The room was silent in a thoughtful way. Thale gestured, and four assistants began passing out a two-week syllabus.
“Between now and the Lumen Praxis trial, you will work in rotating blocks. Today: team selection for the Gauntlet, random assignment for the Concordance. Tomorrow, drills. Questions later.”
People turned inward, decisions blooming.
“Us,” Sera said immediately, tapping Bri’s desk with her pencil. “No negotiation.”
“Wasn’t going to argue,” Bri said.
Their gazes slid to Soriah, two rows ahead. She felt it and half-turned.
“I don’t know if it’s wise,” Soriah said quietly when they reached her. “Two ranked wolves on one team can create a clash.”
“Or make the spine stronger,” Sera countered. “We’ve trained together. We don’t pull rank; we pull weight.”
Bri read Soriah’s eye
