Free The Guardian Lineage by Seth Z. Herman Page B

and buzzed like an angry hornet.
    A red digital timer appeared on the pillar between the two combatants. It registered at 00:05.
    â€œBegin.”
    There was a small ding, and the clock started counting down. Aaron yelled “Magena,” and the shield appeared immediately.
    Minor reared back, and electricity flew from the empty bulb to his fingertips. He pressed his arm forward and a bolt shot forth. The energy collided with Aaron’s shield and dissipated, causing Aaron to jolt backwards just a bit.
    Cheering erupted from the gallery. Mike had to admit, both students were impressive; their spells had worked perfectly.
    The boys switched roles, and Aaron produced even more powerful results. Minor was thrown backwards several steps by the electric impact on his shield.
    â€œNotice,” Stockton said as the two boys left the carpet, “That Minor was pushed back by Caulderon’s attack. This will happen when one warrior is magically stronger than the next. This can be a result of several things – magical knowledge, clearer focus, or...” Stockton stared right at Mike. “Pure magical talent.”
    There it was again, Stockton’s deliberate attempt at singling Mike out. What was this guy’s problem? Well, Mike knew his problem, but he just couldn’t understand why—
    â€œPrior, Frost, you’re next.”
    Mike started when he heard his name. He looked down the row of students. Then he realized who his opponent was.
    Annabella Frost, Zachariah’s girlfriend.
    Mike saw Zachariah whisper something in his girlfriend’s ear – probably something to the effect of “rearrange his face” – then gave her a peck on the cheek.
    Annabella stepped onto the playing field, her mouth curled into a snarl. Mike did his best to look calm, but his heart was roaring like a caged lion.
    This could not end well. He had one of two options. He could refuse to attack, which would make Stockton hate him even more, if such a thing were possible. Or, he could act as if nothing was wrong, which would put Annabella in serious danger.
    Unless, of course, this whole shield thing worked.
    â€œApproach each other,” Stockton said.
    Mike wanted to say something… explain that it was too dangerous, he couldn’t afford to put her in this kind of jeopardy on the first day… but the words stuck in his throat. Maybe she could hold her own. Maybe she was just as good as him. Maybe he was going to incinerate her …
    â€œMister Prior, you have five seconds to create your shield. Begin.”
    The bell rang, but before Mike could get a word out, water flew from the bottle to Annabella’s hands, crystallized, and streaked in Mike’s direction.
    Mike reacted on instinct alone. He jerked his head to the side and shielded his face with his forearm. He screamed, “Magena,” and extended his other arm, but he knew there was no way he could get it up in time—
    He felt nothing.
    The crowd “oooh”-ed, and murmuring filled the room.
    â€œShe tried—”
    â€œCan you believe it?”
    â€œThat was a cheap-shot—”
    Slowly, Mike realized what had happened. And in that instant, his inhibition for attacking her melted away.
    â€œReally?” he roared in Zachariah’s direction. “Using your girlfriend to take me out? That’s how it’s going to be?”
    Zachariah stepped forward, but Magus Stockton interjected.
    â€œMister Prior,” he said in a loud and commanding tone. The room fell silent.
    Mike turned to Stockton and stepped back. His heart was raging, but he held himself back from saying anything. Best to let him handle it, Mike told himself. Yeah, that would be better; Stockton would call her out, send a message, punish her for breaking the rules...
    But the Magus simply pursed his lips.
    â€œMister Prior,” he said, “It’s your turn.”
    Mike bit his tongue. So that was it,