Night School: Legacy

‘Sylvain, Isabelle says somebody here really is on Nathaniel’s side. Somebody high up. That Night School investigation thing … It’s real.’ Searching his eyes, she saw no surprise, although he hesitated before replying.

‘We’ve known for a while,’ he said, ‘that somebody – one of the teachers or the Night School instructors or senior students – is working for Nathaniel.’

His words made it seem real, and goosebumps raised an icy path down Allie’s arms as she tried to imagine Zelazny or Eloise working for Nathaniel. Or Jo or Lucas. ‘I don’t believe it,’ she breathed. ‘I can’t believe one of us would do that.’

‘None of us can.’ His voice low. ‘That’s the problem. It must be somebody we trust. That makes it worse.’

Wrapping her arms around her torso, Allie looked up at him. ‘Why are they doing this, Sylvain? Do you know? Nathaniel and the people working for him – what do they want so badly?’

His eyes darkened and he glanced out the window before meeting her gaze again. ‘Things we can’t give them.’

Without thinking, she grabbed his arm. ‘You know, don’t you? You know what’s really going on.’

His eyes flashed up from her hand to her eyes, momentarily unguarded; his expression made her breath hitch in her throat.

Dropping her hand, she lowered her lashes. When she dared to glance up again, that look, whatever it had been, was gone.

‘I know things you don’t know, Allie, yes,’ he said. ‘But I’ve been here longer. My family are involved in all of this in a way you wouldn’t understand.’

‘Oh really?’ She’d had enough secrecy. Enough lies. And his vague words infuriated her. As she stalked away she said, ‘I wouldn’t be so certain of that.’


When she arrived at Training Room One that night, the room was already filling, but it was less crowded than it had been the night before. She didn’t see Carter or Sylvain anywhere.

She dropped on to the mat and stared off into the distance, thinking about her conversation with Sylvain; she was so lost in thought when Zoe walked up she hardly noticed.

‘I can’t believe you saw Gabe at dinner. You’re so lucky.’

Allie snorted in disbelief. ‘I don’t feel lucky.’

‘You should.’ Zoe dropped down beside her and stretched. Allie had to admire her flexibility as she easily lowered her head to one knee, her hands wrapped around the arch of her tiny foot. ‘Everyone’s looking for him and you’re the first one to see him. That’s awesome.’ She moved over the other leg, bending lithely. ‘Some senior students are out with Raj’s team searching the grounds now.’

That was news to Allie.

Raj stepped to the centre of the room. ‘We’re going to start with the same flip-and-drop move we practised last night. Please stand with your training partners.’

Allie liked how his quiet voice carried authority. He didn’t need to shout in order to be respected. And he didn’t seem shaken by what had happened earlier. It was just business as usual.

‘Left side attack first.’

Zoe stepped towards Allie. ‘We should go over this first. I did some things wrong last night.’

‘It’s OK.’ Allie cut her off. She hadn’t forgiven her yet. ‘I practised last night. I think I’ve got it.’

‘Are you sure?’ Zoe sounded doubtful. ‘We could go over it from the beginning. I could show you …’

‘Let’s just try it first.’ Allie kept her expression blank. She didn’t want Zoe to know how much she was looking forward to this.

Zoe shrugged. ‘It’s your funeral.’

‘Ready,’ Raj called.

Zoe stepped out of Allie’s sightline.

‘Now!’

As she had with Sylvain last night, Allie sensed rather than saw Zoe’s flying approach. She planted her feet. When Zoe’s hands gripped her arm she flipped her on to her back with ease.

‘Crikey,’ Zoe gasped as Allie helped her up. ‘That was brilliant! Who taught you that?’

‘Let’s just say I had a private tutor.’ Allie couldn’t suppress a triumphant smile.

‘Switch,’ Raj called.

Allie prepared as Sylvain had shown her – standing straight with her knees slightly bent, arms at her side. But ready – like a coiled spring. She tried not to be cocky, but the success of her first move had filled her with confidence.

She knew could do this.

‘Now!’

Grabbing the younger girl by the arm, she used the moves Sylvain had shown her but Zoe stayed solidly on her feet, crouching low and resisting all Allie’s efforts.

‘Good.’ Raj stood nearby, watching them. ‘Well done, Zoe. Allie, your moves were perfect but Zoe is well trained; what would you have done next in a real situation?’

‘A chokehold,’ she replied without hesitating.

‘Correct.’ He looked pleased, and she beamed. ‘Great progress, Allie.’

For the next hour they practised self-defence moves until Allie’s muscles ached.

At the end of the session, Zoe studied her appraisingly. ‘Huh. Maybe you aren’t completely crap after all.’

‘Thanks … I think, anyway.’ Realising she should praise Zoe, too, Allie added, ‘You’re very good at this.’