The headmaster clears his throat once more, puffing his chest like he's about to deliver a proclamation that will echo through the centuries. In reality, the glass of water he almost knocks over again clinks, and the students on his side of the front row lean back in case he drenches them.
"Well," Halric says, hands fluttering nervously as though he's shooing away invisible flies. "Word from the Alpha is clear. The young lady" …he flings a jittery hand toward Heidi, who looks like she'd rather melt through the stage… "is to proceed to the labyrinth tomorrow. The ceremony must move forward, not dwaddle on distractions like a broken machine."
Gasps surge at that and whispers dart through the crowd like sparks leaping from dry kindling. Amias's jaw tightens. Of course, his father would counter his order. Pfft… who is he kidding? Has he ever given orders ever since his mother's stupid scandal?
