Page 408 of The Academy of Blood & Shadow

"So it is irrelevant?"

Vayne looks at her. "I said stop." Not an answer.

Rhyven finally speaks. "Does the Headmaster know the term?"

Vayne's gaze shifts toward him. "Chief Corvell."

"Does he?"

A pause. "Ask him." Oh. Excellent. Vayne looks at the clock. "Training begins in four minutes." I don't move. Neither does anyone else. His expression becomes lethal. "Three." We move.

Training is horrible. Not because it's unusually difficult. Because none of us are mentally there. Even Rhyven. Once. Only once. He misses Professor Kaelis calling his name. I notice. Of course I do.

At eight thirty, Caelen catches my arm outside the hall. "Council chamber." I don't ask why. I already know.

Father is there. Three Council representatives. Headmaster. Professor Vayne. Wonderful. Apparently our harmless archaic phrase has earned an audience. Not suspicious. At all. Father looks at me when I enter. Then Caelen. Then Rhyven, Nyra and Cassian behind us. His expression gives nothing away. "Eirea."

"Father." I don't sit. Neither does Caelen. Father folds his hands.

"Professor Vayne tells me you've become distracted by historical terminology."

I almost laugh. "Distracted." Nyra shifts beside me.

I answer before she can. "What is the Heart of Varethia?" There. Direct.

Father's expression doesn't change. But his right hand does. Barely. His thumb stops moving against the ring on his finger. I've known him my entire life.

I see it. "Where did you hear that term?"

My stomach drops. Same question. Again. I smile without humor. "Interesting."

His eyes narrow. "Eirea."

"Professor Vayne asked exactly the same thing."

Silence. Father leans back. "The Heart of Varethia is an archaic expression found throughout early Varethian folklore."

"Meaning?"