Cross Academy by Elaine Valicity

Author:Elaine, Valicity
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: The Rebel Christian Publishing
Published: 2022-03-07T00:00:00+00:00

17

Fox Fire

“First things first,” Vinny said, still stalking the circle with Andor and Terra beside him. “Everyone give their name and gift; we need to see which blessings are most useful right now.”

Someone in the crowd snorted. “Absolutely not,” said an angry voice as the students parted to let a girl through. She was a heavyset student, round hips, a pudgy belly, full breasts, and a head full of thick curls. Her arms were muscular, like she could twist Vinny in half, and she was tall—a full head and shoulders over him, even without shoes on. Fox glanced at her bare feet, wondering what her blessing could be if she was allowed to walk around like that.

The girl entered the circle and stood before Vinny, arms folded, an angry look etched onto her dark brown face. “I’m not telling anyone my blessing.”

“Why not?” Vinny asked.

She rolled her eyes like she was disappointed in him. “I took you for the smart brother.”

Fox glanced over at Montell, not missing the little snicker he let out. Vinny was not as amused. “Care to explain what I’m missing, Wunda?”

Wunda sighed. “We’re classmates, but that’s only for now. When we take the entrance exams, it won’t be a group test. It’ll be every man for himself. If I reveal my blessing now, you’ll just learn how to counter it and use my weaknesses against me when it matters most.”

Whispers scattered through the crowd, even Fox understood where she was coming from, but Terra disagreed. “We’re in this together, Wunda—”

“I don’t need you guys to get through this cave,” she cut her off. “Neither the dark nor any twists or turns will slow me down.” Wunda turned to leave. “You guys are on your own.”

“Wait,” Andor called. “The point of this task isn’t just to make it out the cave. It’s to strategize. Master Jo wants us to work together.”

Wunda’s shoulders tensed, but she didn’t take another step.

“If you leave, we’ll just follow you,” Andor went on. “You can’t stop us, so you might as well work with us.”

“You already know my blessing,” Vinny said. “And Andor’s, and Terra’s. Don’t hide yours if you can help everyone like you say you can.”

Wunda sighed and turned back around, crossing thick arms over her chest as she said, “Wunda of the Cyruson Tribe.”

Vinny’s eyes widened. “No way,” he whispered.

Fox glanced at KI for explanation, but her friend only shrugged.

“She’s strong,” Montell said beside them.

Fox nodded at him. “That much is obvious.”

“No.” He shook his head. “You don’t get it. The Cyrusons are the founders of Babel.”

Fox stopped breathing for a moment. She was looking at a member of one of the founding families of Babel—of the Academy itself. “How?” she said quietly, her eyes scanning the angry teen animatedly arguing with Vinny over why she had to give him more details than just her name.

“My name alone should be more than enough information about me!” she nearly yelled.

“But are you related to him? To Lord Jericho?” Vinny asked.

“Lord Jericho,” Fox repeated.

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