It was all very Creshen. She couldn’t rightfully call the suite small, but the way it was sealed, with no gap between the wall and ceiling, made it feel stifling. Thankfully, it had a little balcony, so she could open the doors. She also had a big Creshen bed, which was soft and fluffy and fun to bounce on, but made for a hot and fitful sleep. Off the bed chamber was another small room—a nook, really—with a big window; a dark, sturdy desk; and a padded chair.

Yenni looked in the mirror and smoothed her vest one last time. No more dallying. This morning she would attend her first class: Foundations of Magical Theory. She didn’t want to be late, especially since the class was taught by that irritating Professor Mainard. As she exited her suite Yenni took one last look at the desk, where she’d left her runepaint and brushes. She was no longer as concerned about the dragon: not once had the Masters’ protection rune reacted to him. And she needed to conserve her runepaint, so today she sported just a few small, quick speed and strength runes.

And, of course, the runes on her hands. She ran her thumb along the swirling white rune on her left palm, offered up a prayer to Father Ri for guidance and wisdom, and set out for her first class at Prevan Academy.

The other students’ excited chatter echoed all the way up to the schoolroom’s high ceilings, but as soon as the big double doors at the front creaked open and Professor Mainard strode in, their voices faded like a wave leaving the shore.

“Good morning, class.”

“Good morning, Professor,” a few voices said back.

Professor Mainard slammed a hand down on his podium. “I said good morning, class!”

“Good morning, Professor Mainard!” the class replied, much louder this time.

“Very good,” he said. “Welcome to Foundations of Magical Theory. Here you will refine and in some cases relearn the theories, principles, and best practices of spellcasting. Strong magic requires a strong foundation, and it is my intention that every student of this academy have such a thorough understanding of magical theory that they can recite Uhad’s sixty-seven laws of casting”—he snapped his fingers—“on command. Now, now, I know this must all sound intimidating, but remember that only the best and brightest are permitted entry to Prevan Academy. Though I expect excellence, that should be no trouble for the likes of . . .” He paused, and his eyes landed on Yenni. “The majority of you.”

Yenni stiffened and glared at him. Just what did this man have against her? Whatever it was, it didn’t matter. She had come to the academy at the instruction of the Sha and it was their judgment alone that concerned her.