Anoor turned to look at the speaker. It was Tanu. She had once been a close companion to Anoor, her only Ember friend growing up. But as Tanu’s interests led her to textbooks, Anoor’s led her to zines, and eventually their lack of commonality pulled them apart.
Tanu ran her hand through the black curls at the top of her head. She had shaved the sides, which accentuated her high cheekbones and hawklike features. She tilted back in her chair and surveyed the room.
Tanu continued, now she had everyone’s attention. “I expect I’ll be the next Disciple of Knowledge.”
No one was surprised.
“Oh ho! A competitor, how exciting. Any others in the class?” The master’s eyes gleamed with the fever of an experienced gambler. There was no doubt that she was taking stock; it was said that the Aktibar was the busiest time for the betting houses.
Anoor raised her hand. They’d find out soon enough once the first day of the trials was upon them.
“I signed up for the Aktibar for strength.”
The silence was heavy with disbelief.
“You signed up for the Aktibar for…strength?” Master Fadel repeated.
Some students looked at her as if for the first time. A few shot her a shred of respect, the rest had brows creased in concern. She realized they thought she’d gone mad.
Maybe she had.