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“Fine,” he says with a sigh. “I’m so ready for winter break.”

“You and me both.” Too bad it’s months away. Unfortunately, paranorms don’t get as many school breaks as humans do. Honestly, between that and not having to fight the demons themselves, they have it so easy.

“All right, everyone.” Professor Silverstone claps to get our attention. “On the line.” She’s wearing white leggings, a dove-gray performance top, and sneakers, ready to move like the rest of us. She’s different from other Foundation professors. She hasn’t once said something bad about Ferals, and she treats all of her students the same.

Which is why we all rush to comply with her order. Eli and I stand closer together near the end.

Silverstone positions herself in front of us, assessing. “Who can remind me why mages have two affinities, when vampires and shifters only have one?”

Someone eagerly raises their hand. There’s always that one person.

“Go ahead,” the professor says.

“Vampires and shifters are stronger and faster than mages, due to their nature. To make up for the difference, the Goddess gifted mages with two affinities so there would be balance among the paranormal species.”

Silverstone nods. “Good. And how many types of affinities are there for mages?”

“Too many to list,” someone quips.

“There are quite a lot,” Silverstone admits. “Name one obscure one.” Her gaze moves around the room. “Don’t be shy.”

“Foresight,” I offer. She spent about five minutes on that affinity last week when talking about how it could be used in battle. The ability to see the future sounds like a curse as much as it is a gift. Not every future is set in stone, and one wrong decision could change events for better… or worse.

Her gaze slips to meet mine. “Very good, Raina. Someone was paying attention last week.” A guy rolls his eyes, but Silverstone either doesn’t notice or chooses to ignore it. “What about the vampires and shifters?” she asks the broader class.

“We can still kick a mage’s ass,” a guy near me calls out, earning scattered laughter from the students.

Silverstone sighs.

A girl—probably a mage—sends the guy a scathing look and answers the real question. “Vampires and shifters have one affinity that complements their nature. Vampires usually have affinities related to bloodcraft, mind reading, or compulsion. Shifter affinities are harder to define.” Her brow wrinkles and Silverstone nods in encouragement. “Their affinities relate to the earth. Some can manipulate stone and soil, while others have an instinct sight which helps them perceive danger, lies, or hidden threats. They also have their own version of healing.”

“Correct. Vaeloria made each of her paranormal beings special in their own ways to help the humans. Vampires are the answer to the human’s struggle to hunt. Shifters offer protection, and mages can harness various powers, like calling upon fire, water, or wind to cleanse the air, or they can enrich the earth to promote bountiful harvests or even healing the sick with magic similar to the healing magic mages have. With the variety of affinities she created, the Goddess aimed to help the humans who were struggling to thrive.”

“Too bad the humans hate us,” Eli mutters.

I give him a knowing nod. For a time, humans and paranorms lived in peace. They didn’t fear our powers, but like all good history stories, someone wanted more than they were given. Religion was used as a weapon of control, and soon enough, the humans rejected Vaeloria’s gift and sought to eradicate paranorms. Paranorms are programmed to help, not hurt the humans, and our only choice was to retreat and work in the shadows to stop the biggest threat: the demons.

It’s tragic, really. We could help the humans in so many ways, but they’re the cause of their own suffering. Now, in their little bubble of reality, paranorms exist only in their stories and movies and fantasies.

Since this is Practical Casting, Silverstone doesn’t dwell on the sordid history of how paranorms and humans fell out. “We’ll start with secondary affinities. They should come as easy as breathing. Some of you have had years of specialized training.” She sends a pointed look at the cluster of Foundations.

Some of their smug looks make me want to slap them. If only we all had mommy and daddy’s money.

“Which means,” Silverstone continues, “that the rest of you have some catching up to do. We’ll spend some time practicing one-on-one with partners of your choice, but later in the course, I’ll pair you based on the power ranking from the enrollment ceremony to push you to the greater limits of your affinities.”

Fabulous. That means the same ranking that will determine dorm rooms will determine who I have to work with.

“Obviously we’ll be partners until then,” Eli whispers.

I nod.

“Today you’ll be working on using your powers on your partner. Remember, control is everything. Try not to kill your friend.” Uneasy laughter ripples down the line. Silverstone’s face is serious. “There’s nothing to laugh about. The consequences can be grave. While your partner is casting, it’s important to try and use your own affinity to shield against theirs. Some of you may not realize how outranked you are, and if you’re not prepared, you could die.”

The door to the gym bangs open, and Drake strides through them like a sentinel. Half the female population sits a little straighter or fixes their hair. I get why. He’s hot shit, but while they see the fitted outfit, the muscles, the handsome face and full lips, all I see is entitlement. I’ve never been one to follow the crowd, and something in me instantly rebels. People worship the ground he walks on, while I kind of want to light it on fire simply to be contrary.

What? We can’t all be perfect. I happen to be more than a little petty.

“Drake is my teaching assistant. He’s here to help,” Silverstone says.