Isidorus went into deep thought. He had tightened the security to such an extent that even a bird couldn't enter the wizard kingdom unless wanted. He raced his mind everywhere but couldn't pinpoint the problem. He said, "It is highly possible that someone from inside is helping them. I will put my people on high alert. However, you have to play as if you don't know anything about it, okay?"

Adrianna nodded.

​​

"How come the students didn't assemble in the gardens today in the morning? Professor Ziu was supposed to announce the second stage of competition," she asked remembering how temperamental Professor Ziu was in the morning.

"It seems that the ministry hadn't sent the final draft to him…"

"So when will they announce it?"

"Perhaps tomorrow," said Isidorus.

Adrianna went on to narrate her day at Mihr's house that day. Isidorus laughed. He noticed that there was a scar on her cheek. "I hope this heals fast so that no one is suspicious."

"It will heal by the morning," she replied. "You are finding this funny, but I was scared that if anyone found my disguise, I'd be dead." She started laughing nervously.

Isidorus stared at her as he realized. "How come no one could detect you?"

"Because I disguised myself," replied Adrianna with a shrug.

Isidorus blinked his eyes at her.

Then she went on to talk about how strong an opponent Mihr thinks she is totally oblivious of his looks.

Everyday Isidorus was getting to know something special about Adrianna. He wanted to crown her as soon as possible. Only if those opponents started yielding just a wee bit…

At the end of the conversation, Isidorus said, "Adrianna, be careful from now onwards. We have thrown the bait at Mihr. It is possible that he may not take it, so just don't do anything that will make you look foolish."

Adrianna smiled and gestured zipping her lips. She was beginning to like Isidorus and could even joke with him occasionally.

That night she didn't go back to the werewolf realm as Dmitri had mentioned that he would be hunting with the pack in the night.

Adrianna slept early, tired from the day's activities.

---

Next day in the wizard academy, all the students gathered in the garden. Professor Ziu was standing along with other professors. Adrianna could see Professor Coral and Professor Lane too.

Lile was standing right beside her. She nudged Adrianna and said, "Adrianna, how was your day yesterday?"

Adrianna chuckled when she thought of her adventure. "Will tell you with details when this assembly is over."

A student behind them hushed the two of them.

"The second stage of competition will test the survival skills of the students. You all will be left in wilderness where you won't be able to use your magic. You will be there for a period of two days with nothing but a bottle of water and one time meal. You will also be given the flare that you can use during emergency. The notice with details is already on display on the notice board. Read the notice carefully, and if you have doubts ask your professors."

All students became extremely attentive. There was a wave of excitement amongst them. The assembly was dismissed soon after a few more announcements and the students flocked to the notice board.

Adrianna went there along with Lile. They had to push a few students around them to make way. When they reached there, they saw that there was a huge picture of snow covered mountains behind the notice. Adrianna looked at the picture and then noticed a small hut in the background. She narrowed her eyes to look at it closely. He mouth fell when recognition dawned upon her. It was Ed's hut – the inn where he stayed currently.

How could ministry treat his hideout so lightly? Her anger boiled up. Without reading the notice, she went to the headmaster's room. She started to knock the door there but stopped and retreated her hand. Professor Ziu didn't know anything about Ed. She had to inform Isidorus to keep Ed safe. She exhaled aloud and walked away from there. Ziu opened the door to see who was there and saw her walking away. He stared at her from behind.

In the magic spell class, she was not able to pay attention. Her mind wandered to Ed's safety. When the class got over, she went to the Royal Guest House for the first time and summoned Isidorus. She was hardly bothered that she was getting late for the potion class.

"The second stage of the competition is held in the wilderness where Ed is. This is detrimental for his safety. You should get the place changed," she blurted as soon as Isidorus appeared.

Isidorus went and sat down on the sofa in front and then looked at her. "More than Ed you should be bothered about your safety over there."