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“You seem to be settling rather well into Spearcrest Academy, Zachary.”
I nod. “I think so, Mr Ambrose. The teachers here have high expectations. I’m working my hardest to meet them.”
Mr Ambrose smiles and lays a hand on my shoulder. “I know you are. You’ve made an excellent first impression on all your teachers, Zachary. I hear nothing but the best.”
My chest swells with pride. I’m not surprised to hear this—I’ve worked very hard for this.
“And how about Theodora?” Mr Ambrose asks. “Have you kept an eye on her as we discussed? Is she settling in alright?”
I pause before I answer. This is something my father taught me: when answering a question, only open your mouth once you are certain of your answer. Opening your mouth before you know your answer is the surest way of rushing yourself into saying something foolish.
My father was right. Every day of my life at Spearcrest, I witness my peers open their mouths before they know their answers, only to rush themselves into saying something stupid.
So. The answer to Mr Ambrose’s question.
Have I kept an eye on Theodora? Of course—it was my sacred duty, wasn’t it? And how could I not keep an eye on her when my gaze is drawn to her like a moth to a flame?
The sense I had during that first meeting—that she was special—never went away. It only strengthened with time. Theodora is special, and Mr Ambrose asked me to keep an eye on her, and that also counts for something.
Whatever it is that sets the events of our universe in motion—call it God, or fate, or the cosmos—chose me for this task for a reason.
If Theodora wishes me not to approach her, that doesn’t mean I have to give up my mission. I can give her what she wants and still not fail in my duty. I never have to speak a word to Theodora if that’s what she wishes, but if anything were to happen to her in Spearcrest, I’d know. I’d be there if she needed me.
So is Theodora settling in alright? That’s what Mr Ambrose wants to know. He seems concerned about her. I don’t blame him.
“Theodora works extremely hard, Mr Ambrose,” I say finally. “She’s in all the top sets now.”
Mr Ambrose smiles and gives a slow nod, as though deep in thought. “I had a feeling that would be the case.” His gaze focuses on me once more, and he raises an eyebrow. “Is she giving you a run for your money?”
It’s hard to tell. Theodora is quiet and reserved. In class, she keeps her answers to herself and never raises her hand. When the teachers pick her to answer a question or solve a problem or give her opinion on a topic, she gives short, thoughtful answers without elaborating.
“I’m not sure yet, Mr Ambrose. I guess we’ll find out at the end of the year.”
“Well, I wish you both luck. I think you two could really help drive each other.”
I give Mr Ambrose a courteous smile. In theory, he’s correct. Theodora and I could help drive each other—how many great achievements in history have been spurred by rivalries?
But Theodora seems to be an ivory tower of her own at the moment. An ivory tower within the ivory tower of Spearcrest Academy—an impressive achievement, actually.
Unfortunately for me, it’s difficult to compete with someone who refuses to even acknowledge your existence.
I’m patient, though. Like two celestial bodies bound by the same gravity, Theodora and I can never quite escape one another.
Of that, I’m certain.
AttheendofYear 7, I inspect the boards displaying the exam results for each class. I’m not surprised to find my name at the top of each board—but I’m more surprised than I should be to find Theodora’s next to it.
Zachary Blackwood and Theodora Dorokhova.
I would have preferred my name to stand alone at the top—a confirmation of my intellectual superiority over my peers—but seeing my name next to Theodora’s feels right, somehow.
Our names look good together.
Important. Significant. Powerful.
When I return home that summer, my parents ask me about the summer exams. They ask me at dinnertime on the first day of the holidays; they don’t even bother to act like this isn’t the most important question on their minds.
I tell them the truth—that I came first alongside another student. My mother raises her eyebrows.
