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“I still don’t think it’s necessary,” Albert Cunningham chimes in. “I have experience training people with gifts, and I’m happy to offer Miss Franklin my guidance and support.”
“Albert, with all due respect, you’re a key Council member who is constantly on the road, rushing from one meeting to the next,” Mr. Fabrici objects. “Everyone here leads similarly busy lives, so we know just how little time there is to spare. Can you really provide this girl with the help she needs? I have no doubt that your assistance would be valuable to her. But like I said – I’m sure that if you’re honest with yourself, you’ll admit that you don’t have the time to devote to this. I, on the other hand, have people in my employ who can train her and who know exactly the kind of approaches that will help her. I also possess the necessary equipment, and of course my family will always be available to support her.”
“I think the test is a good idea,” Matilda Cunningham agrees. She looks at her father. “Without knowing where she’s at, we can’t help her.”
I’m tempted to yell at them that I don’t need any help but, first, I know that’s not true, and second, my objections would be in vain. The decision is out of my hands. But I’m not about to give up.
“What kind of test is this anyway?” I ask.
“There are descriptions of it in some old manuscripts,” Alfredo explains with a frosty smile. “It’s a kind of stress test in which you’re pushed to your psychological limits. It’s been demonstrated that these extreme conditions can force the gift to manifest. That way, we can all see where you stand and whether you know how to use it.”
My heart is hammering. A stress test sounds merely tiring. But the way he’s looking at me, I get the feeling that there’s more to it.
“Does that mean I have to fight? And what do you mean by psychological limits? How are those reached?”
“Think of it like this: you’ll have to fight, demonstrate your fitness, and at the same time face some mental challenges. I can’t say any more at this stage, but you’ll find out soon enough,” Mr. Fabrici explains.
“What’s important for you to know is that you’ll never be in any real danger,” says Albert Cunningham in an attempt to reassure me. “It’s exhausting and certainly not a pleasant experience. But you won’t come to any harm.”
“Does that mean you agree?” Mr. Fabrici asks him.
“Only if I can make myself available to Miss Franklin afterward.”
“Dad, Lorenzo’s right. There’s really no need to burden yourself with this.”
“I disagree,” he replies in a stern tone.
Alfredo clears his throat. “Uh, if I can make a suggestion? Maybe our families can come to an agreement: if Miss Franklin fails this test and demonstrates that she’s physically and psychologically weak and completely at the mercy of her gift, then we’ll take responsibility for her training. Because in that case, she’ll need intensive and consistent attention. But if she shows signs that she has some influence over her gift and knows how to defend herself, then she’ll fall under your care, Albert. Because in that case, she would need less time invested in her.”
“That sounds reasonable,” his father concurs. “I’d also like to add the condition that if Miss Franklin fails the test, she’ll move into our house.”
I gasp and quickly voice my objection. “That’s out of the question. I’m really happy in school, and I’m not about to drop everything just so…”
“You won’t have to,” says Mr. Fabrici. “You’ll continue to attend school and graduate there, of course. But it would save a lot of time if you lived with us. Because I promise you, we have a lot in store for you, and we’d dedicate every spare minute to your training. And if you fail the test, it’s really the only way.”
I look hopefully at Mr. Cunningham. He still seems conflicted. So I turn to Mr. Collins, who’s been listening in silence. Judging by his expression, I can’t expect any help from him.
“Well, it’s in Miss Franklin’s hands then. If she passes the test, I’ll take responsibility for her training. Otherwise, it’s over to the Fabricis,” Albert Cunningham finally concedes.
I stare at him, stunned. “You can’t do this!”
“Miss Franklin, just give it your best effort. Then the problem will solve itself.” He looks at me with confidence. “I’m sure you can do this.”
I’m not convinced at all. I want to say something, do something, protest this horrifying decision. But even Mr. Cunningham seems to consider the matter closed.
“Please send Ayden in now.”
I scan all of the Council members’ faces one last time and realize there’s nothing I can do to change their minds. All I can do now is not fail. In a test in which I have no idea what to expect.
Chapter 6
After the interrogation, I pace restlessly around my room. I still can’t believe what just happened. This destiny test… I have no idea what to expect. But one thing seems clear: it’s potentially dangerous.
I recall the look on Mr. Cunningham’s face, and a shiver runs down my spine. I can’t fail this test. The idea of going to live with the Fabricis… being kicked out of the school residence and handed over to those people without any say in the matter.
I clench my fists and can barely contain my rage. I sure as hell won’t make it easy for them. Maybe there’s some way I can find out more about this test. Even a general idea of how it’s run would be really helpful. Then I could prepare for it. So far, it sounds as if I’ll have to fight. But against whom? And how are they going to push me to my psychological limits? I check the time. I wonder if they’ve finished questioning Ayden. What else did they want to ask him? Have they told him about the test too? I really want to talk to him, and at some point, I can’t wait any longer. I step out into the corridor, knock on his door, and wait. He doesn’t answer, and I’m filled with disappointment. It would have done me good to talk to him about all this. And maybe he could help me with the test. I’ll have to try again later.
I go back to my room just as my phone beeps. A glance at the display tells me I have a message from Noah.
