The announcement came before dawn, dragging students from their beds while the sky was still dark. By the time I reached the courtyard, word had already spread through the dormitories like wildfire.
Another challenge. Council sanctioned.
But this time, they weren't testing strength or speed. They wanted to see who could survive politics.
I stood at the edge of the gathering field, arms crossed, watching council aides set up a massive board in the center of the courtyard. It shimmered with magic, symbols shifting across its surface like oil on water. An illusion construct. I'd heard about them but never seen one this large.
Lady Katheris's voice cut through the morning chill. "This exercise will separate those who can lead from those who merely follow. Every choice you make will shift a
