“Let’s pair off,” Han said. “See if anybody can make it work.” He paused, then added, “I’ll go with Micah.” Lacing his fingers across his chest, he cradled the serpent amulet and slid a smile across the table to Bayar.

For a long moment no one said anything. Abelard looked from Han to Micah, as if trying to divine Han’s intentions.

“All right,” the dean said, shrugging. “Why not?”

“I choose Hadron,” Mordra said. Han wasn’t sure if she was aiming to stay away from Fiona or cozy up to an almost-master.

“No!” Micah said, pressing both hands flat against the tabletop. “I will not team up with Alister. He can work with someone else.”

Abelard’s lips tightened. “Newling Bayar, we discussed this, and…”

“Maybe you have your reasons for inviting a street thug to our gatherings,” Micah said, his face bone white and furious, “but you should remember that this gutter-whelped thief attacked my father and nearly killed him.”

Eyes widened all around the table. Some shifted away from Han.

“What’s the matter, Micah?” Han said, tilting his head back and looking down his nose at the High Wizard’s son. “Are you afraid?” He fingered the Demon King’s amulet.

Micah stood. “I merely believe that if one associates with filth, eventually the stench rubs off.” He inclined his head to Abelard. “Dean Abelard, if you will excuse me.” Turning on his heel, he walked out. Fiona stared after her brother, then looked back at Han, eyes narrowed in appraisal. She looked almost…impressed.

The others also sat frozen, sliding wary looks at Han. He guessed that no one else would be eager to pair up with him, either.

Abelard looked up at the clock on the wall. “Our time is up,” she said as if she were glad of it. “Too bad. Next week, Master Gryphon will lead a discussion of glamours and their use in warfare.”

Chairs scraped back as Abelard’s crew beat a hasty retreat.

C H A P T E R  N I N E T E E N

CAUGHT IN
THE ACT

The spidery diagram swam on the page, and Raisa’s eyes practically crossed as she forced herself to focus. Earthwork fortifications used against pirates along the Indio after the Breaking. She faced yet another test in history of warfare.

At least the term is almost over, she thought.

Pushing her book aside, she glanced around. It was almost dinnertime, but the common room was empty save for her. This was Amon’s only night free of obligations. Raisa meant to intercept him and have an actual conversation. He’d been less available than ever these past few weeks. Almost furtive.

Speaking of furtive. Lifting the blotter, Raisa pulled a few scribbled pages from underneath and reviewed what was left there.

Mother,

Please know that I am well and safe, and I hope this finds you well also.