Page 20 of The Lost Elemental

“That really is the perfect word. I get so tired of being on alert all the time, waiting for someone to make an example of me or use me to show just how powerful they are.”

Seeing the bone-deep fatigue in Kerry’s expression, I knew I wouldn’t simply be able to roll over and play weak for my classmates. It wasn’t in me. I’d have to fight. Which meant I needed to learn quickly. “Who can I trust to teach me what I need to know?”

Kerry’s eyes widened. “Um…”

Her lack of an answer spoke volumes.

“Anyone could stick a knife in my back.”

It wasn’t a question, but Kerry nodded nonetheless. “Even some of the teachers have alliances. There are students they want to see at the top. There are a few that genuinely care about everyone. Quincy’s always a good resource.”

I’d had a good feeling about him from the moment I’d seen him put the freckle-faced boy at ease on stage. God, that felt like a million years ago. “What does he teach?”

“Technically, he’s not a teacher. He’s the librarian. But he knows more about this school and our history than anyone. And his testing affinity means he’s got a sixth sense about people. If you can prove you’re of noble intention, he’ll definitely help you.”

Was I of noble intention? I didn’t know if trying to stay alive to make it back to my family was noble. But it certainly wasn’t evil. I had to admit the idea of putting a few asshole elementals in their place didn’t sound too bad either. That probably wouldn’t endear me to Quincy.

But maybe it would. I remembered his response to my mean girls’ comment. The way he put Riven in his place even though he was a royal. Perhaps Quincy was a fan of a little poetic justice.

“Do you think we’ll have classes together?” I asked hopefully.

Kerry frowned. “Probably not for a while. They divide up sections based on the power they sense in you during testing. I’ll be in the lower levels, and you’ll be in the uppers.”

“Great,” I muttered.

“Each class will be a mixed bag though,” she assured me. “Because everyone has an affinity for different elements.”

“What is Drue’s affinity?” I knew I’d have to watch my back around her most of all.

Kerry’s lips pursed. “Air, water, fire.”

“Three?” I squeaked.

Kerry’s face scrunched up. “Trust me, I’ve heard nothing but how she’s basically an aether for our entire childhoods. She’s hoping her earth gift will manifest once she starts training. She’s been telling anyone that will listen that she’s meant to be the one to bring the princes together again.”

I rolled my eyes. “I can’t wait to hear all about that.”

Kerry turned in her chair, leaning forward and pinning me with a stare. “You have to be careful around her, Aura. She comes off as a vapid bitch, but she’s cold and calculating. There was another girl in our kingdom who had three gifts, and let’s just say she didn’t make it to any academy.”

I sat up, my stomach cramping. “What happened?”

“No one knows. She and Drue went swimming one afternoon and only one of them came back. Drue said it was a horrible accident, but I don’t think a single person believed her. The sick thing is, I saw her father after it happened. He looked…proud.”

11

Screams. The kind you could never unhear ripped through the air. Ones that spoke of agony and terror.

Smoke swirled as flames danced above me. “Mommy.” The word was so soft I couldn’t hear it. I only knew I’d said it by the shape my mouth made.

Everything hurt. I tried to move. Where was I?

A heavy beam pressed into my middle. I pushed against it, but I couldn’t get free. A crack sounded above, and something fiery hurtled towards me. The panic was so sharp it was as if it had grabbed me by the throat.

The flaming floorboard hit the beam atop me. I was awash in pain. There was so much of it that it invaded every nerve ending, setting them aflame. Then there was only black. The smoke monster had swallowed me whole.

I shot up in bed, my hand flying to my chest. My gaze jerked around the room, trying to figure out where I was. Kingwood. My dorm.

I struggled to get my breathing under control as Kerry’s soft snores permeated the dark. I couldn’t grab hold of any air. It was too warm, too thick. I needed out. Fresh, cool night air.