That’s weird.
I don’t know Freddy that well, but he’s never been rude to me.
“Shouldn’t you?” Peter counters, walking farther into the room and sitting on the edge of his bed.
“I wasn’t feeling Sigil Studies this morning, so I skipped.”
“You skip class?” I ask, shocked. Skipping in high school is one thing, but it takes guts to skip at the academy. Our instructors and professors are no joke, especially not Instructor Jones. I can only imagine what punishment he’ll give Freddy if he learns he skipped his class and wasn’t lying on his death bed.
Freddy glances at me then quickly looks away. He doesn’t respond.
All right. That’s the second time he’s ignored me.
What the hell is going on?
I open my mouth to ask that exact question, only to be cut off when Freddy grabs his cell phone and wallet off the desk. Tucking them in his pocket he says, “I’ve gotta be somewhere. See you both around.”
Freddy shoots me a sideways glance then rushes out of the room like a bat out of hell.
I stare at the open door. “What the heck was that? Is your roommate always such a spaz?”
“Sorry, Aspen. I didn’t know he’d be here. Want some chips?” Peter opens the drawer of his nightstand and withdraws single packs of classic potato chips.
I catch the bag he tosses my way. “Why are you apologizing? What did I miss?”
Peter scratches his head, clearly torn with whether or not he should say what he’s thinking.
“Just spit it out.” I pull open the chip bag and shove one into my mouth. I savor the salty goodness on my tongue, and my stomach rumbles with eagerness.
My friend shifts, resting his back against the wall beside his bed. “The Assessor has started revealing potential matches to students.”
“What?” A chip almost falls out of my open mouth. I shove it back in, quickly chewing and swallowing the rest before I continue. “Already?”
The Assessor is an employee of the Shadowguard whose job is to “assess” each young adult enrolled at the academy. The Council tries to sell it as a sort of psychoanalysis. They want to know who has the mental strength to spend their lives fighting the evil beings humans consider the stuff of myths and legends. But that’s not all the Assessor is evaluating.
No, the Assessor is also tasked with determining which members of the opposite sex would be the most compatible for every student. As in, who will make the most powerful Shadowguard-babies if they get together.
With our people’s numbers dwindling, I understand the logic behind it. The Shadowguard wants to empower the next generation and fortify ourselves against the threats we face every day. And it’s not like we are forced to pick a life partner from the pool of candidates given by the Assessor. It’s just a suggestion. A suggestion that prominent Guardian families tend to insist on, but that’s their family’s prerogative. The whole process seems a little old fashioned and controlling… but it is what it is.
“Why would the guys find out first?” We all meet with the Assessor once a week. It’s a requirement for all students. Why wouldn’t the girls receive their list at the same time? The assessor hadn’t said a word to me during our last meeting.
Peter shrugs. “Probably just a nod to past patriarchal society. Back in the day, it was the guys who had to pursue the girl.”
“That’s bull.”
“I agree, but it’s only the first round anyway. None of us will get the finalized list until the end of the school year.” At which time, the Shadowguard thinks potential matches will begin dating, hopefully winding up together after graduation.
“So Freddy was acting awkward because….”
Peter looks at the ceiling. “Because you were listed as a potential match.”
“Really?” That surprises me. Freddy Legrand is from a good family, and also the younger brother of Lex’s mentor, Andrew. But other than that, I can’t imagine what the Assessor sees in us that makes us a match.
Maybe he’s also a magical reject? It’d be smart to couple all the duds together so we don’t pass on our incompetence to the next generation.
“Yeah.” Peter opens an energy bar and takes a big bite.
I shake away my negative thought. “Did he tell you who else is a match?”
“Some second year.” Peter swallow. “And then a few other girls from different academies in the States.”
“But I’m the only first year from here?”
“Yes.”
That sucks. The last thing I want to deal with is Freddy, or anyone for that matter, asking me out because some Assessor reports we are compatible. If there was another girl on his list, he could focus on her. Maybe the second year will work out.
A thought occurs to me. “Did you get a list?”
Peter coughs, choking on a piece of granola.
I regret asking. Peter’s gay, and I know that’s part of the reason he’s estranged from his family. This whole matching process is much more difficult for him than for me.
“Never mind,” I say quickly. “It doesn’t matter.”
“No.” Peter coughs. “It’s okay. I figured we’d need to talk about it at some point.”
My eyebrows lift. “We?”
He nods, and finally meets my gaze. “You’re on my list.”
One second passes.
Then two.
I try to control my reaction.
I really do.
But I can’t hold back the crack of laughter before it passes my lips.
Peter releases the breath he’d been holding, and his laugh joins mine.
I shake my head, clutching my stomach as it cramps from both hunger and amusement. “Oh… my… gosh,” I gasp. “Seriously?”
Whatever tension Peter had prior to the admission has disappeared. “Seriously,” he confirms with a grin.
“When did you find out?”
“Friday. After my meeting with the Assessor.”
Three days ago…
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
A sheepish expression covers his face. “I-I don’t know. It was your birthday. Then your problem with magic… I thought it was too weird to mention.”
Not for the first time, it hits me just how lucky I am to have befriended Cortney and Peter. They really are amazing friends. Not only are they thoughtful, but they’re supportive. Even though they know I’m a magical reject, they’ll always have my back.
“Well, this is amazing news.”
Peter straightens. “It is?”
I nod with a smile. “Yeah. When people start to pressure us, we can pretend to date. None of our other matches will waste their time with us… If you want to, I mean. No pressure. It’s just an idea.”
I’m aware Peter might not be so willing to live a lie like that.
He chuckles. “Actually, that’s an amazing idea.”
My smile grows. “Really? Score!” Talk about dodging a bullet.
“Except…” That single word pulls my smile down.
“What?” I ask.
My friend shoots me a knowing smirk. “Are you sure you’d want people to think we’re together?”
“Of course.”
Peter shakes his head. “Are you sure? Everyone?”
The way he stresses the last word finally clues me in to what he’s getting at.
I cross my arms defensively. “Yes, I’m sure.” My voice is clipped, hoping to dissuade Peter from persisting this line of conversation.
He doesn’t take the hint. “Not even Trevor?”
I blink. He’s talking about Lex’s best friend. That’s not who I thought he was going to mention…
“Especially not Trevor,” I reply.
“Really?” Peter raises a skeptical eyebrow. “Because with the way he stares at you, I figured you might want to give him a chance—”
“No,” I interrupt.
I know Peter’s messing with me, but this is one topic I’d rather not joke about. If Tr
evor really does have a crush on me, I don’t want to do anything that might encourage him. Not that Trevor doesn’t seem like a good guy. I’m just not interested in pursuing anything with anyone. I’ve got too much going on to add a love interest to the mix.
Yep.
Definitely too much going on.
Peter’s lips press together, but it doesn’t hide his grin. “Whatever you say, Aspen. I, for one, am glad to know you’re okay acting as my cover. It’ll save me a lot of grief with my family.”
I try to return his smile, but I fear the effort falls flat.
I don’t know why, but the idea of getting romantically involved with anyone sends me into a near panic attack.
So much is happening right now, and there is so much on my shoulders. Not even if I actually liked someone would I throw that complication into my life.
Nope.
Definitely not.
Chapter Ten
The grandfather clock tucked against the office wall ticks the seconds loudly, the sound echoing through the room.
It’s Friday, and I’m waiting for the assessor to arrive for my dreaded weekly appointment. Knowing the guys have started to learn the names of their potential matches puts me on edge. Freddy hasn’t been able to make eye contact with me all week. We’d been paired to spar during Combatives, and I’d cleaned the floor with him, which only made him avoid me even more.
Ugh.
I don’t need this kind of drama in my life. Not when I’m dealing with demons, vampires, and a magical block on my powers—one I have yet been able to breach despite Belial’s promise to help me.
I shake my head, chastising myself for feeling any hope in the first place. Belial might not wish me harm, but that doesn’t mean he’s an ally I can rely on. At least, I shouldn’t rely on him.
The frequent dreams have been messing with my head, and I need it to stop. I can’t afford to lower my guard where the original demon is concerned. His kind are still abducting Guardians and transforming them. He’s still my enemy, no matter how nice he is to me in our dreams.
Five more minutes pass. My leg bounces up and down as I wait, and part of me wonders if I’ll get in trouble for ditching the appointment. Just as I’m pondering my escape, the office door opens, and the assessor assigned to me walks in.
Assessor Francis Larkin is a beady eyed man with a short stature. I’d guess he’s no taller than five feet, and his thinning hair is combed over the bald spot on his head.
When I first met Assessor Larkin, I wondered if he was part gnome. But I quickly dismissed the notion. No way would the Shadowguard let a part-Guardian, part-gnome assess the students from one of its most prominent academies. Each of the five assessors assigned to the school are, no doubt, members of prominent Guardian families. They’re in the unique position to influence the futures of the next generations of Guardians and their offspring. Such a position wouldn’t be trusted to just anyone.
“Miss Van der Klay,” Mr. Larkin greets, shuffling in as he juggles a briefcase and stack of folders. He kicks the door closed with his left heel. “I apologize for my tardiness. I was speaking with Headmistress Meyer and lost track of time.” His voice is mousy and high pitched.
“It’s no problem, Mr. Larkin. I understand.”
“That is very kind of you. Now,” he retrieves one of the folders from his arms, tossing the rest on top of his desk. He flips it open, and I see my name embossed in gold letters on the front. “I’m sure you’ve heard that I and the other assessors have shared the first round of matches with the male students at St. Michael’s.”
“I have.” And I think it’s an incredibly backwards and sexist way to go about an already backwards and sexist process.
But I keep that thought to myself.
He dips his chin and wears an indulgent smile. “That tends to be the case. It’s an exciting time, learning who God has ordained to make His Guardian children compatible with. Students are bound to talk.”
I can’t hide my frown. I don’t know if Assessor Larkin thinks he’s been given a divine task or if he thinks his selections are actually inspired by God’s intervention. Either way… I call BS.
“So, what do you think?”
I’m caught off guard. “I’m sorry. What do I think about what?”
His smile remains firmly in place. “What do you think about your matches? I’m assuming at least one young man has shared the news with you.”
Ah. Well… this is kind of awkward.
“Um… I haven’t really given it much thought,” I answer noncommittally. No way am I going to discuss my personal life with him. I will complete all of the personality tests and answer any question about my interests and hobbies, but no way am I going to give him details about my love life. Whether or not it exists.
“That’s all right.” He sits back in his chair and gives me a nod. “You have time. Just make sure you don’t delay too long, or else some other match might snatch up all of the eligible young men. And then where will you be?”
Okay…
He did not just say that.
Assessor Larkin and I have met six times, and not once have I ever wanted to stand up and walk out the door and refuse to return.
He looks at me expectantly—like he hadn’t just said an incredibly ridiculous thing.
He waits a response, but I’m at a loss for what to say. None of the words in my head are exactly polite.
I inhale through my nose and finally manage, “I… I think I’ll be fine.”
“Hm.” Mr. Larkin returns his attention to my folder. “I see you just had your birthday. Happy belated birthday.”
Surprised by the swift change in topic, my eyes grow wide before I can school my features. “Thank you.”
“Tell me, how has your magic been coming along?”
It hasn’t.
“It’s an adjustment.”
“How so?”
As in I’m adjusting to the fact that it doesn’t exist and I’m a magical dud.
I shrug. “It’s just different.”
I decide right then and there that I will not admit the truth to him or any other authority figure on campus. I know it’s probably dumb, but I’m putting my faith in Belial. I trust he wants to help me overcome whatever masks my magic. I’m not entirely sure it isn’t for selfish reasons, but I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. For now, I just need to gain access to my power, or else I can kiss a future as a Guardian goodbye.
“I see.” He scribbles something down on a piece of paper. “Let’s change the subject, shall we?”
Yes, please.
I nod.
“How is your relationship with your mentor faring? I understand the pair of you got off to a rocky start.”
I stare at my hands in my lap, hoping to hide the color from my cheeks.
I made the mistake of venting about Logan during my first meeting with the assessor. I couldn’t help it. I’d just finished a particularly contentious practice session where Logan had, once again, criticized and corrected all my fighting stances and attack technique despite the fact I’d been successfully using them for years.
I don’t know what had happened that day, but I just couldn’t take any more. I’d stormed out of the gym after Logan dismissed me for “having a bad attitude”, and I’d carried that attitude right to this same office.
I’d complained about my mentor to the one man at the school whose job is to overanalyze and assess every little thing about me. Needless to say, I regret showing that weakness.
“Guardian Hendricks and I are on much better terms.” I repeat the line I’ve given him for the past several weeks. No more. No less.
Assessor Larkin dons what is meant to be an encouraging smile. “I’m very happy to hear that.” Once again, he scribbles on the paper. “Do you still receive extra training sessions with your mentor?”
“Yes.”
“Why is that?”
I blink. “Guardian Hendricks believes I need more help catching up
with my peers. Since I didn’t spend my entire childhood training like they did.”
He writes another note. “Do you believe he is right? Do you need more training?”
Pride makes me want to say no, but I don’t want what I say in this office to change anything about my schedule. Meeting with the assessor is not like meeting with a psychologist or therapist. Nothing in here is private. In fact, I’m sure Headmistress Meyer and the Shadowguard Council receive full reports on the assessor’s findings.
With that in mind, I tell him, “I believe I benefit greatly from Guardian Hendrick’s extra attention. I’m lucky he has enough time to help me become the best future Guardian I can be.”
Gag me.
The words might be true, but that doesn’t make them any easier to admit. I’ve gone so long without wanting to accept help from anyone. I’m still learning how to accept it gracefully.
But Assessor Larkin doesn’t need to know that.
I keep my expression clear, even as he stares deep into my eyes. It’s like he’s searching for the answer to an unknown secret. I don’t dare look away for fear he will interpret it the wrong way.
Finally, I’m freed from his stare when he returns his attention to my folder. “Well, I am glad things seem to be improving for you,” he speaks without emotion. I get the impression he’s going through the motions at this point. He’s realized he’s not going to get anything else out of me. Not willingly, anyway.
“Would you like to hear your list of potential matches?” He peers up underneath narrowed eyes.
Dread pools in my stomach. “Um… no. That’s okay. I’m good.”
He straightens. “Are you certain? The men have already been informed. That means you will be the only one ignorant of your potential matches.”
That’s totally fine by me. That makes it easier to pretend it’s not real.
I keep my voice even. “I understand. But this is only the first round of matches, correct? The list has the potential to change?”
Assessor Larkin’s lips press into a straight line.
Cortney’s told me assessors are proud people. They don’t like to have their findings contradicted, not even by themselves. And changing a list is exactly that—a contradiction of their initial assessments.
Demon Marked: Shadowguard Academy Book 2 Page 9
