“Mr. Tourael’s proposed research project involves studying the limitations of the energy connection between a conjurer and their conjured item.”
I do not look at Elethior. Briefly, I feel his eyes on me, but I stay focused on the announcer.
Thompson nudges my shoe to get me to stop bouncing my leg.
“Our second applicant of note,” Davyeras says. He shuffles some papers on his podium. “Is Sebastian Walsh, a graduate student in the Evocation Department—”
I can taste blood. I pry my teeth out of my tongue.
“—who plans to use his degree to contribute to spell work in the nonprofit sector. Mr. Walsh’s proposed research project involves the limitation of energy drawn from components during spells.”
Davyeras stops to look up at the crowd. “The committee was met with an interesting challenge this year,” he says. “Both of our front-runners’ projects deal with the connection and control of energy during spell work.”
I barely stop myself from scoffing. Has this guy been talking to Crescentia?
“As you well know,” Davyeras carries on, “there has always been a bit of friendly competition between the Conjuration and Evocation Departments. And at first, the committee’s decision lay along those lines. Which should we support: Evocation or conjuration? But the issue is larger than a divide of department. The benefits of uncovering ways to cap and control energy in spell work appealed to those on not just the selection committee, but on the university board itself. Our decision came down to what would best serve the magical community as a whole.”
My heart sinks like the rest of my chest cavity turned to quicksand.
Best serve the magical community.
The Tourael family is one of the heads of the elitemagical community.
They’re going with Elethior, aren’t they?
It hits me in a crashing wave, the reality of having to get funding from somewhere else. If I want to graduate. If I want to keep Clawstar impressed. If I want to be able to get spell work to people whoneedit. Sure, I can scramble to find other sources, maybe get one more loan, why not? But that would take time. Time I doubt I have, to get started next semester.
But. I could call my father.
I force myself to sit up straight. Like hell will I fold. Like hell will I show weakness. It ain’t over ’til it’s over, gods damn it.
“Given the potential benefits of exploring spell work energy limitations,” Davyeras says, “and the importance of cross-disciplinary teamwork, the committee has decided to provide a dedicated lab space as well as increase the grant’s funding—”
I jerk to the edge of my chair. What? A dedicated lab? And—moremoney?
“—in a collaborative state to both Elethior Tourael and Sebastian Walsh.”
Everything in my body solidifies. Quick-set cement.
The crowd is dead silent for a beat. Then whispers ripple through, nothing negative, mostly curiosity and interest.
Thompson jostles my arm, his face stretched wide with happiness.
“Mr. Tourael and Mr. Walsh will be expected to make full use of these resources as they not only research their projects, but uncover the ways in which conjuration and evocation overlap in spell energy limitation,” Davyeras tells us. “They will cooperatively present their findings next spring. A unified project between these departments is a mark of this community’s growth, and we, the selection committee, are excited to see what Mr. Tourael and Mr. Walsh are able to do together.”
Together.
Cooperatively.
Collaborative.
Oh. My. Gods.
The room breaks into applause and Thompson elbows me.
Again.
A third time.
