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The others spring into action, disappearing into the conservatory, and Walsh takesthe others into the shadows, but his eyes stay on ood-bye"

But I’ us both I won’t look back, not nohen he’s betrayed all I’ve ever done for hiood, so naturally the days fly by as the dreaded ball approaches A week passes without any contact, leaving Maven and , more Protocol, more brainless lunches that almost leave me in tears Every time I have to lie, to praise the Silvers and rip down

Lady Blonos scoldsdistracted in Protocol I don’t have the heart to tell her that, distracted or not, I’ll never be able to learn the dance steps she’s trying to teach for the Parting Ball As suited as I , I’m horrible with rhyth is an outlet for allto keep inside

But just when I’s, the eline and her lackeys don’t snipe at oes through his stretches oing on?" I ask hier on Cal, currently doing push-ups in perfect form

"You’ll see in a minute," Maven replies, his voice oddly dull

When Arven enters with Provos, even he has a strange spring in his step He doesn’t bark out an order to run, and approaches the class instead

"Tirana," Instructor Arven irl in a blue-striped suit, the nymph from House Osanos, jumps to attention Shefor so She looks equal parts excited and terrified

Arven turns, searching through us For a second, his eyes linger on me but thankfully shift to Maven

"Prince Maven, if you please" He gestures to where Tirana waits

Maven nods and ers twitching as they ahatever’s co floorAgain, Provos raises his ar hall As the structure takes shape,exactly what it is

An arena

Cal takes Maven’s place at my side, his movements quick and silent "They won’t hurt each other," he explains "Arven stops us before anyone can do real da," I choke out

In the center of the quickly for arena, both Maven and Tirana prepare for their match Maven’s bracelet sparks, and fire blazes in his hands, streaking up his arms, while droplets of hostly display Both of the aboutyou’re worried about?"