As I grabbed my bag, I looked over at her. “How did Jace seem last night?”
“He was…distant,” she said, picking up her own bag. “He developed those proofs we took and is throwing himself into deciphering that scroll.”
I thumped my forehead with the heel of my hand. “I completely forgot about that. Has he figured anything out yet?”
“No.” She shook her head. “It’s a two-thousand-year-old dead language. I think he’s going to need a bit of time and say, a miracle.” She rolled her eyes. “He’s being all secretive. He won’t even talk to me or Nick about it.”
I hung my head. “Maybe he just wants some time to himself.”
“Maybe. I don’t think it’s healthy for him to take on a new obsession so quickly, though.” She opened the door. “You coming?”
“Yup.” I took a deep breath and headed toward the hallway, but halted to look at her. “And what do you mean by new obsession? What was his old one?”
Lana rolled her eyes at me again. “You’re just so dense sometimes,” she said as she pushed me out the door.
I grew nervous as we entered Mr. Liam’s classroom. Reese was standing next to his desk, but when I looked toward my own, Jace wasn’t seated beside it. Glancing around the room, I spotted him in the far left corner. He was as distant from me as he could get without actually being outside the classroom.
Lana shrugged, and I followed her over to our seats. I assumed out of pity for his brother, Nick sat next to Jace. We really were divided now, and my heart ached. As I sat down, I looked at Reese and he smiled weakly. He was sitting away from me, like I’d asked, for the sake of Jace. I just didn’t want to rub our relationship in his face.
Mr. Liam acted as if nothing had gone down over the weekend, and as far as he actually knew, nothing had. I planned on working with him as much as I could through the week, despite having to train with Reese. I had a feeling I was going to need the help of my special crystal for the Councils’ test. I wanted to try different levels, making sure it would work if I maxed out my power.
“I know everybody’s had an interesting weekend.” Mr. Liam eyed me as he began. “But we need to clear our heads. Let’s pick up where we left off on our discussion about energy transfer.” He lifted his text. “Who would like to begin the new chapter on page—” He broke off abruptly when every communicator in the room buzzed.
I fished mine from my pocket, watching everyone else do the same. Then I stared down at the analog screen: Faculty commence testing procedure. All students are to remain in the building.
Fear gripped my chest and shivers crawled along my skin. The Councils had begun their testing—their search. The room broke into a ruckus of shouts and demands, everyone asking Mr. Liam questions at once.
“Everyone, settle down,” Mr. Liam said in an authoritative voice. “I’ll answer questions one at a time.” He waited for the room to quiet. After a moment, students took their seats and hands went up.
Mr. Liam pointed to a girl behind me. She stood. “What’s going on? What is this testing procedure, and why has the barrier been raised, keeping us in? And—”
“One question at a time, Ms. Jankowski,” Mr. Liam interrupted. He motioned for her to take her seat and looked around the class, studying the panic-stricken faces. His eyes landed on me, and he gave me a knowing, fragile smile. “I assume everyone is wondering the same thing.” He held his hand up to quiet the class as they began to unanimously agree. “All right. The Councils have instructed the faculty to release students to them, one by one, for testing throughout the week.” He paused. “Alphabetically, according to last names.”
I glanced at Reese, who nodded once. He’d been right. We had a little time to train before I’d be called. A wave of relief rushed through me. I bowed my head and looked back up to Mr. Liam as he continued.
“There’s no need to panic. It’s strictly a compatibility test. The Councils want to test power strengths and ability…for placement.” He paused, taking in the many confused expressions. “For matching. If students haven’t taken a mate by the end of the Academy year, the Councils will select one for you. It’s all very basic. Nothing to worry about.”
I chewed on my lower lip. Nothing to worry about for everyone else. Except me. My thoughts were interrupted when a student stood, asking about the barrier spell.
Mr. Liam nodded. “I believe the Councils have placed the barrier around Haven to ensure that disgruntled students won’t leave. Once the testing is complete, and fears assuaged, I’m sure it’ll be taken down.”
Nick shot up. “But why are the humans leaving?” Voices echoed him, agreeing and throwing in their own thoughts and reasoning. I was surprised to see as many upset Narcos as Shythe.
Mr. Liam raised his hand again, calming the room. “I know this occurrence has frightened everyone, but I’m sure once the Councils have completed their testing and the barrier is taken down, everything will return to normal.” He eyed me, sending me a silent message. He didn’t believe it. I wasn’t sure if he knew the truth, but he knew his words were false. I could see the disbelief in his eyes.
I didn’t
think the class bought it either, though they didn’t argue. I heard quiet murmurs of protest, but no one spoke out. This was how the Councils had conditioned us. We had to accept it as they made decisions for all Kythan. We only followed their rules and laws. Our races were too weak, and the fear of extinction was a powerful nullifier.
Once the class accepted Mr. Liam’s explanations, he continued his lesson plan. I couldn’t focus on my work. I kept feeling Jace’s eyes studying me, but when I peeked at him, he was working hard on his project. I gave up and shut my text, my thoughts of the test and Jace becoming too much.
The bell rang, and I jumped to my feet, relieved. Only two more blocks to go. I nodded to Mr. Liam as I moved toward the door where Reese waited for me.
“I guess we’re not going to get a straight answer about the humans from any of the faculty,” Reese said, rubbing his hand along my arm.
“I guess not,” I agreed, then halted his hand. “Please, not in front of Jace.” I looked toward the corner of the room, but Jace was already nearing us. I stepped aside as he bolted through the door, glaring at Reese as he passed.
I shook my head. I knew Jace hated Reese, but why was he giving him the evil eye when I was the one he was disgusted with? I was the one who’d betrayed him—lied about myself to him. Maybe he couldn’t bring himself to even look at me, and Reese was a good target for his anger.