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The wolves. "Every wolf inherits transformation, heightened instinct and physical amplification."

The sirens. "Every siren possesses a relationship with sound, emotion or consciousness."

The Medusae. "Every Medusa is born connected to mineral magic and magical sight."

Finally, the black wings. "And every dragon-blooded student carries the potential for bond, elemental resistance and shared consciousness."

Her gaze returns to us. "These are doors." She draws a circle in the air. Six lines of light appear around her hand. "Your personal manifestation is what waits behind yours." The lines fracture into dozens of different symbols. "No two doors open exactly the same way."

A fae student near the aisle raises his hand. "If inheritance determines our limits, then some races are naturally stronger."

Professor Neris looks toward him. "Define stronger."

He hesitates. "In combat." He says.

"Against whom?" Professor Neris asks.

"A vampire." He says.

"Which vampire?"

The class grows quiet. Professor Neris continues. "A wolf with exceptional sensory manifestation may detect an attack before a vampire can move. A siren with emotional influence may end a confrontation before it becomes physical. A Medusa who sees fractures in magic can dismantle an opponent's spell without touching them." She approaches his row. "And a fae who understands living networks may turn the battlefield itself against everyone standing on it." The boy lowers his gaze. "Power without context is adolescent fantasy."

A few students exchange looks. Professor Neris returns to the center. "You are not here to discover who is strongest." Her voice hardens. "You are here to understand what you are capable of—and what it will cost you."

That silences the room completely. She begins calling on students. Not for introductions. For correction. "What do wolves inherit?" She asks.

"Transformation and strength." Someone answers.

"What did I just say about incomplete answers?" The student flushes.

"Instinct. Sensory amplification. Pack response." Another answers.

"Better." A pause. "What do sirens influence?" The professor asks.

"People." A student answers.

"Lazy." Silence. "Emotion, consciousness and perception." A girl in the front finally says.

"Better." Then— "Miss Vaelith."

Every eye in the room turns toward me. Professor Neris stands with her hands clasped behind her back. "What is the first principle of vampire control?"

I know this. My father's tutors asked the same question before I was old enough to hold a blade properly.

"Desire must never precede judgment."

Professor Neris' expression does not change. "That is the Vaelith family principle."

A few heads turn. Heat rises slowly beneath my collar. She continues. "I asked for the first principle of vampire control."

I search through everything I was taught. Blood discipline. Predatory restraint. Physical command. None of the answers feel right anymore.

"I don't know." The admission tastes unfamiliar. Professor Neris nods once. "Good." A few students blink. "The first principle is awareness." She looks around the room. "You cannot control an instinct you refuse to acknowledge." Her gaze returns to me. "Judgment comes later."

I sit back slowly. Not embarrassed exactly. Unsettled. I had answered correctly according to my family. Incorrectly according to the Academy. Both things can be true. That may be the most dangerous lesson I have learned so far. Nyra is called next.

"What is the oldest function of fae magic?" She looks momentarily alarmed. Then thoughtful.