Esther knew something was up the moment she stepped into the dining hall. Valken, her adoptive brother, never visits Grimm House; not even to see his father, Headmaster Wilhelm. He used to say there were no fond memories of the academy, and therefore no reason to look back. His position as a Councilman for the Lord Protector kept him busy enough to come handle a bunch of Veilan children learning to control their abilities. They lock eyes across the table. He's sitting in her spot. He knows this, of course, which explains the devilish smile playing on his lips. As the rest of the students pour in, the hairs on the back of Esther's neck rise with anticipation. Why is he here? What could he possibly want? These thoughts rack her brain, but no answers are found as she is interrupted by a shriek from across the room . . .
