Page 77 of Hero of Havoc

Guilt pricks at me as I offer a tight smile. “Silas,” I greet, and he nods before turning back to face the front of the class.

Sax’s hand lands on my thigh. I can’t tell if it’s in comfort or a warning, but I focus my attention on the professor instead.

“Good morning. Let’s not waste time; settle in,” the professor commands, smoothing her dusty brown blazer and sliding her glasses up her nose.

We only see her once a week for general knowledge about the Fifth Kingdom. I can't even remember the true class title, but it hardly matters when I know I’m failing regardless.

“With the next Mating Ball approaching, and after the recent… disappointments, I need to ensure you all represent this academy and yourselves properly,” she says, and I pinch my brow in confusion.

“Mating Ball?” I whisper to Sax, his fingers flexing against my skin. “Doesn’t she mean the Ceremony? Isn’t that still a ways off?”

“The ball is the follow-up,” he breathes, my eyes tracking his lips as he speaks. “It’s a celebration to foster the bond and show The Fates how their choices are working out,” he adds, and I blink at him.

How did I not know this was a thing?

How did I miss that any of these balls existed?

Maybe because I wasn’t a student before, but it’s still surprising. They were happy enough to televise the charity sleepover, after all.

“We’ll spend the next few weeks planning every detail, from menus to the schedule. Perhaps then we won't have to deal with power outages or uncontrollable fire.”

Her gaze locks on mine, and there’s no doubt who she’s blaming.

I gulp.

“Maybe she just shouldn't come at all,” Bonnie chimes in, and I feel irritation flare up my spine as she snickers. “It’d be a favor to us and The Fates. They might see the error of their ways.” Her scowl is fixed on me, but I ignore her, even though she’s right in front of me.

“That’s not how we do things here, Bonnie. I thought you’d know that by now.” I frown at the professor’s words, but she dismisses the thorn in my side before I can hope for more.

“I’m splitting you into groups of six for specific tasks. This isn't just about what you want; it’s a campus assignment based on everyone’s input.”

A spark of excitement makes me sit up. I actually enjoy planning. Events were the only joy in my old life. This might be a welcome distraction.

A quick scan confirms she’s creating four groups.

“Do we pick our own?” Bonnie asks, annoying me just by existing.

“No. That’s already settled. We’re focusing on the theme, music, decor, and menu. Categories overlap, so you’ll have to collaborate. I think it’ll benefit the campus. Now⁠—”

“Which class is handling security?” Archer interrupts, drawing my attention.

“Obviously not this one, Mr. Bowen,” the professor snaps, and Archer’s knuckles turn white as he grips the table, baring his teeth.

“I get that, but since you’ve had plenty to say about security failures already, I’d prefer it wasn’t left to some random group who won't take it seriously.”

If I dropped a pin now, it would sound like a bomb going off.

“It isn’t a student responsibility to plan security, so it isn't a category,” the professor grumbles, sniffing as she adjusts her glasses.

“So we’re just doing the fluff?” he fires back, and she waves him off.

“Groups will be as follows,” she continues, ignoring him as she checks her device and starts calling names. “Bonnie, Archer⁠—”

“Nope,” he cuts in, earning a pout from Bonnie as she looks back at him.

Jealousy ignites my magic as Sax grips my thigh harder, his fingertips sinking into my skin.

“You don’t have a say, Mr. Bowen. Interrupt me again and you can leave.”