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Now the weapon chooses to stay silent.

I spin around. Bash is still standing where I left him near the door. He winks at me and gives me that crooked smile.

He’s hot.

“He’s also mine,” I mutter as I march toward Earwyn and Mr. Brant.

Laughter rolls around in my head.

Help me.

Oh, I will.

I hope my weapon can’t hear my thoughts when we’re apart. I’d like some privacy.

Don’t worry. It’s only when you hold me.

Mr. Brant is talking, but I can’t hear him because of the voice in my head. My weapon’s voice. Queen Sirena’s trident.

Again, what in Hades is going on around here?

You’d better listen to him.

I glare at my weapon, and Earwyn gives me a funny look.

“The sparring competition was nearly canceled because of riots in the area, but it will go on as scheduled. We need to beat as many of our competitors as possible because last year, the Dark Sea Academy only won one round. It was a humiliating defeat. I’m depending on the two of you.”

“Me?” I exclaim. “Prepare to be disappointed.”

He studies me. “Why?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe because I’m a first-year who grew up on land! Maybe because I only just got my trident. Or possibly the fact that I’m the least experienced student in the entire school!”

Earwyn chuckles.

Mr. Brant steps closer. “You’re also the only person that weapon has picked. There are rumors it’s been in there for centuries. Centuries! Your hair changed colors just like the legendary Queen Sirena. I really think we’re better off with you than anyone else.”

“Have you seen me spar?”

“She has a point.” Earwyn grins.

“I’m not backing down.” Mr. Brant looks back and forth between the two of us, his gaze landing on me. “You’re fighting Zayn Landon, end of discussion.” He backs up. “Prepare to start in three …”

“Wait!” My pulse drums through me. “I haven’t prepared.”

“Two!”

Craptastic.

“One!” Mr. Brant moves back.

Earwyn holds her weapon and lunges for me.

My trident leaps toward her. I nearly let go of it, but somehow manage to hang on.

Follow my lead.

What other choice do I have? Hopefully the weapon knows what it’s doing.