I found refuge in the only place that still felt like mine. The old astronomy tower, abandoned years ago when the academy built a newer one with better equipment. The stairs were treacherous, the walls crumbling, but no one came here anymore.

Which made it perfect.

I sat on the stone floor near the window, legs pulled to my chest, watching the sun climb higher. Three days until the hearing. Three days to prepare for a battle I wasn't sure we could win.

Katheris's words echoed in my mind. ...