Page 25 of Dance of the Phoenix

Zoey scowled but nodded.

“CJ,” George said, turning his prying eyes to Chanjomaron (if the situation weren’t so dire, I would’ve so made fun of him for this). “Flawless, as usual.”

CJ’s face was grave as he gave our mentor a sharp affirmative nod.

While Zoey shot CJ a dirty look, George turned to us on the bench. “Next up, Sulien and Aileen.”

Again?I couldn’t help but think when Sulien and I switched places with Zoey and CJ. Sulien, the same guy I mock battled in the talent show, was now standing in front of me, giving me an indecipherable gaze. I studied him more thoroughly this time too.

Sulien had a gentle face that didn’t quite go with the athletic ridges of his figure. His eyes were a warm brown and in a tilted shape that gave him an almost pitiful look. Last time we battled, I had been so busy following his movements that I didn’t pay attention to his face, but I really should have—because despite his naturally puppy-eyed look, there was an almost wild feel to him. As if he wasn’t quite civilized.

“Begin,” George now said, stepping back.

I got into position, preparing myself, but to my surprise, Sulien raised his hand and said, “I’d like to ask Aileen a question first, if I may.”

George glanced at me for a split second before he nodded. “Make it quick.”

Sulien stepped closer to me, and I released my stance, staring at him. “What is it?” I prompted.

He stopped a few steps away. “Last time we fought,” he said, “you used a technique I’m unfamiliar with. What was it?”

I probably shouldn’t have been so surprised, and yet I was in shock. “Oh.”

He frowned. “I don’t believe my question is out of place.”

“It’s not,” I murmured, slowly shaking myself from my stupor. “It’s a type of martial art. That’s all.”

“That much I know,” he said dryly. “I asked which one.”

I was about to tell him it didn’t matter and that he should drop it, but then I reconsidered. What was the harm of telling him the name? It wasn’t like he could find any information about it anywhere. It was practiced by very,veryfew, if any at all.

“It’s called Iovan’s Imperium,” I told him now. “Now can we go back to the duel?”

Sulien was about to speak, but George interjected. “Enough. In position.”

Sulien seemed annoyed, but he finally dropped it and stepped back. When George said once again, “Begin,” Sulien was on me like an animal taken off the leash.

This time, I refused to use Iovan’s Imperium, despite George’s instructions. I refused to give Sulien more food for thought.

Unfortunately, that decision led to my very quick loss.

When training ended, I followed the others outside and was about to head to the cafeteria when I saw a familiar man waiting near the escalator leading up. “Bowen.”

“Aileen.” He nodded toward me before he turned to look to my right.

I did, too, and saw CJ come to a stop right next to me. He was glancing between Bowen and me. “You having lunch together?”

Before I could respond, Bowen said, “Yes. You too.”

CJ frowned but didn’t object.

Thus the three of us walked to the cafeteria in complete silence. A silence that stretched until we sat down at an empty table, each with a plate full of food. Then, as if someone flicked a switch, Bowen spoke. “Aileen spoke to Jada this morning.”

While CJ’s head whipped toward me, I looked at Bowen, surprised. “How did you know?”

Bowen’s eyes were dark. “She came to work and told me.”

My lips parted, but CJ beat me to it. “What did you talk about?” he asked, voice insistent and strained.