Page 94 of The Powers of Nyx

Her eyes crinkled, but she didn’t voice whatever she was thinking. “I suppose Instructor Archer is no longer needed,” Vanya said pointedly. “Ivy will be fine with me.”

Beside me, Rowan tensed, but I nodded. As much as I didn’t want to be away from him, or Elias, it had to happen. I wanted—no,needed—this to work. If I had to be here, then I needed to not draw attention to myself. I had to make sure everyone else here was safe.

Rowan gave us both one of his breathtaking smiles and nodded. “I’m glad Miss Wilson has you now, Miss Blackwood.Just remember, I’m a call away if you need help understanding anything.”

With one last wink in my direction, he started off in the opposite direction of Elias, so that they were either side of me. My heart raced, but I blew out a breath and tried to get it under control.

“I heard he was handsome,” Vanya whispered, “but in person? Wow.”

Despite the churn of discomfort, I nodded. “Yeah, definitely.”

“Are you mated?” she asked as we joined the flow of students. When I shook my head, she sighed. “Me neither. I was hoping a mate bond might appear last semester, but nothing.”

Despite how many people were entering the auditorium, no one shoved or pressed close to one another. There was an air of mutual respect, unlike human college. Vanya grabbed my wrist and darted into a row of seats, plopping down onto one of the chairs beside a burly, dark-haired...person. I tried to get a feel of what he was, but nothing.

I dropped into the seat beside her as the hall quickly filled. At the front was a large stage, though rather than a curtain, the backdrop was a huge window that overlooked the forest. Rain misted beyond, turning the landscape dark and dreary. I shifted warily as I waited. I was surprised by how comfortable the seats were.Just another reminder that this was what prestige looked like. I also wasn’t squished by armrests, even though I filled the chair out. These were definitely designed with larger bodies in mind.

One point to Oberon.

“I know we have most classes together, but what’s your specialty?” Vanya asked.

I glanced at Vanya, shocked by the way her eyes shifted colour. “You—”

She laughed. “Yeah. Illusions are mine. I’m guessing...” She cocked her head and looked me over, her gaze snagging on my ring. “Charms? Or you know someone who is.”

“Yep. Charms.” Since it was the only thing I knew how to do—albeit not greatly.

Vanya nodded. “I’m not sure what it’s like at the other academies, but once a week we split off into specialties to do some one-on-one training with an advisor. I heard yours is Prince Adrian.”

She was right. Adrian’s job was specialty instructor, which meant he was going to be close eventually, swapping out with Rowan or Elias for that day.

“It should be...enlightening,” I replied after a moment. Before she could ask another question, more bodies joined our row. Just more creatures I couldn’t identify.

With everyone seated, the lights of the auditorium dimmed, and a row of staff filled the stage, Headmistress Sylvia leading the group. As she stepped up to the front of the stage, a podium rose from the ground in front of her.

Silence fell as she lifted her fist to her heart. “Afternoon students, staff, visitors. Welcome back to Oberon Academy.”

Loud applause broke through the silence; beside me, Vanya clapped, as did the people on my other side, and I joined as it died down.

“Today marks a new season here at the academy.” She rested her hands on the podium, eyes drifting over us. “Power will be unleashed. Bonds will be forged. And only the best will survive.”

I could almost taste the arrogance in the air. Everyone, including Vanya, was so sure of themselves. Of their power. It was strange being amongst them.

The rest of the assembly went on as one would expect; Headmistress Sylvia introduced the head teachers—one for each species, it seemed—and several professors who would befamiliar faces to us. It was an eclectic bunch, but each one was powerful. That, at least, I could figure out for myself.

Certain rules were put in place for this semester. Like not swimming in the lake because of a prank last semester that had yet to be cleaned up. Another thing that seemed oddly mundane for a school of powerful and bloodthirsty supernatural creatures. There was also a reminder to shifters not to take their second form in the buildings, which was followed by groans from a particular group of students towards the back.

“And before I release you to your own devices,” Headmistress Sylvia concluded, “you will all be expected to attend the centennial Nyx Ball. This will be your chance to show Queen Greer and our new Daughter of Nyx how powerful you all are.”

Again, the applause. This time, it was accompanied by shouts of excitement. I opened my mouth to ask Vanya what she meant, but quickly snapped it shut and spared Elias a thought.

What’s the Nyx Ball?I asked.

His discomfort hit me immediately.It’s a ball held every hundred or so years. From what I’ve heard, it’s a huge party for the powerful, but it’s also a day of celebration for everyone else. And yes, you’re expected to go.

Typical, I replied.Another thing people forgot to warn me about.

Sorry, Angel.

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