Showcase, Part Thirteen

The letter felt like it was burning a hole through Jaylin's bag, through her clothes, through her skin. She could practically feel its weight with every step she took toward the manor. It was the most gargantuan piece of paper she'd ever carried. 

[Why me?] she thought for the hundredth time. [Of all the people they could recruit, why Javir Folden's disappointing niece?]

It didn't make sense.

The Shadow Mages were supposed to be this terrifying secret organization. People who had their grimy fingers wrapped around the throats of politicians and their knives sharp and waiting to shank people. The kind of people who tried to kill kings and spread plagues through the nim population.

Not the kind who sent recruitment letters to mediocre students who couldn't even compete with a purple-skinned slut for their Academy's attention.

[Unless...] Jaylin's steps faltered. [Unless that's exactly why they want me?]