The woman who'd stepped onto the stage seemed to stir everyone with those words as whispers snaked around the theater.
I raised an eyebrow. The Archmage's constabulary having a detachment at the Academy made sense—after all, it would be a high-value target for any wrong-doers. But a cadet program?
*Cheol-keok*
A new slide slid onto the projector screen behind her, displaying a bright, blooming violet crest under which the words 'Le Feu, L'Eau, et La Glace' were etched in a fancy flowing script.
The inspector took off her hat, placing it gently onto the lectern, allowing the full theater to see her face.
And holy fuck, she was pretty.
The intensified whispering around the hall told me that many of the other students had thought the same thing. Inspector Aerel smiled and the pressure in the room loosened just slightly. "Looks like I have a couple of things to explain."
"First, yes, we do have a detachment of the Archmage's constabulary here at Chrysanthemum Academy. Our role is to ensure your safety," Aerel said.
"But let's discuss what you're wondering about—the cadet program." Aerel paused before continuing.
"This program has existed in limited capacity through the student council. However, with our world becoming increasingly dangerous at an alarming pace, it has been decided to open participation to all students."
She accentuated her words with a tap of her cane on the stage.
Heh. I smirked sarcastically and uncrossed my legs.
The world becoming more dangerous? Oh, yeah, I would know. I got that down pat. The attack down at Vaulnere's docks two days ago?
And… fuck. I didn't remember my dream, but I think there was something there too.
Aerel's next set of words seemed to catch all of our attention. "And when I say all students, I mean it. Alpha, Beta, Omega—all will be welcome, and you will be treated equally as cadets."
Those words caused quite the stir as she stepped forward, her silvery hair catching the stage lights. For a brief moment, it shimmered almost white—too bright—before settling back into muted silver. Her deep grey eyes swept across the thousands of us seated in red velvet rows.
I raised an eyebrow before glancing away.
By chance, my gaze drifted left, where it caught on a girl who stared at Aerel with a glassy expression on his face, unblinking. Another girl near the aisle tilted her head slightly as Aerel spoke. However, it felt a bit stiff, as if she were practicing the motion.
"Everyone," Aerel continued, raising her voice just slightly, "This world is changing. It's getting darker. I'm sure all of you have seen the recent titles of the news. And you are the next generation of youth, even if you might come from different walks of life or even different continents."
She tapped her cane against the stage.
*Cheol-keok.*
The sound echoed. The girl blinked then. Once. Reeeeally slowly. At the same exact moment, the girl near the aisle blinked as well. I angled my eyes forward. Somewhere in the row behind me came another blink.
When Aerel smiled, I swore those three students smiled too. A fraction of a second late, in nearly the same fashion.
It was… weird.
Aerel continued. "...Brilliant mages, hard workers, and talented artists—let us build the future together in this time of uncertainty."
"If you have any further questions or are interested, please contact the detachment office in the administration building." Aerel smiled. "I wish you all a safe and happy year. Good luck with your studies."
I clapped alongside the rest of the audience. Hey, hey! It wasn't a bad speech—at least, compared to the constabulary officers I'd interviewed that just stared down at their notepads and mumbled the entire time.
Her words hung in the air, still and unsettling. I shivered. A voice drifted back into mind.
Ba d T hin g s A re Com i ng —
Where did I remember that from…?
Oh, my dream.
My stomach tightened and I unconsciously patted my waistband, feeling the weight of mother's revolver.
Then, all of a sudden, I felt the stares of the three students that I'd noticed before on the back of my head.