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“I’m fine and I’ll be even better once we win this challenge. We’re looking for a book with a spine of gold marked with Athena’s symbol.”
“Of course, that makes perfect sense—knowledge in the Knowledge Room. I know exactly where to look, c’mon.” Braxton says shooting up the stairs, two at a time.
I smack straight into Davina as I reach the top.
“What areyousmiling at Basic?” she sniggers.
“Nothing.” I meet her eyes and continue to follow Braxton.
Both girls pivot and follow me. There’s not much I can do to dissuade them; we will simply have to find the book first. Braxton moves through the crescent shaped bookshelves until we reach the westernmost point of the Knowledge Room. There we find the book section marked philosophy, and I join him at his side. Melodie and Davina stand behind, waiting to pounce. Rows of shelves reveal black spined books, nothing in gold—they all look the same. Maybe I’m wrong and the vision I had meant nothing.
“They’ve no idea where it is. Useless as usual. Let’s go.” Melodie says to Davina, whose eyes bore into mine as she departs.
Braxton slides his hand into mine and gives it a light squeeze. “Are you okay?”
“I know it’s here. Ifeelit.”
Spying the window above the shelves, I move to position myself directly below it. My eyes follow the trail of light it castson the bookshelf and from my vantage point, one book spine shines in gold, and its symbol is now prominent.
“I see it Braxton.” I say, my voice wobbling.
“Go for it Siriarna, you deserve this,” he replies full of encouragement.
Tentatively and with trembling hands, I pull the volume from the shelf and open it. Out flies a holographic owl, identical to the one depicted on the book spine. After scanning our faces, it hoots, “Siriarna and Braxton are the winners. Meet in the Auditorium immediately.” The owl flies through the Knowledge Room and out the window, continuing its enchanted message throughout all Evolirium.
“I can’t believe we did it.” I whisper to Braxton. The enormity of our win slowly sinking in.
His face is spread into a wide grin that lights up his entire face. It suits him. “I’m not one bit surprised, my lady.”
Our victory is interrupted by a scream, “No, no, NO,” coming from inside the Knowledge Room. Following the screech, I find Alexandraya collapsed on the floor in fits of angst and frustration. I step over her, repeating her previous words, “All’s fair in love and war,” and continue to the Auditorium.
That felt way too good.
******
Alexandraya
I hate her. I hate her more than I ever have. HowdareBasic Siriarna steal this challenge from me! It was my destiny. My time to shine. Mine. I will make sure that useless little nobody is sorry. Who does she think she is, messing with me? I rule this realm. Me. Not her. She will pay for this!
******
Chapter15
Siriarna
High Power Omnisensus and the six Propensity Leaders are standing at the front of the Auditorium, waiting. They approach Braxton and I as we enter, offering spirited congratulations. In all honesty, I’m in a complete state of shock. The last Leader to come forward is Simeon, “I knew you could do it, Siriarna. I’m so proud of you.”
Gisella, Braxton’s Propensity Leader, sends him a salute. It is a great honour for a Leader to have one of their students win the annual challenge.
The remaining students start to spill into the Auditorium. They circle around Braxton and me, each keen to congratulate us on our win. I feel like I’m floating on a cloud, and it is surreal. It is, without a doubt, the best thing that has ever happened to me on Evolirium.
Amongst all the excitement, I see Roman and the TON make their entrance. Only Roman moves in our direction. Alexandraya, Melodie and Davina remain at the back of the room.
“Well done, Siriarna. And you too Braxton,” he says sincerely, at the same time looking impossibly handsome.
Beneath his smile, his face shows signs of resignation and my heart breaks a little. I follow behind as he retreats. Tapping him on the shoulder, I ask when he’s facing me, “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Okay,” he says guardedly.
