Lena caught Emris’s eyes and felt like cheering. He smiled broadly, and she knew she had done it. She really had. She turned hopefully to Grand Master Auris, but the woman’s face was still stony and unreadable.

“Come here,” she said. When Lena stood close enough, she reached out, quick as a snake, and grabbed Lena’s chin, tilting her eyes up to meet her own. Lena tried to pull away, but Auris’s grip held fast, nails digging painfully into the soft flesh of her cheeks.

Emris stepped forward, his voice angry. “Grand Master—”

But Auris merely flicked her eyes and Emris froze, as if held by an invisible arm, and then stumbled backward. She returned her attention to Lena.

“I can see something …,” whispered the woman under her breath. “A shadow? A mist?”

It hurt. A pressure built behind Lena’s eyes until her head felt full of blood; the rush of her pulse was deafening in her ears. The murmur in the hall had grown to a rumble, but a cry rang out over their heads: “Stop this!”

Emris had struggled to his feet. Lena tore away from Auris’s grasp, her heart racing, the skin of her cheeks burning. She darted backward, but instantly a semicircle of red-clad mages blocked her route to the exit. The crowd was in an uproar. Emris strode to her side, placing himself between her and the Grand Master.

“You promised not to do this,” he said, glaring at the masters, fire in his eyes. “You promised never to treat another Rogue as you treated me. She’s passed the test! She’s not some criminal on trial!”

“Stand down, huntsman.” The First Huntsman stood, his kindly face twisted into a stern frown. “We cannot tolerate this insubordinate behavior, no matter your personal agenda. I can assure you the Grand Master does not intend to harm the girl, and nor does the Council. We are simply doing what is necessary.”

“Sir, I—”

“Be quiet, or be removed!” His face was full of warning.

“Order!” The slender young woman beside him, dressed in a luxurious blue silk gown, called out, “Order in the Holy Council!” The hubbub died slowly. Emris stood his ground, but Lena touched his arm, warning him off. She had to pass this test in order to be protected from Chatham. And to do that, she had to gain the Grand Master’s approval.

“What do you want from me?” Lena asked Auris.

“You have proved that you have some control over your power … but it is still somewhat unusual.” Auris eyed the globe filled with cloud, which was starting to thin as the power weakened and dissipated. “To be certain, I need to look inside you and discover its true nature,” she said, lowering her voice. “If all is as it should be, you have nothing to fear. Come here, Lena. If you are untouched by Chaos, I shall know it quickly.”