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I had already suspected that to be the case, but hearing it is somehow worse. My eyes burn from the effort of not shooting Kaelis glares. “And is such a thing common?”

“No. It’s only happened once, I believe. Just before my time here.” The answer is an odd relief. “Though, last year there were three initiates who ran.”

If anyone would have had the means and possible reason to leave the academy and take others with her, it’d be Arina.

She pushed hard from the moment she entered the academy—harder than I would’ve liked, and I let her know as much.

You’re going to attract the wrong sort of attention, I warned her, though it did little good.

Within her first few weeks, she had discovered secret passageways through the long bridge that connects the cliffs of the academy and Eclipse City, spanning the opening of the Farlum River, and was using them to sneak out resources right under Kaelis’s nose.

“They ran ?” I feign shock. “Why would anyone willingly leave this honorable institution?”

“Perhaps they weren’t the sort who were keen on serving a clan.

” Myrion inspects me and, for a moment, I wonder if he sees the similarities between Arina and me.

But he doesn’t seem to. Arina inherited our father’s eyes—the color of golden leaves in fall—along with more of his cheek and jaw structure.

Me, I’m all our mother. Though, we both inherited her brown hair.

“I couldn’t imagine why,” I say, distancing myself in ideology from Arina in the hopes of further avoiding any connection between us. “Disloyal traitors.”

Myrion hums. I’d expect it to sound like agreement, him being a noble, but it doesn’t. I can’t make sense of this man. “More than anything, it was heartbreaking for me to see one who was such a prospect for House Cups leave.”

Arina. It must’ve been her. I try to think of a way I can ask for the name without sounding suspicious, but I can’t come up with anything.

I don’t want people making the association between her and me, to protect us both.

Especially since she came into the academy using theDaygar alias Mother told us to go by instead of our true name, Chevalyer.

Whereas I came in using Redwin. Bringing up Arina by name—when I have no reason to know it—would be an immediate signal that something is off with me.

“I must imagine, though, that it would be heartwarming for the prince to hear you speak so fiercely of loyalty. Especially following the scandal you caused immediately following his announcement of you as his betrothed.”

I scoff, almost laugh, at the statement, flash Myrion a dazzling smile, and readily seize on the opportunity to move the subject away from Arina.

Leaning closer to him as we cross in front of the faculty table is intentional.

I don’t think Kaelis would be jealous of Myrion, but I do hope that he takes it as a slight that I’d position myself so closely, so quickly, to another man.

Especially after what happened with the Chalice.

“Would you suggest the prince is a man whose pride is so easily wounded? A man who’s so easily threatened?”

“Certainly not. Though the prince is a man who gets— takes what he wants.” Myrion’s tone is unreadable, though I try anyway. Does he know Kaelis well? And, if so…do they get along? My gut is telling me no, but I don’t have enough reason to trust it. Yet.

“If anything, I’d think the prince would be pleased with me,” I say loud enough that Kaelis might hear as we pass.

“After all, I removed a would-be competitor for my affections.” Not that it was my intention…

but I’ll spin this to my benefit. No matter what that Two of Cups came up as, I was going to find a way to have it help me.

“All too true,” Myrion says, somewhat sadly.

I notice his cuff link. Two hands clasped with a ribbon.

The symbol of Clan Lovers. Noble-born, and someone who’d presumably idealize love.

“With so many vying for your attention, I should perhaps consider myself lucky that you decided to seek me out first. I do relish in having a lovely someone on my arm.”

It’s been so long since anyone has taken that kind of interest in me, or since I’ve been willing to put myself out there, that I’ve almost forgotten what the chase feels like.

The sensation of someone looking at me with something more than animosity.

I’ve missed the rush of heat. The thrill of possibilities unknown.

Of the push and pull of flirtation. I’m not looking for love here.

But a bit of fun wouldn’t be entirely unwelcome…

“Perhaps you should.” I release him as we come to a stop at the edge of the Cups tables. “I imagine I will be quite the commodity among all the students, soon enough.”

“Wands and Swords, indeed.” He’s referring to my confidence, or perhaps my bold spirit. Though I must also wonder if this is his way of subtly emphasizing that I shouldn’t attempt to join Cups. They have five slots, but perhaps they’re all already spoken for.

But would he be that kind to give me such a tip?

I can overthink everything in this place. Doing so might drive me mad. But it will also be my best chance to get out of here as quickly as possible.

“Take care, Clara.” Myrion leaves, and I return to the center tables. I barely resist stopping him to ask about Arina by name. But I don’t want to risk people knowing anything more than they already do about me. And Myrion already told me what I needed to know.

Kaelis removed her, Arina fled, or she was killed.

The music picks up, and most of the students leave their seats to mingle. None approach me, and I don’t make the effort to approach any others. I’ve made my move for the night.

When Kaelis finally stands, I do as well. I make my way to the edge of the room, trying to avoid moving too quickly and drawing unwanted attention. Drifting with the ebb and flow of the music and conversations, I end up behind a group of individuals along the back wall.

As the prince strides through the center of the room, the students and initiates part and bow their heads reverently.

The conversations momentarily fall to a hush.

The large doors open for him without him lifting a finger.

Once more, his eyes find mine among the masses.

That cold, unyielding gaze is possibly the most unwelcoming thing one could imagine.

Yet all I see is an invitation.

Kaelis slips out the doors, and I am not far behind.