“Have a seat.” The headmaster waved to a chair. Once I sat, he shoved a piece of paper in front of me. From her spot on the corner of his desk, Aura stirred slightly. “You are receiving a formal write-up for your actions and behavior yesterday. This is your first formal write-up since enrolling at Fives Academy. Three results in expulsion and losing a diploma. If an action of this type occurs again, you will not receive two more write-ups. You will be directly dismissed from the academy. Do you understand what this write-up is for?”
Nodding, I stared at the paper but did not read any of the words. I could be the occasional burden to the staff at Fives but never had received a formal disciplinary action.
“Good,” Headmaster John continued. “Now is your chance to tell me what happened and give your side of the events yesterday.”
I swallowed. David did not deserve what I had done. I should never have lost control like that.
The headmaster gave a curt nod at my silence and placed a pen on top of the paper. “You need to sign the bottom of the paper with today’s date. You will attend detention with Professor Eaten in place of training the next two weeks,” he said. I stole a quick glance at him. His features were stern, but the edges of his eyes were softening. “By signing this, you agree and take accountability for your actions.”
“Yes.” I cleared my scratchy throat. “I accept any and all consequences for my actions.”
After I signed the paper, he crossed his hands on the desk in front of him. “Ender. If there is anything you would like to tell me, please know that you are always able to.”
He didn’t prod for information, which most likely meant he knew Priscilla hadn’t gotten anywhere with me. There was nothing to say. I was disgusted with myself.
The door opened and Selene walked through without a warning knock. Her pants had many pockets, which differed from the leggings and jeans the other female students wore, and her loose T-shirt looked beautiful on her.
It made me internally smile—shemade me smile.
“Selene.” Headmaster John dropped his voice to a scolding tone. “We are currently in a meeting.”
“Yes. I know.” She took up residence in the seat next to me as the headmaster sighed. “Please continue.”
The headmaster sat back in his chair. Warmth encased my hand and I glanced down to see Selene’s hand over mine.
“Ender shouldn’t be kicked out of the academy. He’s idolized by many of his peers. This behavior was an isolated event and will not happen again. I believe that with everything happening and his magic emerging, it—”
“Sal,” her father interrupted. “He is not being dismissed from the academy.” His gaze moved to me. “Not unless it happens again.”
She let out an audible sigh.
“Is there anything else, Headmaster?” I asked before she could begin rambling again. My heart warmed at the thought of her fighting for me to stay at the academy.
“No.” He waved toward the door. “You are excused.”
I stood, Selene following suit. Her presence had taken off some of the weight on my chest.
“Sal,” the headmaster called when we reached the door. “Meet me tomorrow morning. There are some things we need to discuss.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
Selene
Chaosblendedsurprisinglywellwith the bare treetops, dark sky, and fluffy snowflakes falling from the sky. In less than thirty seconds, he was no longer in view as he took off to stretch his wings, leaving Ender and me on the ground. We typically didn’t run into guards when we went on our runs and hoped we wouldn’t now with Chaos.
The fresh snow crunched beneath our boots—mine compliments of the snow attire in my closet, the sizing based on the forms filled out upon on arrival. Sunday wasn’t until tomorrow, but the snow had begun to fall this afternoon, leaving a couple inches for our post-dinner Saturday night walk. Our plan was for Viv to meet Chaos somewhere other than my dorm room. She and Sydney were going to meet us shortly.
Ender swung an arm around me, pulling me in close as we walked, Chaos somewhere in the sky above. The moon wasn’t full, but it lit our path up enough for us to see.
“You seem to be feeling better,” I commented.
Ender’s steps barely faltered, but it was enough to know I might have made that notation entirely too soon. It had only been a little over twenty-four hours since his incident with David and just this morning was his talk with my dad. “I suppose taking our dragon for a fly would make you most happy,” I added, trying to deflect.
“Ourdragon?” The corners of his eyes crinkled as he smiled. “Is Selene Thomas saying that we share parentage?”
I couldn’t help the ugly, short burst of laughter that escaped. “Don’t let him hear that. He might think you’re implying he’s a pet.”
“Pets are family.” Ender pulled me closer. “Well, he is a mama’s boy. He only listens to you.”
