And then Pixit wheeled away, disappearing into the storm, for Mina to deliver the next one.

Mina ate quickly, determined to flee back to her room and copy more essays. She’d had the idea of using the message balloons—​they could send the essay out to their friends at other storm-guardian schools. Nearly everyone knew at least a few other guardians. Maybe we can reach more than just lightning guardians. She imagined what would happen if all guardians of every type refused to participate in the festival.

«It would have to end.»

Finished, she headed for the door, flush with their success and excited about all the possibilities. But before she could leave, Professor Werrin entered the dining hall. Her cane thumped with her, and Mina felt rooted to the spot. Professor Werrin nodded pleasantly at her, but Mina couldn’t do anything but stare as the headmistress crossed the dining hall and climbed onto the platform for the second time that week.

Everyone fell silent.

The headmistress didn’t even have to thump her cane again for attention.

“Students, I am afraid I have some rather disappointing news,” Professor Werrin said. She sighed heavily as if she didn’t want to say the words. Mina watched the faces of her friends, and of the students who weren’t her friends—​everyone looked just as anxious as she suddenly felt. She felt Pixit shift closer to her. “Due to recent ‘activity’ here in the school, the prime minister and her advisors have determined that, for the safety of all, Mytris Lightning School will be sealed until the conclusion of the festival.”

Frantic conversations broke out around the hall.

«“Sealed”? What does she mean?»

I don’t know.

Judging by the frenzy of babble, the other students didn’t know either. A few of the beasts shifted uneasily, and Mina saw that they were sparking more than usual.

Professor Werrin held up a hand. “This means that no student or teacher from Mytris will be allowed to either participate in or view the festival.”

Gasps of outrage echoed from half the hall.

Moans from the other half.

She didn’t say the festival was stopped, Mina thought. Just that it will be going on without us. Some of the students and a few of the teachers, including Vira, began to shout—​not at Professor Werrin, but at Jyx and Kita and the others who had been vocal about believing the essays. Oh no.