By the time the Magicians' Block rankings neared their end, Valeria had stopped paying close attention to the numbers.
The projection outside the residence had drawn enough students to crowd most of the covered walkway. House Olarion's name still bought her a little space without anyone consciously deciding to give it, so she stood a step behind the nearest cluster with an unobstructed view of the board.
Several results had been worth noticing.
Thalor Draycott had taken first. Lucien Lysandra followed in second, a placement that had produced considerably more conversation than the first. Isolde Valoria stood fifth.
Then there had been—
8 — ELOWYN CAERLIN
Valeria's attention lingered there.
Eighth suited her.
