The Realm Protectors

Chapter 12 - Nikolina

It somehow takes an astounding two hours to get the other 32 presenters ready. Their hair and makeup is done, and their costumes are on. Jaq and her crew are flitting about and helping anyone who needs it. I almost feel bare looking at these already beautiful fourth sects beautified even more with makeup and astounding hairstyles. Enya checks the time and pulls us eight out the door to go escort our delegations back to the auditorium.

I rush to the Darkness Campus as fast as I can without getting out of breath, stopping a few times to zip through the shadows of buildings. I arrive at Dark Facility and go inside to see the Mork delegation already in their pristine rows. When School Master Dankworth sees me she gives three shrill whistles. The students snap to attention, clicking their heels. Each one is perfectly fitted in a black military-esque uniform complete with onyx buttons.

"Little Voronkova," School Master Dankworth nods to me, accent heavy. "Back to the auditorium?"

"Yes, School Master." I incline my head in a Morkian bow.

"Excellent." Dankworth pulls out her whistle and gives another shrill two blasts. "Stodens! Marhe!" She snaps.

I lead the procession back to the main campus and into the auditorium, only lasting a few yards before my feet began to match their tempo. How easily we fall into our old habits. The delegations from the other schools don't get a room backstage to get ready, instead having to sit in their assigned seats until they're called onstage. We have the home-field advantage of keeping our presentation secret until we perform.

Once all of the Morkians are seated I rush back down to the Green Room. Two screens have been rolled in to allow us to watch the performances while we finish getting ready. The others are sitting in the vanities getting done up by Jaq and her team, while the other 32 crowd around the screens.

I sit down in front of one of the vanities and a girl with coiled red hair immediately starts doing my makeup. She covers my face in a blessedly light coat of foundation and powder before applying blush and black lipstick. She tells me to close my eyes and I feel her start to apply makeup there too.

After a while she tells me that my makeup is done but to keep my eyes closed until the eyeliner is completely dry. She starts in on my hair, braiding it into a crown around my head and curling the pieces that fall to my back.

I start to feel nervous when she's done dolling me up and she tells me to get into my costume. Behind the room dividers used for changing, I shakily step into the sleek, silky fabric, zipping up the back. There's a thin hoop skirt underneath that keeps the pooling fabric away from my legs and feet as much as possible and makes me look like a figure of shadow.

I step out from behind the screen and Professor Grantwood barges in, looking a little frazzled. Enya turns from her spot beside Ciana to look at her. She walks up to Professor Grantwood, fiery costume catching the light and making her look like a real flame.

"Professor, what's wrong?" Enya asks. Grantwood takes a breath and composes herself.

"Can I speak with you eight quickly?" She says, voice low.

"Of course," Enya frowns, worry crossing her face. She waves at us to meet behind one of the changing screens. Nile stands by the edge so he can stop anyone from coming behind and listening to us.

"What is it, Professor?" Ciana wrings her hands worriedly.

"I came to see if the other High Arches were in here," She sighs. "They were supposed to be here twenty minutes ago and none of the messengers have come back from Arch Hall. I want to go and find out what's going on but I need to be here and run the show."