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Leaf is first to stand, followed by nearly everyone clapping and screaming with joy.

“What is the deal with Solarball?” I ask Ramona.

She looks affronted. “What do you mean what is the deal?” Pink spots dot her cheeks. She almost looks more joyous than Leaf. “It’s only the best sport on the planet!”

“I don’t follow.”

“Sun burn me, Akemi.” She juts her head forward, eyes wide. “Are you saying that you haven’t seen a Solarball game?”

I shrug.

“Fucking Hel. I will need to give you a crash course—”

“SILENCE!” the Commander yells once more.

Elder Markus clears his throat. “Great to see your excitement matches my own. We will hold tryouts once the coaching position is filled as Professor Novak is no longer a member of the faculty. Stay tuned for more information, and”—his gaze full of hatred finds mine—“stay vigilant. Welcome to the Watch!”

The crowd disperses, heading into the castle. Professors direct new cadets to their room assignments, while other returning students linger outside as the last beams of sunlight silhouette the mountain range.

Leaf guides Ramona and me to the steps leading into the castle, then pauses. “Be ready at sundown for your first real party. Meet here on the steps.” He looks at both of us, warm brown eyes landing on Ramona’s crossed arms. “Wear something nice.” He winks, then struts into the castle as if he owns the place.

Ramona mentions something about there being too much air in Leaf’s brain or something like that, but my mind is stuck on the way the Elder Superior of the Watch still seems to hate me. Possibly even blame me for a fracturing peace treaty that was built ages ago.

So much for staying off his radar.

14

Trapping Fireflies

The stone of the castle is cold on the side of my exposed arms as I lean against the structure. Only a glimmer of light from the rising moon and stars pokes out from behind a thin layer of clouds. I snap my fingers, igniting a bit of sun magic, and roll the little ball of light around my knuckles before snuffing it out and starting all over again.

Sh-they should be getting here shortly.

I flick another orb of light around my fingers, not irritated one bit about having to wait here while Gryphon and Kauri kick off the festivities. We spent all day yesterday prepping for this, pooling our magic together to create the biggest, most memorable back-to-academy bash yet. Kauri and I were easy partners, both being third-year Sun Watchers and previous teammates on the Forest Tribe last year. Our friendship came easily, having to both work under a bunch of selfish Elves. Gryphon was the last piece of our plan. For a giant of a man, he really is quite a skilled Moon’cher, and we needed his magic to supplement the myrage that Kauri and I built.

Ramona is going to be so impressed with me. I flick another sun orb around my fingers when Akemi and Ramona round the corner.

The sun orb drops to the ground. “Shit!” I stomp vigorously until the damn thing is put out.

Ramona is wearing a skin tight black dress that sits way too high on her thighs. Strapped around her waist and along the inside of her leg is a black leather sheath. The way it squeezes her tan, muscular legs should be studied.

“Like my dress, Leaf?” Ramona crosses her arms, leaning into one hip.

Before I can answer, Akemi adds, “Are we wearing the right attire for this super top secret party?”

I quickly assess her tight leather leggings and golden crop top, though my eyes flick back to Ramona. Is her hair a little longer since last year?

“Leaf, hello? Anyone there?” She waves her hand. “I swear, your attention span is getting worse the longer I know you.”

I flick my fingers, rolling a tiny orb of sun magic once more, and toss the stray loc from my pony tail back over my shoulder. The single movement restores my confidence to its usual, very respectfully high, place. I don’t hide my grin. “You both look amazing. Now come here so I can show you off.”

I turn and extend my elbow on either side. With Akemi on my left and Ramona on my right, I lead them down a sloping path into the woods.

Crickets chirp in a consistent drone accompanied by the occasional croak of a frog as we head deeper into the hundred-foot pines along the southern edge of the Watch.

Akemi’s head swivels up to the speckled sky, seemingly lost in thought, while Ramona keeps huffing in agitation.

“What’s gotten into you?” I ask.