Soaring, she shielded her eyes from the sun as she looked for the river ship. It was docking at the station—​she watched the sailors scurry over the deck, secure the ship against the dock, and lay out the plank for the passengers.

«I see them!»

Papa. Mother, holding Rinna’s hand. Gaton, carrying Beon. Excited, Beon started bouncing in Gaton’s arms, pointing up at Mina. Mina waved back at them, and then Pixit flew down toward Mytris.

She joined the other students in the front hall. Eighteen of them were graduating today, or at least they would if they passed their final test. Pixit wedged himself in between Chauda and Brindle, and Mina reached over to squeeze Jyx’s hand. On her opposite side, Ferro reached over to take her hand. He was already holding Zek’s. The four friends stayed linked as Professor Werrin led the procession of teachers and professors through the arched doorway. All of them stood at attention as the families filed into the cathedral-like room.

Mina heard Beon and Rinna cry, “Mina, Mina, Mina!” And then Mother shushed them before she smiled and waved. Papa was beaming with pride.

“Wild guess,” Jyx whispered. “Your family?”

Mina nodded. They’re here! She wanted to run to them and hug them, but she stayed in position. Ferro released her hand to wave at his grandmother, and Zek waved at his parents and brother. “Are yours here?” Mina asked Jyx.

“Yeah, there.” Jyx nodded toward a stiff-backed couple who were admiring one of the glass sculptures rather than paying attention to the students. “That’s the sculpture from their graduating class.”

Mina looked at them, then at Jyx. “Our sculpture will be better.”

Jyx grinned. “You know it.”

Professor Werrin thumped her cane on the floor. All eyes shifted to her. She’d dressed for the occasion in golden robes but carried her same cane with the black orb. “Welcome, Class of Fall 894, and welcome, families and friends! These students exemplify some of the best that Alorria has to offer. I am proud of their dedication and achievement, and I hope you are as well. During this time of change, it is more important than ever that our storm guardians be ready to face the challenges that lie ahead.”

At the word “change,” Mina glanced across the hall and met Professor Dano’s eyes. He gave her a nod of approval.

“Now, will the students in the Mytris Lightning School Class of Fall 894 please begin?” She raised her cane, and the orb opened into a net. She stepped back. So did the audience.

Mina, Jyx, Ferro, Zek, Kita, Saril, and the other graduating students stood in a circle around a pile of sand in the center of the hall. Their beasts joined the circle, and each student laid one hand on their beast’s back. They raised their other hands, fingers spread wide.

The air began to crackle.

«Ooh, this is fun!»