Chapter 24

• Zara’s POV
• I hated school trips. Always had. They reminded me of long childhood bus rides with kids I couldn’t relate to, the smell of old leather seats and hot plastic, and teachers telling us to look at scenery while my mind reeled with other things. But this trip to Greystone Island felt worse.
• The boat rocked under my feet as we crossed the narrow river from mainland to the academy’s original home. Wind slapped my hair across my face. Seagulls circled overhead, their shrieks echoing through my skull. Students chartered around me, excitement buzzing in the salty breeze.