Professor Durney comes into the classroom and whispers something to Professor Sofronio.

Their expression is odd, and the class stares at them uneasily. But then Professor Durney looks up and gives the class a warm smile, like usual before leaving.

Professor Sofronio clears her throat and says, “Professor Durney just made an interesting suggestion. Since you are all close to graduating, he suggested to add more magic classes. We’ll be having class outside today.”

Excited murmurs erupt among the students. 

“And,” Professor Sofronio continues before the class can get too rowdy, “A very special guest will be teaching you.”

A burst of wind explodes next to her, making everyone shield their face from the intensity. It dies down to reveal Zephen standing confidently next to Professor Sofronio, his face stoic. “I will be your new teacher.”

I mentally scoff at him, hiding half my face with my hand from second-hand embarrassment. Dramatic much? 

“Lord Gale?” Another wave of gasps sound, filled with awe and disbelief.

“We don’t need you to teach us.” Cain growls, eyes narrowing dangerously on Zephen. “There’s no need. We can use magic perfectly fine.”

There’s a hushed chorus of agreement amongst the students.

“Is that so?” Zephen raises a brow, his toned filled with amusement. “Then what about in combat?” With a puff, he disappears, reappearing right in front of Cain who stumbles back in surprise.

He tilts his head mockingly, earning a scowl from Cain whose eyes have begin to glow with power.

A wall of water appears between them, forcing Zephen back, though his face is lax as if he expected it.

Water catapults from Cain’s palms, but is easily diffused by Zephen’s wind, thrown off course and scattered into the air.

Zephen summons a gale that slashes against Cain like invisible knives. Cain gathers the water in the air to create a shield, blocking the blows.

Before Cain could release his shield, Zephen appears behind him, his hand wrapping around his neck in a vice-like grip.

“From what I see,” Zephen looks pleased with his triumph, “there’s no way you can protect yourself. It’s crucial skill to know.” He releases Cain who still has a scowl on his face, but doesn’t speak, just rubbing his reddening neck.

Zephen takes a step back, clearing his throat. “Let me clarify. My goal is not for you to fight,” he pauses, eyes scanning the huddled bodies of students, “but for you to survive. You need to learn to protect yourselves in case of an emergency.”

Someone scoffs. “What emergency? We have always been peaceful.”

Zephen let’s out a wry smile. “You can never be too careful.” He breathes out slowly. “I’ll first have each of you show me your powers independently. I need to know what you can and cannot do. Everyone is different—therefore I cannot teach a unanimous method to help all of you; I must work with you individually. Let us go to the courtyard now.”

One by one the students file out of the classroom and head outside. The sun is warm and comforting. I’d love to just lie here and take a nap, to forget everything for a while.

Once everyone is gathered outside, Zephen places a hand on his hip and scans the group. “Now,” his voice rings out, “who’s first?”

Cain mutters something in a language I don’t recognize, stepping forward and throwing Zephen a glare. “Might as well be me.”

“No.” Zephen shakes his head. “Not you.”

“Are you kidding me?” The air becomes suffocatingly humid, like breathing in water. I hold my breath. 

“No.” Zephen says dryly, serious. “I know your powers. I will deal with you later. I don’t have much time, and I want to know the others.”

“I’ll go first.” Rosalia bravely steps forward, confidence piercing through her shyness. Suddenly she seems like a different person, more radiant and beautiful than ever before.

Zephen seems pleased. “Excellent.”

I sit alone next to my group of classmates, criss-crossed on the soft grass.

I pay rapt attention as Rosalia makes the grass grow higher than the academy building, weaving together like rope as it ties itself around a pillar, alive like a snake. She could pull apart the entire building if she wanted.

Her powers are amazing, her strength unmeasurable and I would’ve never guessed someone who looked as fragile and harmless as her would be able to control such magic.

“Nature magic.” Zephen’s lips curl up into a pleased smile as he nods. “Brilliant magic, might I add.” Rosalia turns red, head bowing in respect before she steps back into the crowd of students, her presence disappearing as she tries to blend in again.

Perhaps having her start might not have been the best idea, for now the others are nervous and scared to follow after her. 

I meet her eyes and give her a thumbs-up, in which she smiles timidly back. 

“Next,” Zephen calls, and a student is pushed out, trembling as they flex their fingers and begin the display.

Eventually, the other students finish displaying their powers, and instructed to gather into pairs for combat training until Zephen comes around to give them their lesson.

I watch from the side, suddenly wishing I had magic too so I could join them. It looks kind of fun.

It’s just awful to have all the consequences of being Fay and yet not having the perks of actually using magic.

I watch as odd magic soars through the air. Someone turns into a toad and starts jumping on top of people’s heads, earning screams and funny dances as they try to get him off.

I giggle at the chaos, pairs turning into one big class with mismatched magic everywhere. Maybe it is good that I sit out for these classes. I wouldn’t want a frog on my head.

The air flickers beside me. “They’re terrible at this.”

“It’s funny.” I grin up at Zephen who looks irritated, his face becoming darker by the second. “They’re kids.”

“They’re going to get themselves killed.” He shakes his head with a sigh before he blocks a series of jagged rocks that fly his way.

“Practice makes perfect?” I offer with a lopsided grin.

“You seem to be having a lot of fun watching.” He narrows his eyes on me. “But don’t forget you’re the most vulnerable here. They can use magic—you can’t. When it comes down to it, you won’t be able to protect yourself.”

“Well, yes. But—” He doesn’t give me a chance to continue before he hoists me up by the arm, dragging me towards the rowdy class.

“What are you doing?” I hiss at him, alter, trying to break free but he’s so much stronger. The students open up a path for him when they see him, immediately halting in their actions.

I stand in the middle with him still gripping me tightly, all eyes now turned to me. I gulp, having a terrible premonition. 

“I know students don’t usually get the opportunity to use magic to your full extent.” Zephen says with a very pleasant tone, making a chill go down my spine.

Nothing good comes from a tone like that. “So I offer you the chance to test your magic on our new student.” He pushes me forward, leaving me bare and vulnerable to the world. “And don’t hold back.”

“What?” I gasp at Zephen, eyes wide with terror, his words barely registering in my mind. “You’re going to let them all attack me?”

He smiles. “That’s right.”