Eventually, I stand up and head to Phoenix Hall. Breakfast is starting soon, and I need to be there when Helen makes her announcement. I’ll have to watch Evie’s face when she hears the “good news.”
And I’ll have to sell the performance of my life: confused first-year, weak magic, and completely clueless about the truth.
JADE
“It doesn’t make sense.”
Evie’s been saying a variation of this for the entire walk from Flame & Dominion to the Scorched Circles.
“Oliver wouldn’t leave without telling me.” She shakes her head, her auburn hair whipping around her face.
“So what do you think happened?” My question comes out strangled.
“I think Oliver found out a secret he wasn’t supposed to know, and it has to do with Thad’s Advanced Studies course, and that Thad took him.”
She’s so close to the truth that the guilt in my chest turns sharp enough to cut.
“Have you told anyone?” I manage.
“Who would I tell? The Council?” She laughs bitterly. “Either they’re incompetent, or they’re covering up the truth. Neither option makes me trust them.”
I glance around nervously, searching for Helen’s recording orbs.
There are none. But with Michael’s temporal recreation ability…
“Evie,” I say quietly. “You need to be careful.”
Anger flashes in her eyes, but she clamps her jaw shut and says nothing more as we follow the path to the volcanic slope.
When we reach the base of the Scorched Circles, Kieran’s standing at the entrance to the Ember Ring, scanning us with his usual intensity.
Beside him, looking out of place in her tailored coat and elegant posture, is Helen Finchman.
Seven recording orbs drift around her.
“Why’s she here?” Evie mutters.
“Good question.” I watch the orbs, my nails pressing half-moons into my palms with every rotation.
Kieran throws one of his daggers in the air, catches it, and the chatter dies.
“Councilwoman Finchman has an announcement.”
Helen steps forward. “Thank you, Professor Cross. I’ll keep this brief.” She gestures at her orbs. “Due to Councilman Aldridge’s recreation ability being weakened in the Scorched Circles because of the overlapping magical signatures, we decided it would be prudent for me to document all combat training sessions.”
The blood drains from my face.
If my lightning slips even once, if there’s even a flicker of silver in my flames, it won’t be a matter of hoping no one noticed or counting on Logan’s compulsion to make them forget. Because it will be recorded, becoming permanent evidence that can never be erased.
“Any questions?” Helen asks brightly.
No one raises their hand. What are we supposed to ask?
Hey, Councilwoman, if I accidentally reveal impossible magic that marks me as a goddess-chosen freak, will you let me see the footage before the Council hauls me away for experimentation?
“Wonderful.” She steps back, her orbs repositioning themselves so they float around us like silent, watching sentinels. “Please proceed, Professor Cross.”
Kieran nods curtly and looks us over. “There are two more weeks of the tournament. Three wins are required to pass. For those with only one win so far…” He pauses, his eyes drifting to Elizabeth, Sam, Evie, and two others. “Today will determine if you’ll have kitchen and grounds duty next semester.”
