Aria's POV**

The summons came at dawn on Friday morning, but this time it wasn't delivered by a stern-faced official with questions about my documentation. Instead, it was delivered by Academy messenger with the official seal of the new administration.

"All final-year students," the announcement read, "are required to attend the Academy Trials briefing today at 10 AM in the Great Hall. Attendance is mandatory. Academy Trials will commence Monday morning."

Monday morning. Four days ...