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They finished eating in silence, mostly because there was so much noise in the food court that it was difficult to maintain a conversation. When they were finished their meals, their dirty dishes were whisked away by the TCDs, leaving the table immaculate once more.

Eventually the other students started to leave until only the fourth years lingered. It was then that the headmaster walked over to their table, followed by a lone figure whose face was hidden by a hooded cape.

“As I’m sure some of you have guessed, being in your fourth year means you have the opportunity to apply for Hunter’s Stealth and Subterfuge class,” Darrius said without preamble. “Since it’s an optional study extra, it’s held during your free time after dinner for two hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. There are also mandatory classes held every alternate Saturday morning, along with the occasional whole-weekend assignment. It’s not an easy subject by any means, and I recommend you think long and hard before deciding to apply. Hunter, if you will?”

The caped figure raised his hands and pulled back his hood, revealing the darkly mysterious Hunter—or ‘Ghost’,as Alex knew he was sometimes nicknamed. There was no doubting the man was dangerous, especially considering the cache of weapons strapped to his belt, not to mention those which were likely hidden on the rest of his body beneath the dark cape.

“I don’t accept new students lightly,” Hunter said quietly, as if knowing they were hanging onto his every word. He glanced around the group with disinterest. “In fact, I’ll be surprised if I accept more than a handful of you this year. At best.”

Alex’s eyes roamed the table and she saw twenty apprehensive and slightly disappointed faces. She wondered briefly why Hunter’s class was so highly regarded. All she knew was thatshecertainly didn’t want to be a part of it, not with a name like ‘Stealth and Subterfuge’.

“If you want to apply, sign your name on the paper and come along to a trial lesson this Saturday after lunch. Whoever is accepted into the class will join the current students the following Tuesday evening and continue lessons from there. It’s my belief that learning alongside those with more experience will encourage you to excel faster.”

That just sounded nasty. And it reminded Alex of her Combat class, where everyone else had years of experience and she was a complete novice. Not pleasant.

Jordan nudged Alex in the side and she saw that he’d slid her the paper. She noted that so far everyone had signed it, but she immediately passed it straight on.

“You didn’t write your name,” said D.C., as if Alex had forgotten.

“I know,” said Alex. “I think I have enough to worry about without adding more challenges to my life.”

D.C. looked at her with understanding and quickly scribbled her own name before passing the paper on to Bear.

Alex glanced up and was startled to find Hunter’s dark eyes on her. The corner of his mouth quirked slightly before he turned his gaze away.

What was that about?she wondered.

When the paper reached him again, Hunter folded it up and pocketed it in his cloak.

“If you don’t receive a position in my class, you’ll have another chance to try out next year. That said, if you attend Saturday’s trial and youareoffered a position, it’s mandatory for you to accept and you’ll be required to participate in classes just like any other subject. All successful candidates will be notified on Sunday evening. If you haven’t heard by then, presume that you didn’t make it this year.”

With those parting words, Hunter turned on his heel and walked away.

“All right, students, that’s all,” Darrius said. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”

Alex and her classmates rose from their seats.

“Miss Jennings, if I may have a word?” the headmaster called before she could leave with the others.

Alex felt her stomach drop when she realised what she would have to tell him.

D.C. sent her a sympathetic look. “We’ll meet you back in our room.”

Once the court was clear of people, Darrius remained silent, apparently waiting for Alex to speak first.

“What have you heard?” she asked, her voice resigned.

“King Aurileous contacted me to strongly advise that I speak with you about the events of the weekend,” Darrius answered. “Tell me, Alex, what reason could the ruling monarch of Medora possibly have to make such an obscure request?”

Alex shuffled her feet, feeling like a delinquent student.

“I, um, ran into some problems in Tryllin?” Alex said, as if it was a question.

“Did you now? And what might those problems be?”

Alex slumped back down onto one of the chairs, knowing that their conversation would likely not be short. Darrius followed her lead and sat down as well, though much more gracefully.

“To start with, I was accused of being an assassin and locked up in the palace dungeon after I attacked the king and queen during their waltz.” Alex winced at how that sounded, so quickly moved on. “Then after I was released, in the middle of Dix’s party, Marcus Sparker threatened to kidnap me, I think, but there were too many people around. So that was good. But then today I—um—kind of ran into Aven. Actually, ‘ran into’ isn’t really accurate, since he’d apparently been following me to catch me unawares, but… well…”