“You’ve been randomly selected for a blood test,” the guard said. “Let’s get a move on.”
“What lame-ass test is this?” Bones demanded. “I haven’t been doing drugs. Who told you I had? Was it Big G?”
The guard must’ve grabbed Bones, because he yelled, “Get your goddamn hands off of me! I don’t go anywhere I don’t want to.”
“It’s not a drug test,” the guard growled. “But I’ll make sure they test you for every drug on the list if you don’t come with me now.”
That must’ve scared Bones, because he didn’t protest any further. The guard dragged the students out of the room, though Bones could still be heard muttering curses under his breath as he left.
The room fell silent. Everyone was in complete shock.
“As I was saying—” Professor Woolly started, but a girl cut him off.
“Professor, if I can ask, what are they blood testing for?” she asked.
“I— I can’t say for sure…” He sounded a bit apprehensive.
“If they’re testing at random, we deserve to know,” she insisted.
Professor Woolly sighed. He was one of the few professors who actually cared about our rehabilitation. He was willing to get real with us and treat us like adults. “I guess you’re right, considering it’s likely you’llallbe tested eventually.”
My mouth went dry. Did this have something to do with the Warden’s experiments?
“Tested for what?” the girl pressed.
“It’s a DNA test, ordered by the Warden,” Professor Woolly admitted. “Several incidents have occurred this semester involving the Elves and Elf-hybrids. The Warden just wants to make sure everyone’s magical ancestry is well documented, to ensure the safety of the students at the Institute.”
My stomach dropped from my abdomen. I couldn’t believe the injustice. Beside me, Eddie shifted in his chair, and his shoes squeaked against the floor.
“The Elves haven’t done anything wrong!” I blurted. My hands shook. Icouldn’tget tested. The Warden would find out what I was.
“Well, that depends which side of the story you’ve heard,” Professor Woolly said, dismissing my comment. “Rest assured, you all have nothing to worry about. It is simply procedure and will improve security on campus.”
Even Professor Woolly didn’t sound like he believed it. It was more like he was repeating whatever speech the Warden had given to the professors.
I was fuming by the time class let out. “This has to be a violation of our rights,” I said to Eddie. “Why didn’t you say anything? Why didn’t you stick up for yourself?”
“I-I,” Eddie stammered. “I didn’t know whattosay. It’s not like the Elves can fight back. Not yet.”
I raked my fingers through my hair as Oberi guided me through the halls. I lowered my voice and hissed, “You know what this means, don’t you?I’mgoing to get tested.”
“We’ll figure it out,” Eddie assured me, but I wasn’t confident.
Oberi led us out into the prison yard. He must’ve sensed I needed to get the hell out of the building. My magic was starting to get away from me, and the ground shook beneath us.
I gritted my teeth. “That’s not good enough. We can’t sit around passively like we’ve been doing for months. We have todosomething.”
“What do you want me to do, Charlie?” Eddie practically begged. “Just tell me, and it’s done.”
Hell if I knew. “I’d just like to see you stand up for yourself every now and then.”
Truth was, Eddie was a quiet guy. He’d kept his head down ever since he came to the Institute. He might’ve been born to defend me, but I wasn’t sure he actually knew how to face conflict. He’d grown up in Forevermore, a paradise on earth. I’d be surprised to hear an insult come off his tongue, let alone witness him in a brawl.
My shoulders dropped. “It’s not your fault. I’m just pissed at the Warden, and I’m taking it out on you. It’s unfair.”
“I get it,” Eddie said kindly. “Things are tough right now. You have every right to be mad.”
I needed to take it easy on him. Eddie may not be able to speak up in class, but he was a good friend.
