Ever since the night Sean attacked Gage, all I see is Influence’s hold over the world, and since learning I’m the Eurydice, I have a hard time not blaming myself. At least when I start training with the Valryn, I’ll have some control over its strength. I think that’s the only part of this job I’ll actually like. It means I’m doing something good.

Mom drops me off at school early, and it’s the first time I’m able to stroll across campus at a leisurely pace. I notice things I didn’t before, like the leaves changing to red and orange and yellow. The wind is crisp and kisses my cheeks. The air smells like decay—the earthy kind, not the dead kind.

I make it all the way to Walcourt when I bump into Mr. Val in the hallway outside his classroom. He has keys in hand and is locking the door to his room.

“Miss Silby.” He turns to me. I fight the urge to run away. Yesterday, Mr. Val was my least favorite teacher at Nacoma Knight Academy. Today, he is supposed to train me in all things death.

“Is…something wrong, Mr. Val?”

“There is an assembly this morning. Headmaster Rivera thinks it wise to review rules after the events of the last week. You would know that if you ever arrived to school on time.”

“I was on time!” I defend as the first bell rings.

“Let’s not argue, Miss Silby. Shall I escort you to the auditorium?”

Uh, no. I’m perfectly capable of making it there on my own.

“I wouldn’t want you to go out of your way,” I say.

“I’m heading there anyway.”

Great.

I set out with the intention of staying one step ahead of Mr. Val the entire time, but he has longer legs and keeps stride. While I prefer not to hear his condescending tone any more today, there’s a question burning on the tip of my tongue, and before we reach the auditorium, I ask, “Why agree to train me?”

Mr. Val gives me a hard look, and I think he won’t answer, but he says, “I’d hate to lose another student, Miss Silby.”

He leaves me at the doors of the auditorium. I stand just inside, watching as students find seats. I have yet to spot anyone I know—not Lennon or Thane, Shy, Natalie or…Jacobi.

Right. Jacobi won’t be here. He’s still in the infirmary. I’m anxious for an update—had Shy heard anything else last night after he dropped me off? I would text him, but I still don’t have a phone since mine was lost at the graveyard.