Page 74 of Dragon Unleashed

Swerving to avoid the next group thundering toward me, I slip in the side entrance to the cafeteria. I might be holding myself together, but there’s no need to stay too close to the temptation of all those racing hearts.

The pale light through the big glass windows catches on the silver of the decorations. As pretty as it is in here, there’s only one really beautiful thing—coffee.

I’ve just sat down, my plate piled high with pastries, when Naeve throws herself into the chair beside me. I eye her nearly empty tray warily.

“Mine.” I throw a protective arm around my food. “Get your own.”

“Not hungry.” She sniffles.

Naeve isalwayshungry.

“What’s wrong?” I ask sharply. “Is it Beck? If he hurt you I’ll cut his dick off.”

She offers me a wan smile. “It’s the exam announcement, silly. It’s something bad. I can tell,” she says, nose buried in her hot chocolate. “And leave Beck’s bits alone. I quite like them.”

I grin, opening the damn cut on my lip again. Saliva pools in my mouth at the rich iron scent. It’s my own damn blood for Hades’ sake.

She’s right though, an announcement this close to our midterms is bizarre.

We finish up our breakfast and traipse into the hall with the rest of the students. Passing under the banner at the entrance, I squint up into the Angel King’s smiling face. He’s everywhere.

Solstice Blessings from Your King

Asshole. He needs to stick to running the country, not micromanaging our academy.

We maneuver between the row of seats, heading for the front because…Naeve. This time I’m ready for the hunger when it hits. It’s difficult to control, but not impossible. Not yet. I dab menthol lip balm under each nostril and steady myself.

Zephyr waves from a few rows away. Next to him Farrell stares straight through me. Twat. Reconciling the allegiance is going to be a damn sight harder with that idiot. I crane my neck, but there’s no sign of Chano. He’s barely attending the academy. He turns up to the minimum required classes, skips the allegiance-based ones, and talks to no one outside the Maveriks. The only other place he’s going is fight club and heknowsI hate that place.

The dean clears his throat, and the chattering dies instantly. Naeve isn’t the only one worried. The students are never this disciplined.

“Welcome to second year assembly. We all have places to be, so I’ll keep this short. An exciting change is due to take place, a change that will start with your exams in two weeks’ time.”

Grumbling breaks out as he confirms what we’ve heard. The dean tuts, removing his horn-rimmed spectacles and placing them firmly on top of his head. He flaps his arm for silence. His academy robes flutter like an ungainly crow.

“Thisopportunitycomes directly from the Angel King,” he announces, bouncing on his toes, causing the gown to flap more. “He’s provided the funding to push it through.”

“Money. It all comes down to money,” I mutter. Naeve clutches my hand, her knuckles turning white. I don’t know what she’s so damn worried about. She’s the teachers’ pet, the geek.

“The Angel King wants everyone fighting-ready,” the dean continues. “Second years, you have to step up. Your exams will now be modeled on those of the senior students.”

“No, no, no.” Naeve rocks in her seat. I shoot her a worried look, patting her knee with my free hand.

“Your midterms will test you in real time. They will be scenario-based. Unlike final year students, you will face illusions only. But these scenarios willfeelreal. Very real.” A chorus of gasps drowns him out momentarily, but he presses on. “You must be logical and apply your knowledge. Each scenario will take into account your specialization and your elements.” The dean pauses, polishing his glasses and surveying the chaos he’s caused. “Dismissed to classes.”

He leaves the stage, allowing no chance for questions, no chance for opposition. This is happening. We don’t have a choice. A thrill runs through me. Two weeks isn’t long, but a practical exam, where you think on your feet? It’s miles better than stupid written tests.

My knuckles crack under Naeve’s grip and I wince, gently extracting my hand from her grip. If there’s one person this won’t suit, it’s Naeve. Give her a written paper where she can circle back to any alarming questions and she’ll ace it. Put her in front of some magical being attacking her and she’ll freeze. Even if it’s a damn illusion.

“I can’t,” she whispers, her eyes tearing up. “I can’t do this.”

“We’ll train together. Get Silas to run scenarios for us.”

She shakes her head.

“Look, we can even work with our whole allegiance. It’ll be fun,” I say brightly.

I hope to hell she believes my bullshit. How we’re going to get Naeve to pass with two short weeks to go, Hades only knows.

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