Page 18 of Stormbreaker

silver: and twisted, baby

hazel: I looked it up. a Solitude hasn’t tried to pledge in like ten years, and he didn’t last more than a day at Amery

hazel: “disappeared under mysterious circumstances”

silver: noo. not before I get to see him shirtless at least

trinity: Do you have history this morning too?

silver: ya

silver: meet you down there?

trinity: Me and Poe are almost ready. See you soon.

I scan the text thread as Trinity finishes in the bathroom, laughing at Silver and thinking about what Hazel said. If the last Solitude only lasted a day, then surely this Rook won’t be here much longer. He’s a danger to us and everyone within these walls.

Once we’re ready, Trinity and I enter the auditorium for our first class of the school year. The massive circular room is already buzzing with chatter as we search for empty seats. Again, we sit divided into our respective Houses.

“Where’s Edward?” I ask.

“He overslept. His roommates got creative last night and tied him to the bed with towels,” Trinity answers.

I stop and look back. “You mean Knox?”

She shrugs. “Apparently, they were just having fun. Someone rescued him eventually.”

I shake my head and spy Knox waving at me, but I pretend not to notice.

“Over here,” I say, pointing in the opposite direction, where Silver and Hazel are moving down the row to some empty seats. I notice several cogs scattered around the room, with a few already seated in Fiama’s section, and I wonder if that’s an indication of where they intend to pledge.

“Oh, looks like someone saved you a seat,” Trinity says. I turn around to find her making eye contact with Knox as he gestures me over. When Trinity sees the look on my face, she winces. “Sorry. I wasn’t thinking.”

I sigh. “Then you’re coming with me.”

“Okay, I deserve that.”

I huff and snag her wrist as a row of students quickly scoots out of our way. I offer them a thank-you as we pass.

“Don’t play pranks on Edward,” I scold Knox as we approach.

“We were just having fun,” he answers with a laugh, echoing Trinity. “He’s fine.”

Then he winks before turning to Sal and Jackson. I wave at Verity sitting on Jackson’s far side, regretting that I said anything. It probably means they’ll give Edward an even harder time.

I plop into my seat before Trinity and I start comparing our schedules for this semester.

During first year, we’ll take most of the same classes before declaring our majors in second year. Even our futures are determined by our chosen House, with the highest-level jobs falling under their respective juris­dictions. Like most of House Fiama, Trinity’s goal is to join the Patrol and become a high-ranking officer, maybe even chief of a large division. Thus, her classes include a focus on the social sciences, physical combat, and leadership.

Knox is opting for a general education that includes a bit of everything from history to finance to ethics, preparing him for his role as House scion. I’m expected to do the same, as per my father’s wishes, but obviously, I have other plans.

I’ve wanted to join the Storm Guard for as long as I can remember, not only because I know it’s where I can be most useful, but also because I’ve never had any desire to join the Patrol. Our welcome package said we could register for cadet training in the dean’s office.

The other options open to Society members are positions with The Shield that include communications, border surveillance, and online security.

A few minutes later, a low chorus of excited voices ripples through the crowd. I turn to look back at what has everyone’s attention.

The Solitude stands at the door in the same weird, still way as always. He’s wearing another version of his Amery black and silver: a fitted black T-shirt, black boots, and pants with silver bands running up the sides.