Wisp hurried through the wide, icy streets. The day was new, some climbed ladders to put out the light in the street lamps. Shops were just opening, and a few ambled to work. Many worked at the great castle in the center of town, others stayed in the different warm buildings inside the city gates performing different tasks. She had her own assignment today.

“The king desires your presence,” the messenger told her, “please meet him at the Great Library on Salvic Street.”

Her sprinting sent small chunks of slush flying. At this point in her life, she knew how to avoid slipping on the icy stones beneath her. Summer was coming at a slow pace, soon the ice would melt.

People moved out of the way as she hurried by. Some smiled, recognizing her face. Others nearly slipped and fell over as she pushed by. Wisp would stop and make sure they were safe before continuing on.

Farmers from the outer region brought their goods for the market. Some were carrying their trade to buildings. Fresh bread, swords, crates filled with different things.

Wisp stopped at an intersection, allowing a mounted patrol to go ahead of her. She gazed up at the armored unicorns and riders. They had a crossbow, spear, and a sword with them. They looked down at her and said a greeting before continuing with their duties.

She pulled her jacket tighter against her body. It was a nice morning, but after spending so much time with the Crimsons, her home was almost unbearable. Wisp made her way across the busier street, weaving through the crates blocking her path.

“Good morning!”

“Hal scvetch!” Wisp smiled, the greeting meant ‘bright day to you and king’ and was often spoken to those in this country. It had been so long since she heard it. Wisp returned the kind greeting.

Standing above the other houses and stores was the Great Library. Standing at six stories tall, it was nowhere near as impressive as the nearby castle. The library and center of the castle had a golden dome, glistening in the rising sun. All buildings were made of brick and stone, trying to keep the heat inside. Golden rods protruded into the sky, flags waved in the small wind.

Something new was the Abyssals hovering around, she barely noticed them on her way to the library. Wisp stopped, gazing at the library from a street corner. Several Abyssals flew around the library roof. Wisp assumed that their appearance became more common because of the alliance.

Wisp made her way to the library, pace a lot slower now. She began to wonder what Croun wanted. Who else would be at this meeting? Kin? She hoped so.

The streets bustled more, today a work day for some, but many liked to spend the morning reading. Easily, she wove through the crowd. Tall figures strode past her, talking, laughing, whispering. It was so calm for such a time of desperation.

At last Wisp stood before the great building. She pulled the glass door back and walked through another doorway. Cold behind, she stood among millions of books. Adults walked by, continuing with their own business.

Where did Croun want to meet her?

A stranger stood by one of the front desks, surveying the crowd for someone. Courageously, she approached him. He did a quick bow as she stood before him.

“Did His Eminence summon you?”

“Y—yes, sir.”

“He waits for you on the third floor, another will guide you from there.”

She thanked him before hurrying to the wide staircase. It would be a long run around the circular stairs before she reached Croun. Hopefully she would be the first one to arrive.

Wisp sped through the book aisles, dodging the still people. She muttered apologies as she bumped into gossipers. No one seemed to mind.

Finally, she reached the spiral stairs lined against the circular building and continued her sprint. Some books were set on the corner of the steps in neat piles. Wisp tried to avoid as many as possible, but this meeting was probably more important than the neat piles and slow scholars walking by.

“Watch out, little one.”

It took a minute before she reached the third floor. Her short time with the Crimsons gave her great muscles. Wisp was barely winded. A younger man stood at the top of the stairs, dressed in a black suit, and hands folded behind him. Wisp assumed this was who she was supposed to talk to next.

“Excuse me, s—sir? Croun told me to come here today.”

He nodded, “yes, please follow me.” Wisp shuffled by his side. “You barely made it on time. Everyone was getting worried.”

Oh shoot. Wisp remained silent, cheeks red. So much for trying to impress Croun by being on time. Perhaps it was the messenger's fault for her tardiness.

The gentleman opened a door to one of the back rooms. Wisp thanked him, entering. Inside were ten people, almost all adults. Wisp swallowed, face sweating. She sat down in the only available seat. Croun watched her, slightly distraught. Was she the cause of his stress?

“I’m sorry, sir. I came as fast as possible.”

“Don’t worry, Wisp. You’re here and that is what counts.”

A boy about her age scoffed, rolling his eyes. Wisp cast him a sharp glance. Did she know him? His dark hair and grim eyes. A few freckles covered his dark cheeks.

“Let us begin. I am here to congratulate you all personally. Each and everyone one of you have been selected to partake in a classified military group. I am assuming you all wish to join based on family position or previous military work, which I am so thankful for.”

There was a pause. Wanting to look around, Wisp slipped off her jacket, catching a quick glance at who was here. Everyone but her and the boy was an adult.

“Now I’m sure you are curious as to what is happening. For those who do not know, the Abyssals of this world have sworn to help us in combat. At first, I managed the power they granted me on my own. I gave everyone the ability of telepathy, I was taught how to take control of others’ minds, force them asleep. Limit the casualties. Now I know what they offer is safe and I will be allowing you all to learn what they have to teach. Of course, the only ones who can learn are umbrakinetics, like you all.

“Over the weeks, you and your assigned partner will learn how to receive messages telepathically, control the minds of others, and make Abyssals take physical forms. You will come to class every day right here and I will teach you. Any questions so far?”

“Sir, you said we have assigned partners?”

“Correct, I was just about to elaborate!” his voice was bouncy, clearly excited to teach everyone about this. “I’m sure you will want to talk to someone about this after class. Therefore, I assigned each of you someone to challenge you to grow stronger and study together.”

Let me guess, I’m with the boy.

“Now, I’m not going to teach you all anything today, I want this new task to sink in first. This meeting will adjourn soon. Tomorrow bring parchment for notes and be ready to learn. You will also be assigned seating for now, along with your new rival, partner, whatever you wish to call it.”

Wisp’s heart raced, who would it be? What will she learn? All of this was so exciting, but slightly petrifying. Would she go back and fight Crimsons? Did he say that now she could physically summon Abyssals? It sounded like it. Her hands trembled.

Croun began to read off the assigned pairs. Wisp awaited her name, who would she be with? Icy sweat covered her palms. At some pairs, there was a small bit of laughter as friends were assigned with one another. She had no one here, no Fleana. Her friend supposedly moved back to the countryside.

“Wisp and Drake, you two being the youngest, should be together. Although you are children, I will not go easy on you. I have high hopes for you both.”

Drake . . . I know that name! She turned to her new “partner”. No wonder she recognized him. He lived just down the street and was related to one of the largest military families in Havolo! However, it recently came out that he cheated on his tests in school.

He was also frowning at Wisp, clearly disappointed by the new partnership. If only she had telepathy to read his mind right now.

Wisp did not realize that everyone was staring at the two. She turned away, avoiding eye contact.

“Now, this is all I wished to share today. Feel free to linger and talk with one another. I have business back at the castle to handle. Hal scvetch to you all.”

Everyone returned the farewell with a triumphant shout. Croun smiled, face slightly red. He nodded then made a hasty exit, closing the door behind him.

They all stood, talking to their new study friend. Wisp remained seated for a moment, trying to absorb everything that happened. She was stuck with a cheater. This would outrage Kin.

Drake remained seated as well, staring forward. “I’m going home. Clearly you have no interest in talking to me.”

Wisp straightened, stunned by his words. He stood, putting on his luxurious coat and storming out of the room. Wisp put hers on and chased after him. Everyone watched as the two kids left.

Drake hurried down the stairs clearly trying to avoid Wisp. She persisted, they need to at least talk for a moment. They were stuck together, bound by destiny and duty. The least he could do was talk.

“Drake, wait!”

He stopped on the stairs, facing her. “What?”

“We are in this together and,” she gasped for air, “wow you’re fast.” He rolled his eyes, continuing down the stairs. She joined his side. “It’s obvious that we won’t like each other, but we can try to get through this together.”

“Hmmm, you are irritating. However, you’re the soon-to-be daughter of Kin. I would look good being around a perfect pet like you.”

She frowned, “well, you’re a cheater, of course my presence makes you look good! Yeah, that’s right, I know about your little tricks!”

He rolled his eyes again, “that was a while ago. I was straightened up already by my dad and brothers.”

“I can see that, being part of a strict family.”

“My mom is a scientist and my dad is one of Croun’s tacticians. You could hardly image the excitement in their eyes when they found out I was accepted into this program. A new chance for redemption and a time to use my powers.”

“My parents were excited when we found out my element. There was a small party but that’s it . . .” She didn’t want to sound like she was boasting.

“Small? My parents celebrated for weeks! Even now they still congratulate me, and it was almost a year ago!”

Wisp smiled, he already seemed more open to her. They reached the door. “So, you excited about tomorrow?”

“No. Seems stressful. I kind of don’t want to work. Duty calls I guess.” They both stepped outside into the frigid morning. Her ears stung as the cold nibbled them.

“I’m sure we can get by!”

He tensed, clearly uncomfortable. “I don’t know. I don’t really want to be a test subject.”

“Well,” she didn’t think of it that way, “think of it as a game! I bet I’ll do better than you!”

He laughed. “I bet you’re wrong. I bet I can win without cheating. I already mastered summoning shadow guardians to aid me.”

“But this is different. Telepathy, mind control, a totally blank slate for both of us!”

He frowned, stopping on the sidewalk. His breath visible. “True . . .” for a small moment he smiled, walking away. “Maybe, I’ll play your game, but you’ll have to prove yourself to me first.”