Ava: Graceless Florice

"Hogwash!"

Magister Orion's roar rushes through the space with such force and volume that my foot slips off a stair coming down. Only Vanessa's quick reflexes in grabbing my arm and hauling me backward saves me from an undignified tumble down the stairs and whatever injuries that might have brought my way.

Marcus squeezes by me on the stairs, motioning for me to stay back as we strain our ears to listen in.

There's someone else talking, a female voice that's unrecognizable to any of us, judging by the looks on everyone's faces.

"Balderdash. This is nothing more than an attempt to curb my authority—"

The voice cuts Magister Orion off again, but I can't hear what she's saying.

Marcus' brows lower into a fierce look that sends shivers down my back, and Vanessa's jaw is tight enough to crack her teeth. Whatever they're hearing, it isn't good.

Magister Orion's voice continues to climb the decibel ladder.