Page 140 of Academy of the Wicked, Year One

"I'm still present because I haven't been given final permission to depart," he says carefully.

All three of us frown at this revelation.

"What do you mean permission?" I ask, confusion evident in my voice. "You can't just leave? You're one of the Seven, part of the fancy council of power here. When you're ready to retire, you can't just go?"

Mini Grim shifts slightly on my shoulder, reminding me to keep my voice down despite my growing concern. The implications of Mortimer's words send an uneasy chill down my spine.

Even the Seven aren't truly free here.

"That's why you're wanting to speak to the Headmaster," Nikolai whispers, realization dawning in his golden eyes. "You can't leave Wicked Academy otherwise."

Mortimer nods slowly, confirming our growing suspicions.

"The only way a member of the Seven can leave and be 'replaced' is through the Headmaster's approval," he explains carefully. "And they must have contributed to a graduating student's success."

"The survival rate of enrolled students is slim," Cassius mutters, shadows writhing. "Basically meaning you're stuck unless you get the Headmaster's approval."

Mortimer's smile doesn't reach his eyes, which carry the weight of countless years.

"You can't go empty-handed either," he notes. "You must present research or an artifact discovered on the property that holds value. Otherwise, why should the Headmaster grace you with freedom if you bring nothing in return?"

The logic makes sense, despite its cruel implications. It's heinous, but apparently par for the course in this place.

"What if," I say slowly, an idea forming, "I found the chalice, and after using it to heal my sister, I gave it to you to present to the Headmaster?" The plan builds as I speak. "That could be our priority, and if we have to finish the years here to leave, we'd be deemed as graduating students. You'd be the professor associated with our success and finally free to go."

When you piece it together, it fits perfectly.

"That...would work," Mortimer admits thoughtfully.

I clap my hands together, enthusiasm building.

"Then we'll just have to get enough points to excel through the years, and along the way we'll get the chalice for my sister!" The plan unfolds in my mind like a beautiful strategy. "Then voila – Nikolai can say fuck you to his family and claim his throne, Cassius can travel the world, and Mortimer will be free from Wicked Academy's shackles to do whatever he wants!"

My diabolical grin fades as I notice them all staring at me.

"Why would you help us graduate?" Cassius asks quietly, his silver eyes intense.

"Well, we're bonded, aren't we?" I pause, glancing at Mortimer. "And I don't mind helping you because you're really knowledgeable, like a true professor. I'm basically a weird nerd girl who thrives on studying, so helping is just a bonus."

I turn back to Nikolai and Cassius with a shrug.

"You two are in predicaments against your will. Being kind gives you no points, while being assholes barely moves the needle on the point board. If we work together, we can beat these trials and deal with all the mean bullshit faster." My enthusiasm returns. "Hell, we could be the first to graduate in who knows how long! Surely the trial already helped us get loads of points, right?"

Mini Grim stirs slightly on my shoulder, letting out a tiny "gree" in his sleep as if agreeing with my plan.

"How close are we to passing Year 1?" I ask Mortimer, hope threading through my voice.

He studies the chart thoughtfully.

"We actually surpassed Year 1 stage," he admits, "but must have missed a requirement, which caused this slight descent toward the line."

I nod, determination rising.

Whatever requirement we missed, we'll overcome it.

"Today, it doesn't matter how shitty Wicked Academy is," I declare. "As Gabriel, I'll take all the bullshit they throw at us until we're back past that line and done with Year 1!"

Proud of my resolution, I plant my hands on my hips.

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