“You will have ample opportunity to witness it.”
I turned to face the room, my hand falling away from the stone though the Ophis sigil continued to hover above it. I stood alone, the only member of my designation group, facing twelve hundred stunned faces.
A female warrior stepped forward, from a shield called Veilbreak, I think. Her hair was brown, and her cautious eyes were bright green like a feline. She stared at me but her words were for the Director. “The legends say the Ophis designation had power that could destabilize a shield if placed as an axis. How can we?—”
“I’m well aware of the legends, Ms. Michaelson,” Director Waverly cut her off. “And I’m also aware that legends often distort the truth.”
Eris moved to Percy’s side. “The histories say the Ophis leader could manipulate space itself, that it was their designation who created portal travel.”
“I can,” I found myself saying before I could think better of it. Those two words silenced the room more effectively than any shout could have. “I can control portals to an extent, but I’ve only been at this for three years. Hence why I need to train here. Magic like this without the right training could kill me.”
The Nightfall Shield exchanged glances, a silent conversation passing between them, as all shields could do.
“If you really are what you claim,” Aiden said, his golden eyes cold, “then you understand why we’re skeptical. They were written out of our history for a reason.”
“Oh really?” I challenged. “Or was it forgotten because it was easier than acknowledging what was lost? What wassacrificedso that you could live. Or have you forgotten that part of the story?”
Director Waverly cleared her throat. “This conversation can continue at a more appropriate time. For now, declarations are complete. All students are to report to their designation dormitories.”
There was a heavy silence in the room, and for a moment, nobody moved. The stone dimmed to a normal glow, and a low murmur picked up. But the Director stared everyone down, and slowly the crowd began to disperse, still buzzing with shock and speculation.
I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned to find Tye and Lydia.
“That went about as well as expected,” Tye murmured, his eyes scanning the room for threats.
“They’ll adjust,” Lydia added, though she didn’t sound entirely convinced.
“Or they won’t. Maybe they’ll find a way to get rid of me,” I muttered, watching the Nightfall Shield retreat, their backs rigid with tension. Percy glanced over his shoulder once, his dark eyes meeting mine with suspicion. The same thing when Rafe, the leader of Dreadwatch glared my way.
“Ms. Black,” Director Waverly approached us, her voice lowered. “A moment, please.”
I nodded to Tye and Lydia, who reluctantly moved away but stayed within sight.
“The Assembly representatives would like a word,” she said, gesturing to a side door where two figures waited—a tall woman with a severe bun and a man whose face I recognized from previous meetings.
“Let me guess. They want to know if I’m planning to escape after that warm welcome?”
Director Waverly’s mouth twitched in amusement. “They’re concerned about integration. The Nightfall Shield is influential. But then again so are many of the prominent upperclassmen.”
“I noticed.”
“Percy Whitlock has been at Dominion for three years. His shield is the most decorated in recent history. They’ve never lost a combat trial.”
“Good for them,” I said, crossing my arms. “Am I supposed to be intimidated?”
“No.” She regarded me carefully. “But you should be prepared. The Assembly may have plans, but shields form through compatibility, not directive.”
“They’ve made it abundantly clear that they want me to bond with the Nightfall Shield,” I said flatly. “The same guys who just publicly questioned my entire right to existence. Somehow I don’t see us settling down.”
“I’m merely suggesting you keep an open mind.” She glanced toward the retreating students. “Integration will be challenging, but it’s nothing we didn’t expect. This is a shock to everyone, so it will take some time. In the meantime, I would heavily suggest keeping a watchful eye out.”
I nodded, suddenly exhausted. The adrenaline was wearing off, leaving me hollow.
“One more thing,” Director Waverly said, her voice softening slightly. “The Nightfall Shield may resist, but they’re not your only concern. Others will be watching, waiting. Some with curiosity, some with fear as was expected. You just became the most sought after zodiac in existence.”
The Assembly representatives were still waiting, but I needed a moment to breathe. “I’ll be right there,” I told the Director, and she nodded, moving away to give me space.
I looked around the emptying hall, at the casting stone still glowing faintly with residual magic. Three years of preparation, and still I wasn’t ready for the reality of standing alone as the only Ophis in a world built for twelve designations.
