Page 33 of Wings of Ash & Flame
She held up a hand, silencing any protests before they could begin. “Pairing you with a veteran is not only tradition but essential. As novices, you must learn what it’s like to collaborate and trust someone in any field you embark on. This partnership will test your ability to adapt and problem-solve. For those of you—particularly the fliers—that could mean the difference between life and death.”
“The veterans aren’t here to coddle you. They’re here to push you, challenge you, and teach you what no lecture or training drill can. They will not make it easy, nor are they supposed to.”
Alaire pressed her lips into a tight line.
“And for the veterans,” Professor Leslie continued, “this is their chance to prove they can lead.”
With a smile as bright as Lysia’s light, Kaia raised her hand to ask a question.
Professor Leslie shook her head. “You must learn to navigate the trials of one-to-one partnership. Headmaster Carth and I have handpicked these pairings for a reason. There will be no questions and no switching.”
Alaire’s stomach knotted.Perfect. Just perfect.
The class took an impromptu break when one of the academy’s clerical staff delivered an urgent message for Professor Leslie. Once the door slid shut behind her, the room erupted into chaos. The veterans gathered in their usual circles, orbiting their golden boy.
Alaire couldn’t help that her gaze snapped to him whenever he was in the room. She had no power over it. Probably because she wanted to punch that arrogant ass in the face.
“So, are we hoping to be paired with the Prince of House Aetheris?” Kaia crooned.
“Not a chance in Umbra’s seven hells.” Alaire shook her head vehemently.
“Sounds more like denial to me.”
“What about you? Eyeing Dawson’s friend—the one who looks like he has a stick up his ass?”
Kaia wrinkled her nose. “Hard no. I’ve already been down the dark-and-dangerous route. Didn’t end well.” Her eyes flicked to the floor, pain flashing across her face. As quickly as it appeared, it vanished behind her cheerful demeanor. “But you two, on the other hand, have chemistry.”
“Dawson and I do not have chemistry. It’s called animosity.”
“It’s Dawson now, is it?” Kaia practically squealed.
Alaire clapped her hands on her knees. “You’re impossible. It’s his name. What am I supposed to refer to him as? Most-Revered-Premiere-Lord-in-waiting?”
“Wouldn’t be surprised if he was into something like that.” Kaia waggled her eyebrows.
Alaire dragged a hand down her face. “You. Are. Impossible.”
“I think you meantamazing. If not for me, you’d be miserable in this place.”
An unspoken wave of gratitude washed over Alaire. Kaia’s immediate loyalty hadn’t been what she expected, but it was a welcome alliance in a pit full of vipers.
“Or it would be peaceful,” Alaire muttered, softening the jab with a faint smile.
Thecreakof the brass knob was high-pitched enough even for Alaire’s ears. Professor Leslie strode in. “Let’s begin with sorting your teammates.”
“I think she means our masters,” Alaire whispered to Kaia, who shook with silent laughter.
“Brynne and Hunter.
“Emmyth and Kaylin.
“Else and Elmyra.
“Lorsan and Alanna.”
One by one, Professor Leslie called names. Gazes met across the room, most of them affectionate and friendly. Everyone seemed relieved not to be paired with the albatross that was Alaire.
She shifted in her seat with each pair, the pool of options narrowing. She couldn’t?—
