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As we ate, I couldn’t help thinking about what Jax had told me—how they were going to shake things up. He was noticeably absent from breakfast, as was Kira. What waswiththose two? They always seemed to be missing at the same time.

I choked down some cereal and followed Frankie and Wally to Room 101. Frankie chatted cheerfully the entire way, but Wally sensed my apprehension and shot me several questioning glances during our walk to the classroom. When we got there, we slid into our seats and waited quietly. Jax and Kira were the last to arrive and came in together. Kira sat near the front of the room, while Jax sat in his usual spot two desks behind me.

Mr. Donovan shut the door. “Students, we wanted to let you know we were quite pleased with your performance on Friday. It was nice work from all of you. Excellent teamwork, strategic thinking, and a good utilization of your strengths.”

He leaned forward, bracing his hands on the teacher’s desk. “However, I do have a couple of important announcements before you begin your week’s activities. First, while I know it is disconcerting not to know your exact standing in the class, rest assured we’re looking atallaspects of your character. This includes capability, mental toughness, stamina, physical fitness, intelligence, special skills, flexibility, and adaptability. We’re conducting a complex and thorough evaluation. So if you feel as if you aren’t doing well, I’m here to assure you, you are.”

We all looked at each other, but none of us said anything. What could we say? He’d told us exactly nothing.

“So, after considerable debate and conversation, we’ve decided to make something about the competition known to you,” he continued. “Although each of you has admirable and excellent skills, we’ve decided we’re only going to choose two of you to proceed to the UTOP Academy to further your studies as an operative.”

The room was so silent, you could hear the birds chirping outside the window. I stared at him, speechless.

What. The. Heck?

Only two of us?

“Two?” Wally finally spluttered. “Why only two?”

Mr. Donovan crossed his arms. “Because, Mr. Harris, that’s the number of students we want. Now, if any of you feel this is unfair, or would like to drop out of contention, please say so now. If not, you may leave and continue with your day’s schedule.”

We remained silent, so he smiled. “So be it. That concludes my announcement for the day. Please head to your next class.”

Jax was the first to rise and leave the room. As he passed by, he glanced at me. His expression clearly said,I told you so.

“They’re going to do something to shake things up.”

Holy crap. He’d been right. They’d doneexactlythat.

One by one, the rest of us filed out without a word. However, as soon as we got in the hallway, Wally pulled Frankie and me aside.

“Did you hear that?” he whispered heatedly. “They’re only going to take two of us. It’s not fair. We haven’t even finished the trials yet.”

Frankie’s expression looked heartbroken, which now that I thought about it, was the first time I’d ever seen that look on her. That worried me far more than what Mr. Donovan had said. “What’s wrong, Frankie?”

Sadness shimmered in her eyes. “Only two of us are going forward. At best, at least one of us will get left behind.”

I felt sick at the possibility. Break up the White Knights after we’d been through so much? Worse, what if both of them were selected and I got left behind? Or I got selected and they got left behind. Or any variation thereof.

None of those options were acceptable.

“Maybe it’s just another test.” I knew I was grasping at straws, but there had to be some way to make this work. “You know, to see how far we’re willing to go—to step on each other—to make one of the two slots.”

“I’m not going step on either one of you,” Frankie said.

“Me neither, “Wally agreed.

“Well, I’m not, either,” I said. “But I don’t think the others will share our sentiment. Kira will be the first to step on all three of us.”

“She won’t,” Wally said, crossing his arms against his chest. “You’ve got her all wrong, Angel.”

“I don’t have it wrong, Wally,” I said irritably. “She’s out for herself and no one else.”

“You’re not giving her the credit she’s due,” he insisted. “Jax is the one we should be worried about. I think he’d undercut us in a fast minute.”

“Don’t try to deflect this from Kira,” I said hotly. “You’re thinking with your hormones instead of your brain when it comes to her.”

“Stop it, both of you.” Frankie put a hand on each of our shoulders. “What are we going to do?”