Like I always did, I turned to books. Opening my backpack, I grabbed the book I’d checked out of the library just that morning. I flipped it open and paged through to the section on the Battle of the Bulge. I’m not sure how long I sat there before my eyes slid shut and I fell asleep.

I woke up still sitting at my desk with my head resting on my book. I sat back, disoriented, and looked around at my sunlight-filled room as I tried to figure out why I was at my desk and not in my bed, and then everything came crashing back to me. I jumped to my feet. It was ten till eight, and my test was supposed to start at eight clear across campus. Dashing to the bathroom, I splashed some cold water on my face before throwing on a fresh uniform and bolting out my door. I practically flew through campus, dodging other students who had the luxury of walking to class instead of sprinting, and the entire time I was seething inside. This was all Fitz’s fault. I slipped through the door of the simulation room with less than ten seconds to spare. I stopped, breathing hard, with my hands on my knees as I fought to collect myself for one of the most important tests of my life.

“Cadet Mason,” said Professor Brown, “good of you to make it. Cutting it a little close today, aren’t you?”

I stood up straight and forced a smile onto my face. “Sorry, ma’am. I just got distracted with some last-minute studying.”

Professor Brown nodded and stepped aside, revealing the cadet I’d be competing against today for my advancement. The cold blue eyes of Regan Fitz met mine, and I froze.

“Are you ready to lose, Mason?” she asked. Her voice sounded different, harder somehow.

I whirled as Commander Fitz walked into the room. The sight of her made my already jumpy nerves practically sizzle, and I barely remembered to get my hand up in a formal salute. As soon as the commander had taken her seat with the panel of professors who would decide my fate, I turned and glared at Regan.

“This isn’t fair,” I said.

Regan looked at me, her blue eyes snapping. “Gosh, Mason. This sounds a lot like a you problem.”

Chapter Eight

Regan