“More than most, yes,” she admitted. “Truth be told, we’ve been waiting for someone like you for a very long time.”
“Why?”
Professor Winters regarded me thoughtfully. “That’s a discussion for another time. Right now, I want to ensureyou understand our expectations. You’ll attend regular classes, training sessions, and designation-specific studies. But you’ll also access resources unavailable at Dominion—texts and artifacts specific to the thirteenth designation.”
“What kind of texts?”
“Historical accounts, theoretical works, practical applications of axis magic long forgotten elsewhere.” She smiled. “Our library is extensive.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Why are you telling me this? It sounds like you don’t get along with the Assembly.”
Something flickered in her eyes for a brief moment before it was gone. “You deserve to know what and who you are, Ms. Black. The full truth of your designation, not just their version. Anything less would be a disservice to not only you but to our species as a whole.”
Noodle stirred.‘She knows things. Old thingsss.’
Before I could ask more, Professor Winters stood. “Your schedule.” She handed me a paper. “Classes start tomorrow. Most are similar to Dominion’s, with a few additions. You have a research period in the Restricted Archives thrice weekly. I will also be making arrangements for field work as frequently as we can manage. I’m afraid much of your magic must be learned outside of theoretical practice.”
I scanned the schedule, noting Combat Training, Lineage History, Manifestation, and Portal Theory.
“Questions?”
I had hundreds but chose the most pressing. “Will I have to join a new shield?”
“That’s entirely your choice. At Imperium, we believe in natural bonds. Your situation with the Nightfall Shield is unfortunate, but not irreparable.”
I stiffened. “Itisirreparable.”
She studied me for a moment. “Bonds between an axis and shield are old magic, Ms. Black. Older than our institutions. They don’t break easily.”
“I really don’t want to talk about this right now.”
Professor Winters inclined her head. “As you wish. But know that my door is always open should you change your mind.” She glanced at her clock. “Dinner starts soon. You have an escort waiting?”
I nodded, rising from my chair. “Thank you for the schedule.”
“One last thing,” she said as I reached the door. “The Stardust Shield wants to show you around tomorrow. They’re our finest warriors, and so I’ve approved it unless you object.”
“No objections. I’ve actually met them. They’re good guys.”
“Good. They’re exceptional students. All from very old families.” She smiled again, knowingly. “I think you’ll find them enlightening.”
With her cryptic remark hanging in the air, I left her office, my mind swirling with questions.
Jamie was right where I’d left him, another cigarette lit. He was lucky we Aelari healed fast because that shit would give him lung cancer otherwise.
“All set?” he asked, pushing off the wall.
“I guess so.” I shrugged, already feeling utterly exhausted.
We walked the courtyard in silence, the mist thickening as night fell. Light glowed from windows, creating pools of warmth in the darkness. We reached a large stone building with light pouring from tall windows. The sounds of many voices spilled into the night, along with delicious aromas that reminded me that I hadn’t eaten since the flight.
“Great Hall,” Jamie said. “Ready to make your entrance?”
I took a deep breath. “I’d rather drive a hot poker through my eyeball, but sure, why not.”
He huffed a laugh, then offered his arm in an unexpectedly gallant gesture. After a moment’s hesitation, I placed my hand on his arm. “Just so you know, they’re all going to stare.”
I grumbled something incoherent even to myself as Jamie pushed open the massive oak doors. The Great Hall stretched before us, five long tables filled with students, all illuminated by floating orbs of light that hovered near the vaulted ceiling. The moment we stepped inside, a hush fell over the room as hundreds of eyes swiveled in our direction. For a terrible moment, I felt like I was back at Dominion, about to face another round of whispers and cold shoulders.
