As Ten’s fingers closed in on his throat, Nikai’s breaths hitched. He was shaking uncontrollably. “The blue flames, the blue... it’s power from the depths of Hell.”
“More specifically,” Ten whispered in his ear, “it is the power of a King.”
42
Yiran
Yiran scanned the grand hall for Rui. The other seniors were standing around, but he didn’t see her. She had run off earlier when he was demonstrating his new glove, and he had no idea why.
The latest iteration of the glove worked much smoother than Tesha’s initial prototype, which meant there was a high chance of her eventually crafting him a proper spiritual weapon. It also meant Yiran didn’t have to steal Rui’s, and he was glad for that. And with Zizi taken away by the Guild, Yiran didn’t think there could be anyone else who could help her reverse the magic swap anyway. He’d won in a way, but he felt far from victorious. He was getting to keep his magic, and he didn’t even have to do anything. It’d fallen into his lap because of someone else’s sacrifice.
He craned his neck again, finally spotting Rui and Ada slipping in through the side entrance. They made their way to where he, Teshin, and Mai were standing. Yiran smiled at Rui, but she didn’t return it. He sensed she was hiding something from him. Something big... somethingbad.
Ash stepped in, and all chatter in the hall ceased. He was flanked by two Exorcists, Surin and the ponytailed one from the highway. A shadow skulked in behind them—a young man with sharp cheekbones, his light blue irises startling against the dark circles under them.
Zizi.
But it wasn’t his looks that caught the other cadets’ attention.
It was what he wore.
His Exorcist coat was thrown over a white tank top, black sweater, and jeans. But there was a large hole in the flowing fabric of the coat where the Guild crest would normally be. Yiran couldn’t help but smirk. At least the mage was wearing boots instead of flip-flops.
Zizi retreated to the corner, slanting against the wall, hands tuckedinto pockets to hide the ink-like stains Yiran was certain were still there. When Zizi caught him staring, he tilted his head,Mochi. Yiran arched an eyebrow in return,Wizard.
Mai jerked her head in Zizi’s direction. “Who’s that?”
“Rui, isn’t that your friend from outside the karaoke club?” Ada whispered, nudging her.
All color had left Rui’s face. She didn’t seem to hear Ada’s question; she was staring at Zizi like he was the only person in the room.
Ash stepped forward, clearing his throat. The hall became pin-drop silent.
“This isn’t a social visit, so I’ll get straight to the point,” he said. “We’re in a difficult situation with the Revenants, and we need more of our people on the streets. The Academy has given the Guild permission to bypass the usual protocols for recruitment, so from tonight, all of you seniors will have assignments from the Guild. Some of you will be in the field, others will provide support. Assignments will be distributed on a rotational basis. Cadets Song, Senai, and Mak—you’re coming into the field with me effective immediately. The rest of you will have your turn, but for now, Lieutenant Shuang will assign you to other areas accordingly.”
Anticipation hummed in Yiran’s veins. He couldn’t believe he’d been picked for a field mission so fast.
You’ll fight by my side, and we’ll make Dad proud.
Ash was making good on his promise. He gave Yiran a curt nod. If anyone saw this exchange between the Song brothers, no one showed it. The cadets remained at attention as the ponytailed Lieutenant Shuang rattled off a list of names and assignments, dividing the cadets into groups.
“Everyone but the field team follow me. I’ll be briefing you in the next room,” he finished.
Rui spoke up, “I haven’t been assigned anything, Lieutenant Shuang.”
“Stay here, Cadet Lin; you’re about to be,” Ash told her. He waited until the rest of the cadets and Shuang left the hall. “Listen up. The three of you assigned to the field will have your first mission tomorrow. Thinkof it as an evaluation of your readiness.”
Ash paused to give them a once-over. The cadets straightened. “Transportation arrives tomorrow morning at dawn. You’ll be given more details shortly.” He waved Zizi over. The mage sidled up to the group, standing as far away from Rui as possible. “This is Zizi, a healer.”
A glimmer of the old Zizi shone through. “I hope this will be the last time any of you see me,” he drawled, “because otherwise it’ll mean something terrible happened to you in the field.”
Ash’s jaw muscles twitched. Between the hole in Zizi’s Exorcist coat and his wayward mouth, it was clear Ash couldn’t fully tame him.
“We may need the extra beds in the infirmary in the next few weeks,” Ash said, his expression somber. “Zizi will be stationed here on campus. Cadet Lin, since you’re still not at a hundred percent, you’ll remain here to assist him.”
“But, Ash—” Rui protested.
“Captain.”
