“No. Then you’ll be forced to fight and kill that future while everyone in the academy watches you…and judges your innate prowess with the cards. Succeed, and then you’ll be an initiate. Fail, and it’s a hot branding iron and a one-way trip to the powder mills.” I step back, beckoning Skirts. Her friend had the much better sense to wear well-fitted trousers. “Which, speaking of…let me see you.”
