Windsor's POV
Heat crawled up my neck at Gideon's comment. The other students near us exchanged glances, some smirking at his casual cruelty.
I forced myself to meet his gaze directly. "I suppose we'll find out."
"Indeed we shall." His smile widened, predatory and amused.
Miss Jameson cleared her throat, commanding attention. "Welcome, everyone, to the Gilded Scroll Society screening. We're selecting new members from today's applicants."
She moved to the front of the room with practiced authority. "This society values intellectual rigor above all else. We seek students who can think critically, argue persuasively, and challenge conventional wisdom."
My pulse quickened with excitement. This was exactly what I'd been looking for.
