???
My school day passes with agonizing slowness.
The energy of the academy feels like the heaviness in an atmosphere just before a massive storm breaks.
When I enter the last class of the day, my eyes zoom straight to Willow.
—Hey, friend—she thinks in my direction —Doing OK? You look fried—
—I am fried—
—Not long until we’re back home and we can drop all the acting—
—Can’t wait—
Professor Octobus strides into the class.
She looks crumpled and underslept too. “Students. Find your places.”
Everyone slumps down onto the yoga mats, waiting for her to dim the lights and start up the usual soundscape.
She doesn’t.
Instead she leans her butt on the edge of a desk and wipes a weary hand across her face. “Quiet please, everybody. I know it’s been a rough few days, but there’s something I want to talk about.”
Suddenly, her inner thoughts flash out loudly to my mind.
—Shit, am I actually going to do this? Fuck, I could get my ass nailed by the Conclave, but still—
Professor Octobus looks at the ceiling for a moment, then returns her gaze to us. She squares her shoulders and gives a small nod.
“Students. Things are changing in Havengard. I’m sure you’ve all heard that the WMO is now fully Conclave run.”
Several students shuffle uncomfortably. My gaze is fixed on the professor.
“And you are aware that innate magic has been rediscovered and is going to be given to the Elite, plus whomever the Conclave deem worthy.”
A couple of kids nod excitedly.
The rest of us don’t.
“But there hasn’t been much talk about those who arenotdeemed worthy. And guys, if you are in this remedial class, you have to realize you are probably going to be in the underclass.” She gives a tired sigh. “I don’t think that’s going to be much fun.I know you all have been working on improving your sparks, but right now I’m imploring you. Get your fucking flames roaring, you really…really don’t want to be classified as lesser. As weak.”
A girl at the back of the room lets out a sob.
Professor Octobus pauses, and looks around the room, meeting eyes one by one with each student. “I will help you any way I can, but in all honesty, it’s down to you. If this isn’t working for you, perhaps you need to consider withdrawing from the academy.” Under her breath she mutters something about emigrating to Mexico, then walks over to the light switch. “So, I’m going to stick with the dean’s program for this class, but this week? Try. Really fucking try. The clock is ticking on this shit.”
I look at Duncan and Willow, then my eyes drift over the rest of the Defectivum kids.
Yeah. They could all be in real trouble.
But.
What if I have enough Lumina to help?
Could I fire up their flames?
It’s something to talk to Alexis about.
