“This is Corban and Blake,” Callaway said, and the boys nodded to each of us. “These two scored high in compatibility during a sim test, just like the two of you. And,” he said, turning to the other pair, “this is Tess and Eliana. These two were tested for compatibility because they were first cousins.” The girls stepped forward, smiles on their faces. Both of them had wavy red hair that was pulled back into a ponytail, but their similarities stopped there. Tess was heavier set, with broad shoulders and bright green eyes, where her cousin Eliana was taller by a good three inches, her face a study of angles that accentuated hazel eyes. They had to be sixth years, I thought, trying to place them and feeling a tug of embarrassment when I couldn’t. Considering how small the class sizes were at the Academy, I should know everyone. But, to be honest, learning everyone’s names seemed like a waste of time when I could be learning about the nitty-gritty details of George Washington’s role as our nation’s first spymaster.

“You will have an opportunity to meet Sam and Serina a little later,” Callaway said with a grin at all of us, as though we’d all just performed some sort of impressive trick. I shifted nervously as I took in the four faces staring back at us with a friendly, expectant look I wasn’t quite sure what to do with.

Suddenly I felt Regan’s sharp elbow digging into my ribs for a second time, and I glanced over to see her smiling cheerfully back our new classmates. I forced what I hoped was a friendly smile onto my own face, but it felt stiff and awkward so I stopped.

“And this,” Callaway said, motioning to the large room, “is where all of our training takes place.” He snapped his fingers and two men wearing the Academy staff uniform came forward to take our bags. They disappeared with them down the far corridor and Callaway clapped his hands. “Now we should begin our first simulation of the day. We are already running a bit behind because of our newest recruits. So, no time to waste!”

I jumped in surprise. I’m not sure what I’d expected, but I hadn’t thought we’d start training, let alone a simulation, within the first five minutes of walking into the place. I’d obviously thought wrong.

“But we haven’t prepped for a simulation,” I said just loud enough so Regan could hear me.