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Our gazes clash, and the air crackles between us. His brow lifts in challenge, daring me to speak, and I jerk my gaze away, willing my cheeks to cool. “Can this,” I say quietly, “go with us to our graves?”

Quin laughs dryly. “This is leverage. Why would I give it up so easily?”

I baulk. “You’d use this against me?”

“If it gets me something I want.”

I grasp the edge of the bench, glaring at his serious face. “Whatdoyou want?”

He glares back at me. “If you’re choosing to pursue this, pursue it all the way. You must pass the examinations.”

No matter how skilled, only those ranked in the top ten pass.Last year saw impressive talent turned away, talent that will be back this year, determined to place.

I narrow my eyes. “Do you have some sort of bet on me?”

Quin’s lips flatten, and after a moment, he speaks. “Something like that.”

Disappointment streaks through me and I hurriedly force it away. “Do I just have to pass? Or do you need me coming first?”

“I told you, Chiron’s son will take top place. Tenth is all you have to reach.” Quin lifts his eyes to mine. “It’ll be difficult. But you’ll do it.”

I jerk an annoyed finger at him. “Using your leverage like this is a waste.”

A raised brow.

I lean toward him. He doesn’t budge when the gap between us becomes mere inches. I jab his chest. “I don’t need your motivation.” Another jab. Quin captures it in a fist. He pulls me an inch closer, fixing on me, a slow, goading smile.

“Prove it.”

Iturn page after page of brittle, yellowing paper.Vitalian Mythologies of the Golden Age. It was buried deep in a dusty corner of the library, pages fused together from neglect. Yet, some of these ancient case studies, detailing magical remedies for forgotten plagues, form the foundation of spells still practised today.

I set the book aside and glance around the now-quiet library. The once-bustling space is deserted, with only the moonlight casting soft shadows over the garden pavilions. A small movement catches my eye—Taffy, her once-white fur now grey and dusted with cobwebs, trots towards me. I gently brush the webs away as she curls up on my lap, purring softly. “No claws on these new clothes,” I murmur.

She looks up as Skriniaris Evander appears, settling into the chair opposite me. He glances at my stack of books with a knowing smile. “Taking a break from studying, I see.”

I gesture to the lantern flickering beside us. “Was that your doing?”

“Can’t let you ruin your eyes,” he replies with a grin. “You’re welcome to stay as long as you need. All night, if necessary.”

I smile, feeling a warmth akin to that from my grandfather.

“I was hoping to catch you alone,” the skriniaris says. He strokes his white beard thoughtfully. “One of the judges for the examinations is getting married during the lovelight festival. I’ve been asked to fill in for him.”

“You’ll be on the panel?” I ask, surprised.

“Yes, along with four others,” he confirms. “I received the itinerary today. I wanted to share it with you.”

I pull my chair back, startling Taffy from my lap. “Please, I don’t want any unfair advantage.”

“The scholars you’re up against already have personal tutors and all the details. I can give you a general overview, too.”

I let out a breath of relief. “I know the first day is the toughest.”

“Yes,” Skriniaris Evander replies. “Fifty scholars, thirty case-study questions, only twenty will advance. Each question presents a patient with symptoms. Your task is to diagnose and prescribe the best treatment. One scholar is eliminated with each question.”

I swallow, my throat tightening.

“On the second day, you’ll present your vitalian innovation and answer the examiners’ questions. If you succeed, you’ll earn three stamps on your soldad, granting you the rank of medius.”