Chapter 0227

“There’s one last trial before you’re fully enrolled,” dad says slowly, peeling his orange in one long strip. “And that is your academic finals. If you pass those, then I won’t fight you on returning to the Academy.”

I gasp, thrilled, leaning forward to thank my dad with all of my heart.

you

“But!” dad says, holding up a finger. “I won’t have it a secret anymore. not from the officials, and not from your professors. At least, those you work with. If you pass your finals, we will have a word with each of your professors. And if they refuse to work with …” he shrugs, meeting my eyes. “I’m not going to force them, Ariel. And you shouldn’t seek to either. It is…too dangerous a world, to not be working with people who are betting against you.”

I bite my lip, considering it quickly, my mind sweeping over the Captain, and Neumann, and Alvez. The last of the three, obviously rather indecently, if I’m being honest – does not have a problem with working with a young woman. But the other two…

“And,” dad continues, focusing on the fruit, “the boy who shot you – Wright? He has not yet gone through his tribunal for attempted murder –”

My eyes go wide as I consider that…well, yeah. That Wright broke the rules when he shot me in the stomach.

eyes to me. “I want you taking no risks, Ariel. Your tests, and the room. Those are the only places I want you until we get that boy out of that school.”

terse

nodding seriously and looking down at his

can’t help it I’m up out of my seat with a shout joy and throwing

rush of warmth and joy runs through me when my dad wraps his big arms around me, hugging me back. “I love you so

to smile at my face, his own filled with a thousand emotions I couldn’t even begin to name. “I always knew you were tough, that you’d do big things. We’re…we’re very proud. You know that, right?”

I say, grinning at him feeling so, so incredibly lucky to have him as my

my mom as my mom, and my brother as my brother. “Don’t worry. I know.”

me on my feet and gesturing towards the table. “Then eat

eyes going wide.

says, his mouth twisting up at the corner. “Part of

it, your finals begin. Hope you studied,

see that his face is

crap,” he says, his eyes meeting mine.

we have to go.”

matches my pace as I slurp down my

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