The ritual hall smelled like chalk and old magic.

Eight circles had been drawn on the stone floor in silver compound, one for each pair, spaced evenly, each one exactly the same size. The students filed in quietly.

Nobody was performing confidence this morning. The notice had said advanced practical and Cain's name had been on it and that combination had done something to the atmosphere that even the most arrogant alphas in the room could feel.

Cain stood at the front, clipboard in hand, ...