curtains, on the two exterior walls. The draperies were ombre, with yellow at the top that faded into orange and finally red at the bottom.
On the opposite walls sat floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. They not only contained books, but also artifacts from all over the world—and not just from the human realm. In the center of the room was a desk, which Professor Frost sat behind.
“Thank you for arriving promptly,” the professor said as she stood and walked around to the front of the desk.
“Yes, ma’am,” Gabby said. Hard-ass or not, Gabby would be respectful to those who’d been kind to her, and Frost was at the top of that list.
“Circumstances have drastically changed in the past twenty-four hours. I received a call from Headmaster Terrick letting me know they would not be having training today. However, he would like your team to join them in a meeting today.”
“Why our team?” Gabby asked, trying to ignore the flips her stomach was attempting to do at the prospect of seeing Liam again.
“Apparently, your team made a very good impression on Zuri, one of their instructors and one of their best warriors. They’re also in need of a fire elementalist, and, though you haven’t graduated yet, you’re very powerful and dedicated. You’re at the top of your class in every subject, especially combat and magic-wielding.”
“Thank you,” Gabby said simply. What else could she say? She’d trained hard because that’s what she needed to do. It kept her busy and made her feel as if she had some worth.
“You are to head over there immediately. Have you eaten breakfast?”
Gabby nodded.
“Good. I am headed there myself for the same meeting.” Professor Frost opened a portal and motioned for Gabby to walk through.
Gabby was still trying to wrap her head around the fact that she was going to be in a meeting with Professor Frost and … who else?
“Ma’am, can I ask who else will be in this meeting?”
“All the headmasters and headmistresses, professors that are heads of their departments in their schools, and some other key students whose power will be valuable for what we are facing. Possibly some of the royal elementals,” Professor Frost answered as if it was no big deal.
Gabby’s mouth opened and closed several times and then she said, “Sounds like we’re gearing up to kick ass and take names.”
Professor Frost smiled. “I’d say that sums it up quite well. Though I’d advise against putting it that way while in this meeting.”
“Noted,” Gabby said, and she walked through the portal, Frost on her heels.
Her feet had barely hit the floor when she heard his voice.
“Damn, it’s good to see you.”
Gabby whipped around as her elbow flew up and nailed Liam in the face. Her breathing came out in rapid puffs as she glared at the guy who’d been plaguing her thoughts. He rubbed his jaw and grinned at her. Who grins after getting elbowed in the face?
“Sneaking up behind someone is not nice … or smart for your face,” Gabby said and glared at him.
“Being close to you is worth a little tap to the jawline, babe,” Liam said unrepentantly.
She rolled her eyes. Of course, he would say something like that.
“Gabby.”
The sound of her name caused her to look away from Liam. Tara stood just behind Gabby with a beautiful blonde girl right beside her.
“Hey, Tara,” Gabby said with a small smile. Gabby didn’t want to like the girl, but she was so genuine, and that made it hard to dislike her.
“I’m glad you’re here,” Tara said. “Ender and Colt are here too.” She pointed to the two guys who’d also been in their training group.
Gabby glanced over and saw two males standing next to each other. Colt’s hand was shoved into the pockets of his cargos, and Ender had his arms folded across his chest. They both gave her a nod. Typical guy greeting.
“I’m glad to be here,” she answered honestly as she looked back at Tara. It was a hell of a lot better than being curled up in a ball on the Crimson Academy training field wondering if she’d ever pull herself together.
“This is Shelly, my best friend I told you about.” She pointed to the blonde next to her.
“You’re Hell-Girl?” Gabby asked with a raised brow. She looked the girl up and down. Though Shelly was tall, she was whip-thin and didn’t seem formidable enough to endure a place as unforgiving as the underworld. Not that Gabby had been there herself. But she’d read plenty on the place.
Shelly