Page 34

"Why?"

"Because political cooperation does not always create trust."

A few students glance toward her. Professor Aldren's expression sharpens with approval. "Correct."

He returns to the map. Nyra exhales slowly. I lean toward her.

"You were listening."

She nods. "I can panic and listen."

I smile. "Impressive."

She shrugs. "I practice."

By the time the bell rings, none of us remembers leaving our seats. The corridor outside fills instantly. Not with the organized movement of yesterday. With chaos.

First-years cluster beneath archways and beside windows, comparing every rumor they have ever heard. Upper-years pass through them without slowing. Some smile. Others look almost sympathetic. That is worse. A second-year vampire walks past us carrying three books under one arm. Nyra stops her.

"Excuse me."

The girl looks over. "First Trial?"

Nyra nods. The vampire smiles.

"No." She says.

"No what?" Nyra asks.

"No, I'm not telling you."

"I didn't ask yet." Nyra answers.

"You were going to." She continues walking. Nyra stares after her.

"That felt personal." She sighs.

"It probably wasn't."

"That doesn't help."

Rowan appears from the crowd with Aricia and Selena behind her.

"We have information."

Selena looks toward me. "We do not." She says.

"We have possibilities." Rowan answers.

"One possibility was Dax Thorne."

Rowan gestures broadly. "Still a person."

"Debatable,"

I look between them. "What did he tell you?"

Rowan lowers her voice. "He said the Trial changes every year."