When Friday afternoon arrived with another verbally abusive match with Lorian, everyone was ready to call it a day.

“What did you have planned for your extra sessions?” Audria asked, running a hand back through her light hair. She hadn’t given up trying to keep it prim and proper despite the rest of them barely finding time for baths.

“I don’t know,” Kerrigan lied.

“I’m going to meet with Raysor. He said that he’d help me with my healing.” She grimaced. “I’m not looking forward to it.”

Audria wasn’t the best healer. But since that was what Bryonica was known for, it would be an insult to her heritage for her to not at least try. Kerrigan was glad that no one thought it was an insult to her heritage, considering water was her worst element.

“It’s a good idea.”

“I asked Zina if she’d work with me,” Noda confessed next to Audria.

“What did she say?” Audria asked.

Noda shook her head. “She said her favor to Helly was to train on Mondays, and I could figure it out myself on Fridays.”

Kerrigan snorted. “Sounds like her.”

“Yeah, so I guess I’m going to try to get ahead on my ancient Fae. My elective is in languages.”

“Boring,” Roake said. “I’m going to be working with Lorian. He said I really had something.”

Fordham arched an eyebrow in disbelief. “Interesting.”

“Why?”

“Nothing.”

Roake crossed his arms. “Well, what are you doing?”

“I received dispensation from the council for magic lessons with Gelryn.”

Audria gasped. Roake even looked impressed. “Gelryn the Destroyer? He’s offering lessons?”

“He’s offering me lessons.”

“No offense, but didn’t he fight a war to kill your people?” Noda asked.

Fordham shrugged. “A thousand years ago.”

His eyes met Kerrigan’s in the space, and she understood then. He was going to work on his magic lessons with the dragon to try to get information about the war. It was smart. A way to include research in his training time.

“Well, Ker, it’s just you,” Noda said. “Should we brainstorm what you should do?”

“Nah, I’m good. I have a few ideas. Might try a few different things.”

Fordham shot her a questioning look, but she shook her head. She wasn’t ready to tell anyone her plans. Not even Fordham. Because not even Fordham knew the secret she was hiding.

They ate together in the dining hall. Audria regaled them with Season gossip. The official opening wouldn’t be for three more weeks, but small parties were already cropping up. Kerrigan was thankful she didn’t have to participate. That none of them did. She thought Audria felt the same, though she’d never admit it.

As the others branched off to their extra training sessions, she turned to head in the opposite direction.

Fordham jogged to catch up with her. “Hey.”

“Hey. Aren’t you going to meet with Gelryn?”