Page 165 of Spark of Sorcery

“You know, nervous,” she says, trying to smile as she pushes her glasses up her nose.

“Did you manage to sleep?” I ask her. “Or were you up all night studying?”

“Erm,” she says, running her spoon through her porridge. “Well …”

Fly leans forward onto his elbow. “Did something happen?”

My mild-mannered friend looks up at us both with a wide, exuberant grin full of joy.

“Jeez,” I gasp, “what happened?”

“Damian and I spent the night together,” she whispers. “We went all the way!”

“All the way to where?” Fly says, feigning ignorance.

“To heaven and back I’d surmise by the smile on her face,” I say, punching Fly’s arm. Then I reach over the table and grab Clare’s hand. “I’m so happy for you. Was it good? Did you enjoy it? Are you like a thing now?”

“It was good,” she pulls a face, “I mean it took a bit of trying to make it work.” Fly sniggers and I kick him underthe table. “And it wasn’t like earth-shattering like they’d have you believe in the romance novels but it felt really special.”

“It’s your first time,” I tell her. “It’ll get better with practice – especially when you’re so into each other.”

“We are.” I squeeze her hand, knowing exactly how she feels, and we both sit there caught in a bubble of loved-up bliss. That is until Fly goes and pops it.

“What do you mean you couldn’t get it to work? Is his dick crooked or something?” He’s eyes grow round in his head. “Or does he have a massive cock?!”

“I have no complaints,” Clare tells him, returning to her now lumpy and cold porridge.

“I’m really pleased for you, Clare Bear,” Fly says. “Especially as this means you won’t have to die a virgin.”

“Clare is not going to–”

“That’s why we decided to do it. No point in waiting. Especially as we could both be dead by the end of today.”

“No one is going to die!” I say, assuredly.

“Oh,” Clare says, adjusting her glasses.

“What?” I say.

“Statistically, this is the trial you’re most likely to die in. I looked at the numbers.”

“Why would you do that?” Fly cries.

“Morbid fascination.” Clare shrugs.

“No one is going to die,” I repeat, hoping with all my heart, I am correct.

Chapter Sixty-One

Briony

The next trial is set up in much the same way as the last. We’re told to gather on the field, once again penned into sections with students from our existing quarters. At least, us students from Slate, Granite and Iron are here. The area assigned for the shadow weavers remains completely empty. Except for one student, standing in the cold, eyes fixed ahead. Thorne.

Seeing him there makes my heart flutter, because I can’t help thinking he’s there for me. A feeling that’s only confirmed when he glances my way, catching my gaze and giving me a determined nod I’m sure is meant to reassure me.

I wish it would. But not only do I have to worry about myself in this trial, I’m now also worrying about him. Somehow,I have to make it through without him having to resort to helping me.

Beyond where Thorne waits, the stands have once again been erected as well as the large fence blocking our view of whatever lies beyond.