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Professor Gregorio drones on about the significance of myrages in battles and how important honing your channeling abilities is for tipping the scales in your favor.

Ironically, it hasn’t been Elementation that has strengthened my connection to the sun, but the Goad Squad. Rehearsal after rehearsal practicing complex sunfyre shapes would make anyone better before long.

For the first time in a while, I finally feel like I am making meaningful progress in my channeling. Some people catch on quicker and some need a little more time. I’m in the latter category, though Castor always reminds me when I’m too hard on myself in our one-on-one sessions that I’m technically not a Sun’cher.

As if I needed that pointed out any more than usual. It’s already hard enough getting used to the idea of being a Starwatcher myself; it doesn’t help that the rest of the Watch seems to find multiple opportunities to check me in the shoulder or bow. Why can’t people just act normally around me? A campus pariah.

The spotlight is only fun when I choose to step into it. On a stage.

With a fiddle.

And a tankard of ale.

And a good Telling at the ready.

I chuckle under my breath, and Ramona jabs the side of my arm.

Professor Gregorio paces back and forth at the front of the classroom, waiting for us to finish our latest assignment, when the door slams open.

Cadets gasp. Ramona stands with her daggers drawn. Gryphon pushes his chair back, already launching himself over the desk toward the Professor.

A WatchGuard in full battle armor charges inside the classroom. “Professor!”

“What is it, dear boy?”

I wouldn’t classify the fully bearded WatchGuard as a boy, but I’m not the storyteller here.

“It’s the research you asked the battalion to look into.”

Murmurs erupt across the classroom. WatchGuards are stationed all across the New World, some actively serving on the front lines, some in WatchTowers, and others have dual roles in combat and research.

The WatchGuard catches his breath. “It’s the moon.”

Professor Gregorio’s face pales, then turns toward the classroom. “This will be your first in-field exposure as second-stones of the Watch.” He turns back to the guard. “Speak plainly.”

“Th-th-the moon appears to be… floating away.”

“Yes, yes, we know this.”

“Respectfully sir, it’s much worse than we thought. Our telescopes read that the entire orbit is about… about to—”

“Spit it out!” Sabra heckles, clearly unbothered by the fact that she is talking over a guard of a higher rank.

Professor Gregorio glares at Sabra.

She sits back in her chair, hands raised.

“It appears that the moon will exit the orbit soon. We are at risk of it completely detaching.”

By the sun.

The professor gulps audibly. “Oh dear. That is much worse.” He twirls a finger in his russet beard. “Thank you for sharing. Have Doc send me her full report.”

The WatchGuard nods and runs out of the classroom.

Silence, then—

“What does this mean?”