The Glass Tower never fails to make me feel small. Windows and mirrors line the walls in an alternating pattern. The floor is a polished marble gifted to the Leonodai by the bearkings of old, before their kind became as reclusive as they are now. The light gray stone nearly glows, appearing to contain a depth of light and swirling patterns like the ocean’s surface. The first time I saw it, I was almost afraid to step onto it—it looked as if there was nothing to catch me.

At the end of the hall are the thrones, two high-backed chairs of dark wood inlaid with gold. The thrones themselves are empty. Instead of the royal family, the current sentinels wait for us in front of the dais. Such a sight would usually inspire pride in me, but to interrupt the High Summer festival with bells so low and foreboding …

“Hey,” calls a voice. Exin comes over to me. “Missed you earlier at the race. Where were you?”

“Dealing with something … else,” I reply. “I’ll tell you later.”

He indicates his head toward the sentinels. “Any idea what’s going on?”

“No clue.”

“Whatever it is, it’s enough to worry the citizens,” he says. “We’re never called like this.” Exin glances around, then nods toward a group of warriors-elect who just flew in. “Maybe the king’s moved their ceremony up a day?”

“But why?” I reply. “Besides, none of their families are here.”

Near us, in a group of seasoned warriors six years my senior, I spot Sethran. He was involved in my third and fourth years of training, and after his classes ended, I sought him out for one-on-one mentoring. With a keen mind for strategy, he doesn’t always fight in tournaments, but when he does, he is an absolute spectacle to watch.

Sethran sees me and nods, touching his hand to his shoulder. I do the same, spirit rising at the sign of respect from him. Then I spot Rowan in a group of warriors-elect behind him, and my excitement vanishes.

I should have kept my mouth shut. At least the bells gave us something to focus on. She said she’d find me later, and I have to respect that. If she wants to find me, she will. The tiny spot of pale blue stands out against the dark of her hair. Almost reverently, I touch the matching earring and rub the metal between my fingers.

Then I notice Ox breaking through the crowd toward her. He says something to her and then, with a touch at the small of her back, makes his way over to the other warriors.