"Your enthusiasm is appreciated, but one more thing—I need information on these first-years who defeated you. Especially this Julian kid. As you know special admission students are rare, and potentially valuable to our cause... or dangerous to it."
"I understand,"
"I'll begin immediately."
"Good. You're dismissed."
As Marcel turned to leave, Marvin's voice stopped him one final time.
"Remember, Marcel—this is your last chance. There won't be another."
The weight of those words followed Marcel as he climbed the winding stone staircase back toward the academy proper.
The threat was clear, but so was the opportunity.
If he succeeded in both tasks—gathering the thirteen vessels and helping Marvin secure the presidency—his position within the organization would be secured.
Perhaps he might even rise to become Marvin's right hand.
The thought gave him strength as he emerged from a hidden doorway behind a frame depicting the founding of Aethel Academy.
