Page 107 of Savage Hope

She waves them forward as she steps down from the podium, leading them through the stone archway to the left. They follow her wordlessly and I take a moment to really absorb what’s happening right now.

There’s no going back, no alternatives. We’re going to walk under that archway and either die at the hands of Heir Academy,lick our wounds when the heir is declared, or bask in triumph as the crown to the kingdom is placed upon our heads.

I turn in the direction of Floodborn Castle, but it’s obscured by the academy so I picture it from memory instead.

“Are you nervous? I can’t really sense it from you like I can everyone else.” It takes me a second to realize Flora is asking me.

Shrugging, I shake my head. “Nervousness isn’t something I really struggle with.” Not in the way everybody else here does. “You can sense that?” I query, and she nods shyly, her hair covering her face for a split second before Arlo elbows her.

“Flora is the best fae with mind magic I’ve ever met,” he insists, revealing that familiar pink tint to her cheeks again.

“He’s overhyping me,” she mutters, fidgeting with her fingers, but I store the tidbit of information away. Knowing the strengths of those around you only makes you stronger yourself. Just as the weaknesses that grasp you, if not balanced perfectly, could find you dead.

“You know I’m not,” Arlo retorts, and I offer her a smile, which seems to help her relax again.

“Fae. Follow me.” Professor Landon Fairbourne’s voice booms around us, carrying more strength than you would expect, given the fae around me, and I immediately like it.

This man could be an asshole for all I care, but carrying himself the way he is only impresses me. Hopefully, he will find a backbone in some of those around us. I can sense Arlo is already open to saying what he thinks, and Flora can handle him just fine, but I get the feeling she doesn’t use that same level of strength with others.

I keep to the back of the group, Flora by my side, with Arlo flanking her. I try to assess him out of the corner of my eye now that I have a moment, but it’s not so easy with Flora between us.

He’s clearly over six feet, that’s for certain. I’m standing strong at five-foot-seven inches, and he towers over both ofus. His messy brown hair makes his blue eyes seem brighter, twinkling with mischief, and although he seems slim, the set of his shoulders and power in his stride tells me there’s more to him than meets the eye. He catches me looking, throwing a wink my way, and I quickly turn to follow the professor once again.

He probably thinks I’m interested now. I’m definitely not. Besides, I can sense the air of affection between him and Flora. Nonetheless, I’m focused on my mission. There’s no time for distraction.

I’m pulled from my thoughts as we take in the cobbled walkway. The academy building itself comes into view, but we walk around it. The pathway forks off from a central fountain in six different directions. One for each origin.

Fae.

Humans.

Mages.

Shifters.

Vampires.

Wolves.

“Form a line, registration is about to begin.”

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