Page 162 of Stormbreaker

The Extinguishers pass through our line and turn to face us, while the E-squad spreads around them. Lieutenant Dire steps forward and holds up a small device with a screen. “It’s very simple,” he says in a rough voice. “We’ll be drawing a small sample of your blood to be scanned by the meter. It tests for the presence of the infection. We’ve performed some trials on several test groups, and the results have been nearly perfect so far.”

He smiles, though there is no warmth in it. “Please form three lines, and we’ll get started.”

My heart was already racing, but now it’s pounding so hard that I feel like I’m underwater. What are Rook and I going to do?

But it’s already too late. An Extinguisher has approached Rook with the device. He grabs Rook’s wrist and presses a knob at the top to the tip of Rook’s finger. Rook winces, and my breath stops as I wait for impending disaster.

Everyone falls silent as we watch. They’re all horrified; I can tell by the tension in the air. And they don’t even know how much danger he’s in. The device whirs and beeps a few times, and then a green light flashes on the screen.

“Clear,” the Extinguisher announces, and I exhale the heavy breath lodged in my chest.

Rook’s gaze meets mine, and he blinks. I’m not sure what just happened, but I nearly collapse in relief.

The Extinguishers continue, while I wait in anticipation. Just because Rook passed doesn’t mean I’ll have the same result. I hold my breath as Lieutenant Dire gestures with a crooked finger for me to approach.

My knees have locked, but I force myself toward him and hold out my hand. He presses the device to my finger, and I feel the prick as the needle pierces my skin. I concentrate on breathing, trying not to faint. Thinking noninfected thoughts.

A few seconds pass as Dire looks at the screen, and then . . . it flashes green. I nearly laugh with relief.

I shuffle back, catching sight of Trinity, noticing a strange look pass over her face.

Our eyes meet, and she gives me a small, uncertain smile. I nod, then find my place next to Domino until everyone has been tested. Thankfully, everyone passes with a green light. I don’t think I could bear to watch another person taken away.

Henry stands before us again. “With that done, we can begin,” he says, eyeing up the Extinguishers with barely veiled distaste. I’m not sure if they notice. He pulls out the tablet tucked under his arm and taps the screen. “Rook Athira, you’re up first!”

We’re all arranged in a line, with Rook at the head. I wish I could tell him good luck. As Henry checks us all off, the other Storm Guards disperse into the trees to keep an eye on us during the exam.

I wait for the Extinguishers to leave, but instead, they follow the Breakers into the trees along with their student recruits. I watch Trinity disappear into the bush, angry that they’re staying to observe. They already tested us. This is just to assert their dominance and scare us. They’re nothing but a bunch of bullies.

I look up at the net of Spark buzzing overhead.

Now I’ll have to be extra careful out there.

I watch the back of Rook’s head from where I find myself about halfway down the line. He looks over his shoulder and winks, giving me a cocky smile. He must also be feeling the stress of the Extinguishers’ presence, but he’s hiding it well. Or maybe he’s just that confident. I take comfort in it, allowing his self-assurance to seep into my watery nerves. If he can be brave, then so can I.

I put the rest out of my mind. Qualifying for second year is my first priority.

Next, I search for Domino closer to the end of the line. We nod to each other, firming up our resolve.

Henry sets a timer on his watch and signals to Rook.

“You’ll go every two minutes on the minute!” Henry shouts, and then he counts Rook into the course.

“Three, two, one . . .”

He’s off. Rook disappears into the trees at a full clip, the rustle of leaves signaling his flight until the forest goes silent except for our soft breaths and the sound of the wind.

“Next!” Henry shouts, and the line shuffles forward. “All good?” he asks when I reach the front.

I nod with a sharp dip of my chin. “I’m ready.”

He claps a hand on my shoulder. “Raine would be so proud of you,” he says, and I wish that didn’t make me want to cry. “Ready!” he shouts. “Set! Go!”

And then I’m off.

I race through the trees, following the markers down a narrow, shaded path. My first stop is a tower a few handspans wide, adorned with metal rungs. I climb up, one hand over the other, to reach a rope attached to a beam running across a wide space.

I can’t help but think of my Society test, when two innocent people were nearly killed in these very trees. I wonder what ever became of them and hope they’re safe.