He gave a long speech about the rules, what we’d learn here, what he expected from his prestigious students. About the same jargon as last year. The only thing new was to keep an eye out for vampires, given the attack. To report anything or anyone suspicious and to always be on our guard. He mentioned some changes would be coming the next day.
What would he do if he knew of any vampires here? My parents knew what happened to Aric. They knew he would return but they hadn’t made it public knowledge. Perhaps given that he was a prince that made him different but anyone else likely wouldn’t be given the luxury of living, let alone staying here.
When that borefest was over we were led outside for an unknown activity. Sixth-year students were told to follow the magic teacher, Professor Tessam.
As we made our way outside, my boots crunched on the dirt path. An arm suddenly snaked around my waist, flashbacks of Senica at the dance sliding his hand around me and whispering “sorry I’m late” sent a shot of panic. I threw a hard elbow as I turned, Zyacus caught my arm and held it firmly.
His blue eyes searched mine. “It’s just me.”
I shook the memory away of that terrible night and forced a smile. “After I sliced you from chest to naval last year, you’d think you’d learn to not sneak up on me.”
He laughed and wrapped my arm around his low back. “I like it when you show a little fight. It’s amusing.”
“What did you just say?” I snapped, pulling away. My mind played the moment Senica said, “I like a woman with a little fight in her.” I didn’t know coming back here would be so hard. It was bringing up all the bad memories that I’d somehow escaped being at home.
Zyacus tucked his hands in his pockets and narrowed his eyes. “I’m confused. Why are you upset with me?”
“I’m not,” I said, the edge in my tone evidence to the contrary.
“No?”
“I’m not mad,” I said quietly. “It’s just, something you said reminded me of Senica.”
His tense face softened. “Dragon’s breath, I hope I don’t remind you of him. He wasn’t nearly as good looking or charming.”
I quietly laughed and lightly shoved him. “Just as arrogant as ever I see.”
“It must be true if I got you to fall for me. Which was more difficult than I expected, by the way.”
I scoffed and trudged ahead to catch up to the group. “You thought it would be easy?”
Appearing at my side he chuckled. “No but I didn’t expect to get sliced with a dagger, slapped, punched, scolded and be called names on a regular basis.”
“It must be part of my appeal since you seemed to like it.” I tried not to grin. “And I’ve never punched you.”
“Hmm must have dreamed that one. Alright it was a long chase with unexpected turns, some more pleasant than others.”
I arched an eyebrow and turned toward him. “I hope you don’t get bored now.”
Slinging his firm arm around the back of my neck he said, “I’ll never stop chasing you. And you’re anything but boring.”
When our group stopped and gathered together before the outdoor sparring arena, Professor Tessam, our fifth-year potions professor from last year, stepped onto a raised platform. Her silver curly hair that was usually pulled back blew freely in the breeze.
Staring up at the high gray rock walls of the, I wondered what we were doing here. Previously they said this was only to be used for seventh-year students who would fight the Wargon Trolls. It never was used.
“Our new Headmaster Elvbane has made some adjustments to how this academy will run.” She clasped her hands together in front of her. “He, and some of the professors,” she added as if she weren’t one of them, “wanted to start the year off with something memorable.”
Memorable could be good.
“He wanted to start this year off to weed out the weak,” she said, almost tentative.
Zyacus and I exchanged a glance. Would students be leaving if they didn’t make the cut? Had my father trained with me personally to prepare me for whatever was coming? He said it was for my safety but I had taken that as in case someone like Senica tried to capture or kill me again.
“Some of you will fight against Wargon Trolls. You will kill the beasts or they will kill you.” A collective gasp spread across our group. “However, you have the choice to leave this academy and not fight if you don’t think you are ready.”
One girl from Hesstia yelled, “It’s cruel to capture trolls so we can kill them.”
“They volunteer. They live for the chance to fight humans,” Tessam said, and that shut the girl up. “As your leaders, and to set an example, the princes and princess will be first to fight. Princess Visteal, Prince Zyacus, and Prince Aric, please come forward.”
My heart thundered, drowning out the chatter from the group. I hadn’t even remembered seeing Aric among us but as the crowd parted he appeared at my side and we moved to the front.
When we stood before the professor, she stepped down from the podium. “Wait here a moment.” Then she walked toward the—three doors to the arena.
Aric leaned over. “Good to see you two.”
It was shocking to see him—normal. He smiled at me, spoke as if he’d just been away on a break and that night hadn’t happened. It almost made me question if he’d turned at all. The last time I’d seen him he’d chased me. Thrashed and cried. Begged for death.
“Either of you ever fought
