Page 115 of Saints & Sinners

She passed the letter over to us, and we didn’t make any sound or movement to return to the dorm as my fingers traced the waxseal of a wing from the Council. My stomach flipped.

I broke the seal, unfolding the letter at the same time Marnie did.

Dear Competitor,

You have been selected to participate in this year’s Ascension Competition. Enclosed is your assigned uniform. Wear it during all stages of the competition.

Right at that moment, the Celestial handed Marnie and me the bagged clothing.

The competition will commence at midnight in the west wing of the academy.

Further instructions will be given upon arrival.

Failure to appear will result in immediate disqualification.

—The Angelic Council

I stared at the words, and the letters blurred for a moment.Midnight.

I ran my fingers over the uniform, concealed in a clear plastic bag. It was heavier than expected and darker than the royal blue Celestia usually made us wear.

The Council clearly wasn’t wasting any time with us.

Marnie and I shared a wary look, and by lunchtime, the canteen was buzzing with low voices as I sat opposite Marnie, playing with my bowl of soup.

I was too nervous to eat.

“So, what do you think the competition is going to be like?” Marnie asked. I looked up at her.

“I thought you’d know more than me or would have asked others who have previously done it.”

“No one tells me anything; besides, it’s always changing. Who knows what this one will be like?”

I nodded in agreement, but a shadow loomed over our table just as I was about to tell her that we should be more preparedfor tonight.

My head snapped up.

Norah.

“You didn’t deserve that spot in the competition,” she outright spat, eyes narrowed on me as she leaned across the table. “If you hadn’t gotten Matias kicked out, he’d be on the list. Not you.”

I tensed.

That wasn’t true...

“Norah.”

All heads looked past Norah to where Hunter stood behind her with his usual unbothered expression.

My breath hitched.

I hadn’t spoken to Hunter since the night of the ball. I had actively avoided him throughout the weekend, but now that it was Monday and the competition was among us, I couldn’t no longer.

Norah turned to him. “Defending her now, are we? Wouldn’t be the first time.”

Hunter’s eyes narrowed. “No. I’m just tired of always hearing your voice. Do everyone a favor and shut up before you embarrass yourself.”

Marnie’s fork clanged against the table, her eyes widening as she looked between Hunter and Norah.

---