Heart-Less

Chapter 13

Ada took in a deep breath, trying to get as much air as possible. Her lungs felt like they were burning up. No, not just her lungs, her entire body was screaming in pain. Her vision began to darken, and she slowly sank onto the straw mat that covered half the office.

"Get up, Miss Ada. You have no time to waste." Pendragon's voice rang above her.

"I can't do it, Head Wizard," Ada murmured. She had tried and tried and tried so hard, but she couldn't move that stupid piece of paper. "I'm too tired, I think I'm going to explode."

Pendragon moved forward and pressed his hand to her forehead.

"You have nothing to worry about," he said brusquely. "You're not even close to burning up. Get up and try again. There's no time to waste."

Why are you so anxious? Ada thought she should ask. But she could barely open her mouth. Her throat was so parched. She reached for the tea that Pendragon had ordered served to her, but it the cup was dry.

Impatiently, Pendragon took the teapot sitting on his desk and poured more tea into her cup. Ada drank the lukewarm tea gratefully. And to think that it had been piping hot when it was first served.

"Are you ready Miss Ada? You have three more chances, and then I must leave for a faculty meeting."

Ada staggered as she got up. That stupid paper lying in front of her seemed to be laughing in her face. Her muscles burned, even though she had not moved that much for the entire morning.

"Ready? One." The paper stayed on the ground.

"Two." Ada wondered if it was possible to just fake it.

"I wouldn't advise that you try to lie your way through this." Busted.

Ada sighed and reached out her hand. Pendragon had suggested using a physical movement to talk to the paper. But it was a ridiculous concept. Atoms may be the connection between her and that piece of paper, but you cannot push air that much.

"Three."

Nothing.

Of course.

Ada wanted to sink down to the floor and just sleep on it. Who cared about propriety? But she didn't even have to look at Pendragon to see that it was a bad idea.

"You disappoint me, Miss Ada." Pendragon's voice was cold. "I expected more of you."

"It's not my fault," Ada whispered, staring at the welcoming floor. How was she thirsty already?

Ada heard footsteps, and cold hands grabbed her cheeks and forced her head up.

"I want you to look at this."

It was Nic and the president, in the president's room. Was this why Nic sent her so many messages? She hadn't had time to check them yet.

"I called you here because I have a job for you," the president said.

"A job?" Nic said, looking skeptical. She even had her arms crossed.

"Stop parroting me, it makes you look stupid." The president rolled her eyes. "And yes, a job. The third country coming is the Magi, and I need you to get to know them. Their quirks, their culture, what makes them tick, everything. They're the only country that has refused to established diplomatic relations with us, and I want to know why. There is no piece of information too small. Can you do it?"

Nic stiffened. "I can, but I haven't said if I will. What if I say no?"

Ada thought that she would want to cheer. Her heart was going to feel all happy and warm when she got back.