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"No." At least he's honest.

I glance toward the corridor leading to the Council wing. "Do you think it'll happen today?"

His eyes remain on mine. "I don't know."

"I hate that answer."

"I know." For a moment, neither of us moves.

Then I straighten. "My evaluation is in twenty minutes."

"Yes."

"I should probably go."

"Yes."

"You could wish me luck."

"No."

I blink. "Seriously?"

"You don't need it." My mouth opens. Closes. There he is. Impossible man. I step into the corridor. Then turn back. Rhyven is already gathering the cups.

"Thank you."

He looks up. "For what."

I gesture vaguely toward the room."Whatever that was."

His expression says he genuinely doesn't understand why it requires thanks. "Go."

I smile. "Very touching."

"Eirea."

"I'm leaving." I turn.

Behind me— "Vaelith."

I look back once more. He gives me one slow nod. Nothing else. No smile. No luck. No reassurance. Just certainty. For some reason that is better.

At seven fifty-seven, I stand outside the Council evaluation chamber. Alone. Caelen wanted to come. I refused. Nyra threatened to wait outside. I refused that too. Cassian told me he would be there "spiritually." I told him that sounded ominous. Now... It's just me. Exactly as it should be. My hands are steady. My breathing is steady. My heart...Mostly.

I look down at my fingers. Ink stains from notes. A faint callus from my dagger grip. The left wrist that used to ache after every Blood Echo session feels strong today. Ready. The door opens. Professor Vayne stands inside. His expression gives away nothing. Behind him... a long table. Two Council examiners. Professor Neris. The Headmaster. And my father. Don Vaelith looks directly at me. Not his daughter. Not yet. An evaluator. A Councillor. I hear Rhyven's voice in my head. Not through the bond. Memory. What happens when you pass. I lift my chin. Then step inside.

The door closes behind me. Softly. Which somehow makes it worse. The evaluation chamber is smaller than I expected. No audience benches. No students.

No unnecessary ceremony. Only a circular practice floor, a long black table, and six people who all look far too comfortable deciding whether I am dangerous.

Professor Vayne stands near the edge of the circle. Professor Neris sits beside The Headmaster. Two Councillors I recognize from the Assembly occupy the center seats. My father sits at the far end. Hands folded. Expression unreadable. No one smiles. Wonderful. One of the Council examiners gestures toward the center of the room. "Miss Vaelith." I step forward. "Your manifestation has been recorded as Blood Echo."

"Yes."

"Describe its primary function."

I have answered this question dozens of times. Today it feels different.