Just ahead, Nicole reached the end of the wide corridor, outside the entrance hall and stopped. They crowded around her.
The entrance hall was packed. Young people – some in Cimmeria uniforms, some in street clothes – milled with their parents, teachers and guards. Suitcases were piled in chaotic stacks.
Their excited voices echoed off the stone floors and the old walls.
‘What the hell?’ Lucas said.
‘Who are these people?’ Zoe muttered, frowning.
The front door stood open and, through it, Allie could see a long line of cars, stretching down the drive.
Isabelle stood near the front door with Zelazny. Sunlight poured through the stained glass window above their heads, flooding the room with swirls of gold and blue. A crowd fluttered excitedly around them, gesticulating and explaining. Isabelle was beaming at them.
When Izabelle noticed Allie and the others standing in the doorway, she ran over to them.
‘Can you believe it?’ she asked. Her eyes were bright.
‘It’s wonderful,’ Nicole said, her smile widening.
‘What’s going on?’ Rachel asked.
‘They’re coming back.’ Isabelle gestured at the crowded room. ‘The students who left when Nathaniel split Orion – they’re coming back. And more besides.’ She pointed to a group who stood somewhat shyly to one side, beneath a tapestry of knights in armour.
‘They’re Polish students,’ Isabelle explained. ‘Their parents called this week to ask if they could attend Cimmeria on exchange. They’ve heard about Aurora and they want to be a part of it. Apparently a new group is starting up there.’ She took a breath. ‘And there will be more. I just got off the phone with some American students who want to enrol in the autumn term. I’m getting emails and calls from Canada, Australia, Germany, Belgium…’ She gave a giddy laugh. ‘We’ll have to expand the school if this keeps up.’
Her cheeks were flushed with excitement – Allie couldn’t remember ever seeing her look so happy.
It was contagious. For the first time in months, the school felt alive. The returning students began streaming down the wide hallway with their parents in tow, lugging suitcases and chattering. Ahead, Allie could see staff rushing around – they’d be hurrying to prepare rooms and meals for the unexpected influx.
It was like fresh blood pouring into the school’s veins.
With this many students, she could imagine full classrooms again. A packed dining hall – Cimmeria Academy, as it always should be.
Allie thought her heart might explode. She wanted to hug everyone.
As if he knew how she felt, Carter wrapped his arms around her waist, and rested his chin lightly on her shoulder.
‘Unbelievable,’ he murmured.
When they trooped back to the library a few minutes later, Allie looked up at him and asked the question she’d been afraid to verbalise since this all began.
‘Tell me the truth: do you think we’re going to do it? Do you think it’s really possible to change things? To make things better?’
He didn’t hesitate for a second. ‘I think we’re going to change the world.’
The way he said it, with absolute conviction, made her heart leap. The thrill of it was overwhelming. He had to be right.
They could do this. It wasn’t impossible. After all, people had changed the world before.
Why shouldn’t we?
Still, the simple truth was, she wouldn’t get the chance to change the world without first passing chemistry.
‘I’ve got to get back to science torture,’ she said glumly. ‘Rachel has a cattle prod waiting for me.’
Carter’s lips twitched. ‘Good luck,’ he said. ‘I’ve got to talk to Raj about what all this means for Night School. I’ll come find you after. I’m guessing you’ll be in the library?’
‘For the rest of my life,’ Allie said.
He brushed his lips against hers, and headed off. ‘See you in a while.’
For a moment, Allie just stood where he’d left her at the foot of the curving grand staircase, watching his distinctive, loping stride.
No one else moved like that. Like he was going somewhere important, but he’d get there in his own time. In his own way.
‘Stay cool, Carter West,’ she called after him softly.
She could hear his smile in the reply that floated back to her down the long, sunlit corridor, past the oak-panelled walls, under the crystal chandelier, for her ears alone.
‘Always.’
Acknowledgments