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"I know." First-year ranking: 2. Oh. Not first. Good.

I don't want first. Actually, that's a lie. I absolutely want first. Who beat me? I check. A fae student. Ninety-five. I hate them immediately.

Cassian looks over my shoulder. "One point."

"Don't."

"One."

"Cassian."

"Single."

"I'll kill you."

"Readiness score goes down."

Nyra laughs. I look toward the evaluators. Professor Vayne is already walking away.

"Vayne." I call.

He stops. Looks back.

"Ninety-four."

"Yes."

"That's good."

He stares at me. "Remarkable deduction."

I hate him. "What cost me six?" Vayne actually turns around. Oh no. I asked.

"Boundary awareness with the bronze dragon. Overcorrection during ward defense. Environmental loss during first Blood Echo assessment. Failure to identify secondary evacuation anchor. Poor command positioning. Delayed tactical withdrawal." Each one lands. Good. I remember them.

"Anything else?" I ask.

"Yes."

"What."

"You celebrate too early."

I stare. "I haven't celebrated at all."

"Exactly." Then he walks away. What the fuck does that mean?

Dax passes. "Good score."

"Thank you."

"You owe me for the rib."

"You tried to kill me."

"Assessment."

"Semantics." He leaves.