The students scream and whoop again. Heidi freezes, heat rushing to her face. Nash chuckles low. If the Bellamys weren't furious before, they're ready to combust now. Heidi almost wants to wink at them just to tip them over the edge, but she restrains herself.
With her final bow, Ms. Vesper retreats, handing the stage to another teacher.
This one is a chubby man with a protruding belly. However, his jolly appearance and contrasting harsh tone only make him scarier. "Now that you understand the purpose of this ceremony, we must move forward to the agenda," he booms.
Heidi feels the air tighten, anticipation prickling across the crowd like static.
"There are tasks. Tasks that will separate the strong from the weak, the worthy from the shameful. The Moon Blessed will face them first, for you are untested. You will undergo a trial that will show the truth of your wolves."
