Page 7 of Forcing Fate

A weight lifted off my chest, and I took a relieved breath. If Master Brann was at ease, perhaps this wouldn’t be so bad.

“We’ve been hearing reports about you, dear,” Master Brann said.

All anxiety immediately returned. What reports? I minded my own business and kept to myself. I stayed out of trouble.

“Don’t look so frightened. We’ve not heard ill of you.” The towering one, Master Balloch, waved a large hand, as if dismissing the worried look on my face.

“Unless we should have heard about something?”

Master Hawkins, an Egg Master leaned over the table. His cloudy eyes studied me intently, and I shifted in my seat. He was a slight man with a stooped back and a hawkish nose.

“I’ve done nothing wrong,” I squeaked. My lips pulled into a frown at how pathetic the words sounded.

“Easy, Master Hawkins.” Master Brann’s brows lowered, scolding his colleague. “Miss Avyanna, we’ve been following your grades and activities for quite a while now. I’m sure you’re aware that we scrutinize any student before we name them Chosen.” His placating tone stilled some of my unease.

My cheeks burned with shame. I had been Chosen. I passed the scrutiny, tests, and trials… and through it all, the hatchlings still deemed me inadequate.

“Since Hatching Day, we’ve continued to monitor your studies and character. We have also consulted with the Master of Women, and the few students who call themselves your friends.”

I arched a brow, but kept silent at that remark. Who on these grounds would name themselves my friend? I had none.

“’Friends’ is a loose term with you, unfortunately,” he added, noticing my quiet confusion.

Frustrated at being so easy to read, I chewed my cheek and clasped my hands in my lap.

“You’re a hard worker, Avyanna.” Master Zia, who had been silent till now, spoke up. Her unadorned raven hair draped straight down her back. The richness of her blue eyes hinted at wild violets. “Since the day you arrived, you’ve applied yourself to your studies and training with a tenacity that few other students could hope to match,” she finished.

“Thank you,” I murmured.

“Don’t thank us just yet,” Master Hawkins snapped.

Pressing my lips together, I glanced at Master Brann for reassurance, though it was Master Balloch who spoke next.

“Since the events of Hatching Day, we’ve deliberated amongst each other and have come to a conclusion. We have an opportunity for you, something that has never been offered to another student.” Master Balloch scratched the scruff on his chin, pleased with himself.

“Think of it as an experiment.” Master Zia nodded. “We have decided that if any student on the King’s grounds is worthy of the title Dragon Kind, you, Avyanna of Gareth, are.”

My lips parted in surprise that they used my father’s name. Almost all the students of the King’s schools were here because a parent or guardian died in the war. Why would they bring up my father?

She continued, “We have concluded that you will spend a second year as First Chosen on Hatching Day.”

The room spun as those words rang in my ears. A second chance? As First Chosen? That was unheard of. It simply was not done. There were always two Second Chosen for every First Chosen. The First Chosen for the following year always came from the previous year’s Second Chosen. It was a closed pool. No one else could get a chance at First Chosen. If, for whatever reason, a student refused, they were not given another chance. Ever.

My mouth hung open, but words evaded me. Each Master studied my face, waiting for my reply. I snapped my mouth shut, not having a clue what to say.

“We understand if you do not wish to accept.” Master Hawkins folded his spindly fingers atop the table. “There are other Chosen who’ve been refused–”

“No!” The word rushed out, cutting him off. “No, I apologize. I am simply… surprised.”

Master Brann winked, amused by my reaction.

“You will be classed with the First Chosen when lessons resume in the spring,” Master Zia stated. “However, instead of the role of student, you will be assisting the Masters.”

I watched her as she spoke, my eyes as wide as saucers.

“Young Avyanna, you know almost too much for your age.” Master Hawkins’ voice lowered, taking on an almost threatening tone.

My attention snapped to him. His words seemed a compliment, but the warning beneath them conveyed the exact opposite.

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