{Elira}
~**^**~
I shoved the red card into my notebook, as though hiding it might quiet the pounding of my heart.
Professor Calven continued. "Ronan Kett."
A boy near the front dragged himself forward, his usual swagger dimmed by the attention. He pulled a violet card, twirling it between his fingers on his way back.
The whispers started up again.
"Two reds… one green… now violet."
"Maybe Violet is artistic?"
"What if Red is punishment?"
Professor Calven ignored the noise. "Selene Dray."
A girl with sleek black hair walked quickly to the front, choosing a pale yellow card. She looked down at it with a nervous laugh, clutching it close as if it might reveal its secret early.
"Edrin Vale."
A broad-shouldered boy picked a green card, the second of its kind, then held it up triumphantly to the class like he'd already won something.
The murmurs swelled, curiosity bleeding into nerves.
