“As punishment, you will complete an essay on the importance of obedience to the laws of Alorria and to the commands of your teachers and supervisors. Professor Dano will point you to the relevant texts. I expect to see historical references with examples that show how the loyalty of storm guardians and their devotion to their duty contributed to the greatness of Alorria.” With that, Professor Werrin swept from the practice field back into the tower.

Everything was silent for a moment.

Mina snuck another peek at Professor Dano.

“Such a shame,” he muttered. “First student in years who listened. But perhaps good can still come of this—​if you can learn to question as well as listen.” Louder, he said, “Follow me. Just you, Mina.”

Mina hesitated. She didn’t want to leave Pixit while he was upset. But she wasn’t about to argue with Professor Dano. “I’ll be back soon,” she told Pixit. “Will you be okay?”

“I’ll take care of him,” Jyx promised. “We’ll go to the dining hall.”

He perked up. «Potatoes?»

As Mina followed Professor Dano into the north tower, she glanced back over her shoulder. Pixit was already trotting off happily with Jyx and Chauda. She felt him thinking of filling his stomach—​he’d worked up an appetite with all the flying.

At least Pixit didn’t stay unhappy for long. It wasn’t in his nature. He sparkles inside and out, she thought.

Professor Dano didn’t speak as he led her inside, which was fine with her. They walked through the quiet stone corridors—​a few students were in classrooms studying, but at this time of day, most were out flying above the hills.

It was nice to be in the castle when it was nearly empty.

She began to hope this would be a pleasant punishment. Reading relevant texts? That sounded marvelous! If she had to spend extra time alone in the library . . . But he didn’t lead her there. Instead he led her up a spiral stone staircase, too narrow for a storm beast, and halted outside a heavy iron door. After searching through his pockets, he found a key, opened the door, and shooed her inside before she could ask where they were or why.

It was a small, windowless room with books on every wall. She’d seen the school’s library—​vast shelves of books all chained in place. Books were too precious to be allowed near lightning beasts, and so access was strictly controlled. But the books here, in Professor Dano’s special library, seemed even older, and they were all unchained. Their spines were cracked leather, and the pages looked crisp and yellow. She couldn’t help but let out a little Pixit-like chirp of joy. So many books! Her fingers itched to seize one from the shelves, but she hesitated, unsure if she was allowed to touch them.