Chapter One— Nyrah
"Does she seriously think the Academy would let a powerless rag like her through the gates?"
Nyrah stopped walking and stared down at her dusty boots.
"It's been weeks now, Nyrah. Training begins at dawn tomorrow. Still no letter." Ariana's laugh was sharp and mean. "Just admit it. You're nothing. You'll never rule us."
Nyrah's eyes lost focus. She'd been one of the first to apply for the academy. The only human, even. And up until that moment, she'd received no letter.
"Just give up already. We don't need a rag as a ruler."
Someone spat on the ground near her feet.
Nyrah's fingers curled into fists. "Leave me alone."
"Oh. Did we hit a nerve, orphan?"
More laughter followed.
Nyrah's eyes burned with tears that wanted to fall, but she blinked them back. She couldn't afford to show weakness in front of these people. If Ariana wanted a fight, then she'd get one. One bloody fight.
Nyrah spun around, ready to bare her teeth, ready to make someone bleed just to feel something other than this endless, gnawing want. But then a pair of soft brown eyes stopped her cold.
Lorain. The postman. His bag hung across his chest, and his cheeks were flushed from running.
Nyrah's eyes went wide. If he was here then...
"There's a letter for you, Nyrah." He smiled, reaching into his bag.
Nyrah's heart raced with anticipation. Finally! A reply after all this time.
"Don't get excited," Ariana sneered, stepping so close that Nyrah flinched. "It's probably your rejection. Read it out loud, rag. Let everyone hear how unwanted you are."
Nyrah was too nervous to reply. She snatched the letter from Lorain's hands before he could even hold it out properly.
Her fingers hovered over the seal for a moment. She was terrified.
Finally gathering her courage, she broke the seal open and pulled out the letter. Her eyes scanned over the words. Then they found something. Accepted into...
"What?" Ariana moved closer. "Afraid to read out your rejection letter?"
A victorious smile spread across Nyrah's face. She raised her head and read out loud for everyone to hear.
"Dominion Academy of Ascension. Official Admission Notice. Nyrah Aster Vale."
She paused. A few people passing by stopped when they heard the academy's name. Nyrah's smile only got wider.
"You have been accepted into the Dominion Academy and granted permission to enter the Ascension gauntlet, where the next ruler will be chosen. Only a select few earn this privilege. Report to the Academy tomorrow at first light to begin training. Failure to arrive will forfeit your place. Good luck, Nyrah. May the Trials prove your worth. High Chancellor Aristeus Vhail."
"That's a lie!" Cassie reached forward to grab the letter and read it herself.
"Even if it's real," Ariana hissed, "you'll die in the first hour. No powers. No bloodline. Just a fragile little human who spreads her legs for scraps of kindness."
"Are you seriously trying to get yourself killed, child?" one of the women said.
"She's a fool."
Nyrah heard more whispers and muttering. The crowd soon broke up, everyone going back to their own business.
"Just give up." Ariana gave one cruel smile before turning around and leaving with the other girls.
Lorain stayed behind, shifting his weight from foot to foot. "Good luck, Nyrah."
She didn't answer. Luck was for people who had something to lose.
"Nyrah, wait." He jogged after her. "The train to the Academy leaves soon. Last one before the Trials begin."
Nyrah slapped her forehead with her palm. How could she forget? The training was beginning tomorrow, and she hadn't even thought about how to get to the academy before then.
"When does the train leave?" she asked.
"In about an hour," Lorain answered.
"One hour?!" Her eyes went wide.
That wasn't enough time to pack all her stuff. She turned around and started running toward the house.
Lorain kept running after her, calling her name, but she didn't answer.
Nyrah burst into the house. "Black, we have to leave now."
She grabbed her bag and threw random things into it. A map, a book, some coins, and a few pieces of clothing.
"Nyrah!" Lorain stopped in the doorway to catch his breath. "The Academy is dangerous. Are you really ready for this?"
"Yes."
Nyrah zipped her bag closed. "Black!"
A soft meow filled the silence. Black was under the table, lying on her back. Nyrah stared at the pool of black fur before bending down to pick up the cat.
"Let's go." She faced Lorain.
Nyrah and Lorain ran all the way to the train station. Black rode in one of the bags Nyrah had strapped across her shoulders.
"Dominion Academy!" she shouted to the man boarding the train.
"Too late," he said.