Page 50 of Under Restless Skies

His eyes contract and he shakes his head, a soft laugh leaving his lips. “Many recruits are just like you. So brave. Until they fly on their first attack night. Until a dragon flies in their direction. It’s easy to say you’re brave.”

“But at least I’m saying it. At least I want it. Of course people falter in the face of danger. Of course fear is hard to control. I can’t promise I’ll never have any fear, but I can promise I’ll fight it.”

“Noble words. Noble heart. You don’t belong in this academy.” He sets his eyes on me, his tone final.

Something cold takes my chest, and I blink. “But I belong in the cleaning crew?”

“You belong to the Grease & Spice, where you had a promising career. Why leave it?”

Stupid tears threaten to wet my eyes, and as much as I know I shouldn’t beg, I can’t help it. “Why? I did everything right. I trained for the Trial. I’m brave. Why not?”

Knocks sound on the door, and Commander Mallor bellows, “I’m busy!”

“His Highness requests access,” a voice from beyond the door says.

“He’ll wait,” Mallor yells.

The door opens, and Alayel steps in. “Commander Mallor, you cannot expel her.”

His presence lights a spark of hope in my chest.

The man shoots Alayel a murderous glare. “You dare tell me what I can or cannot do?”

Alayel meets the glare in kind. “Would you like me to bring this issue to my father?”

Brave like that, defending me, the prince is more than beautiful.

Mallor looks Alayel up and down, clearly displeased. “What does Mayara’s status in the academy matter to you?”

“It’s part of my agreement with His Majesty.” Alayel’s voice is sharp like a dagger.

“Don’t worry, Prince.” Mallor laces the word in mockery, still not intimidated. “Mayara won’t be expelled. Now leave us.”

“I’ll leave once I know what correction is given to her,” Alayel says.

Commander Mallor sighs. “Both of you leave, then. Mayara is to remain in the cleaning crew, and I shall hear no argument.”

My chest deflates, part in relief, but part in… disappointment? I was afraid I would be expelled, but hearing his words, hearing cleaning crew as a lifetime sentence also stings. And then there’s the issue that I don’t think Alayel has much more power than this man.

Only when I’m outside the room do I realize that Alayel is holding my hand. His touch feels tender, spreading a comforting warmth to my entire body.

“I came as soon as I heard about it,” he says, his voice so soft, so different.

My breath catches. He must have heard about the fight with Silvia, and now I’m beyond mortified. Heat rushes to my face, so intense I want to find a crack in the wall and disappear into it.

I pull my hand. “I was just sitting at my table⁠—”

“I know. Silvia’s like that.” His trust in my words puts me at ease. “Was she finally expelled?”

“Got a week in prison.”

Alayel huffs. “She’s trouble, and she’ll be twice as bad once she’s back.”

“I didn’t ask him to give her that sentence.”

“I’m sure you didn’t.”

That trust again, warming my heart, perhaps warming too much, when I consider Alayel’s crude words. I focus back on the issue of my position in the academy.