Page 22 of After Darkness Falls

“I mean… How many beers are we talking about?”

She could use half a grand, but she didn't have enough cash to buy a round for the entire Institute.

Jack shrugged. “Two dozen, give or take.”

“Is that an open invite?” Gwen asked.

“No,” said Jack, shortly.

Then he turned to her. “Wolvswoods are dangerous. Can you take care of yourself, or are you fast enough to outrun a predator?”

“Yes,” the woman replied, meeting his gaze.

Jack shrugged. “Then suit yourself. We kick off at sundown.”

On that note, he walked toward the Institute’s entrance.

The teen introduced himself—he was a fox shifter of fourteen who'd already graduated from Oxford. Then Miss Paxton invited them to follow her into the grand building.

“The Institute has seven hundred and thirty-four rooms, and at any given time, twenty teachers, ten sub-teachers, a staff of a hundred, and three hundred students–meaning that even if every single one of us occupied a different room, half of the castle would still be empty. You will get lost. Therefore, allow suitable time to get to your lessons. Some teachers do not tolerate tardiness.”

Chloe felt the teacher’s eyes pause on her for a hot second. She shifted on her legs, then followed the group toward the large grand staircase in front of the entry hall.

“You're this year's newcomers—and returners,” she stated, looking at Easton. “Some of you are freshmen undergrads, others are working on their master’s or doctorate. Your individual requirements differ, and it is your responsibility to see that you fulfill them. Undergrads, at the end of each semester, your attendance and participation will be reviewed, and you will pass—or fail—tests in the subjects you choose to pursue. Master’s and doctorate students are expected to present their work once a year, at the end of the second semester. The presentation will cover at least three advanced courses, although the subjects are entirely up to you.”

Gwen lifted her hand politely.

“Yes, Miss Kanye?”

“When you say up to us…”

“It means just that. A panel of judges will rate your work. You can discuss the subject you choose with your mentors and teachers throughout the year.”

“But if we pick them, how do they translate into getting our degrees?” Chloe asked. “Would I have a Master of Business Administration if I pick the wrong thing?”

“No, Miss Miller,” she replied.

Gwen looked as baffled as Chloe.

“So…”

“So pick the right thing.”

11

Red Doors

They were handed a map of each floor along with the schedule of every class taught at any time of the day or night. The folder was ten pages long. Chloe noticed that the huntsman didn't receive either.

“You're to familiarize yourself with the building this morning. You will not be unwelcome in any room, save for the northern tower at this hour. Your mentors are expecting you to tell them which courses you have chosen to study by the end of the week. That is all.”

The woman wasn't one to linger in useless talk.

Chloe opened the folded map on top of the laminated manual and grimaced. At least Miss Paxton had warned them. There were a good hundred rooms on every damn floor, five floors, and three freaking towers.

Towers. As an American, she found the very concept of this palace ludicrous.

“Freaking out yet, regular?” Gwen asked her. “I know I am, and I was born into this shit.”

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