talkers in the world. A wave of respect for the girl washed over me. Amethyst came from a super-distinguished lineage.
I cleared my throat, and knowing how uncomfortable it made me when people oohed and ahhed over Mother and Father, I tried my best to play it cool. “I’ve heard of your family.”
Understatement of the year.
“I wish I knew a bit about the spirit world too,” I continued. “But Mother isverystrict about what I consume and see, so I’ve never been allowed to sit in on any class here. Let alone Crucible level stuff.”
Amethyst nodded. “I’ve noticed that you seemed to be as surprised by the exams as the rest of us.”
“I don’t know aboutthat. In my opinion, Diana’s been keeping up a fairly cool facade.” A familiar deep timbre struck me, and a smile bloomed on my face as I turned to face who had spoken.
The bespectacled healer hottie held his cup out to the keg. “Thought I’d get a refill. I’m not used to parties like this and you know . . . liquid courage and all that.”
“Like you need it,” I said truthfully. “You’ve been killing these tests. I bet everyone wants to talk to you and hear your story.”
Alex grinned, an endearing, lopsided affair that sent shivers up my spine. Even if I was a tiny bit annoyed that he’d beaten me in two exams, I had to admit the guy had charm. And I liked it.
“Thanks. You were pretty good yourself,” Alex’s tone was completely genuine. “I heard that you left the mental exam shortly after me.”
The three of us began chatting about the testing and the obstacles we’d encountered. Amethyst had the most entertaining stories and admitted to barely making it through the physical portion after almost being captured by a fire-wielding fae. After a half hour of story time, Amethyst excused herself, so once again, I found myself gleefully alone with Alex.
It’s like the universe keeps pushing us together.The thought mademy heart rate speed up.
“We should probably save our legs for tomorrow.” I gestured to one of the couches. “I know it’s the magic test, but knowing Mother there will be some type of physical exertion. She’s big on staying fit, even makes the students do three hours of physical training every other Saturday.”
I used tohatethose Saturdays because I’d felt like Mother was making my relationship with Jackson harder by cutting into our time together. Now I was practically salivating at the idea of watching Alex pump iron for three hours.
“Good call,” Alex said as we collapsed onto one of the gray couches. “In fact, I’ll probably just finish this beer and hit the hay. I don’t want anything to affect my performance, and tomorrow’s test startssomuch earlier than the others.”
I love how driven he is. It’s so hot.
“I’m pretty sure you’ll be fine,” I said and, without thinking, my hand landed on his shoulder. Alex stiffened, and heat rose in my cheeks as I removed it.
We fell into silence as our eye contact broke and we looked about the room.
“You know,” Alex said, finally breaking the awkward moment, “when I got here I thought there was no way I was going to fit in.” He waved at the tower around us. “It was weird to see the academy—so outside my realm of normal. Families who I’d heard stories about, who’d shaped the history of our country are just here, right before my eyes. The halls are lined with priceless historical artifacts . . . it’s like a dream.” He paused, and his blue eyes stopped traveling the room and latched onto me. “Which reminds me, I have you to thank for getting me the chance to throw my hat in the ring. I think your vote of confidence might have tipped the scales with your mom. I owe you, Diana.”
I shook my head. “No way. Mother would have to be really dumb not to let you in after you saved Father. No one can deny that fact. It’s obvious that you’re one of the top contenders.”
“That means a lot coming from you. You seem to be the type who says exactly what she means. I appreciate that.” He smiled, making a dimple pop in his cheek, and my insides went gooey. “I guess what I’m trying to say is that even though we met under dire circumstances, I was happy to have at least one familiar face when I arrived.”
I nodded, trying to contain the thrill that ran through me at the idea that Alex Wardwell had been happy to see me.
