“Rise and shine, Pyr.” Pyrrha’s eyes fluttered open to see curls and streams of snow staring down at her. “It’s your big day.”

  “Urgh! Let me sleep in!”

  “If you’re asleep when you induct. You will die.” Her sister advised, before her lips curled to a grin. "And you didn't let me sleep in before I inducted."

  “Why do I have to go?” Pyrrha complained.

  “One day, someone will find the answer.” Her sister replied, looking away as a child started stomping around a few rooms away.

  “Am I ready?” Pyrrha asked, yearning for something concrete from her sister.

  “I hope you are.” Her sister replied, putting her hand on Pyrrha's.

  “I hope to look more badass than you on the other side!” Pyrrha declared.

  “Just remember. No boys. Absolutely no boys.” The white-hair pulled back. “I learned that the hard way.”

  “Mama! Hurry up!” A boy called, stomping towards us. “Granny said no dilly dally!”

  “You heard him, Pyr.” The white-haired woman started to turn to leave.

  “Frosty? What if I do make your same mistake?” Pyrrha asked, as if it were something she was truly worried about.

  “Protect him with your life. You’ll regret spending so little time together.” Frostine looked down at the floor, mulling over her words for just a moment looked back at Pyrrha. “And remember. It’s only three years. If you survive you have the rest of your life… if you don’t… then you have the same.”

  “We should go. I hear dad getting out of his chair.” Pyr quickly scrambled out of bed, Frostine walked up the stairs to run a distraction, through on a pair of jeans and a long-sleeve shirt, then sprinted up the stairs. “I’m up! I’m up!”

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  “I told you all to relax.” Aunt Murasaki chimed up. She sipped on her mug of what Pyrrha could only guess was hot tea. “She’s got a lot on her plate.”

  “I’ll say. One likes Chorizo, one likes sugar.” Dad mused as Pyr sat in front of a pile of chocolate-chip pancakes drowned in syrup. “No interruptions this year.”

  “Aunt Mur? Will I do good?” Pyrrha asked, Murasaki looked her over several times, her affinity was being able to see a person's weaknesses.

  “You’re a pillar of steel, dear.” Murasaki nodded after several moments of observation.

  “You’ll do fine, sweetie.” Mom kissed Pyrrha’s cheek.

  “Just do better than your sister.” Dad raised his voice, seemingly threatening her.

  “He’s kidding. Just get home safe.” Mom snickered, glancing pointedly at Dad.

  “And no boys!” Dad boomed. “I didn’t think to warn Frostine when she went through and look how she turned out!”

  “Shut up, dad.” Frostine scolded, walking into the kitchen.

  “I hoped Uncle Sam would be here.” Pyrrha murmured glancing at Frost.

  “He is with the Locke's, their son is going inside.” She explained, Pyrrha nodded, understanding. Uncle Sam had fallen in love with Eden Locke in the school. She knew Tristen Locke all too well. He was drilled heavily by Mr. Locke and Sam. Certain to live up to the tales of his sister that Frostine vehemently proclaimed.

  “I hope I’m in his school.” Pyrrha nodded.

  “No. Boys!” Dad snapped.

  “Of course, Dad.” Pyrrha quickly replied, blushing. She didn't find Tristen cute or interesting like that. He looked alright, she just viewed him as a cousin nowadays.

  “Though if you did find a boy…” Mom started.

  “Which she wont!” Dad interrupted with his finger raised to hush Mom.

  “Find a cute one like Frostine did.” Mom suggested, setting a plate in front of Guava, she pinched his cheek. “We do love our cute little grandson.”

  “Oh, right. Make sure to find someone with a good affinity.” Dad advised, rolling his eyes.

  “That’s not necessary.” Mom hissed.

  “I wont have any perfume affinities in this household!” Dad affirmed. Pyrrha giggled as he said it.

  “No girls either.” Frostine glared at Aunt Murasaki. “This house gets busy enough without strays.”

  “Tough talk, Ice Box.”

  “Ugh! Take it outside!” Dad groaned, shooing the two away. “We’d prefer boys. Those two are crazy.”

  “I’m not gonna date!” Pyrrha finally declared.

  “We’re just saying.” Dad muttered, rolling his eyes.

  “Frostine said the same thing, basically.” Mom added, glancing at Frostine who went a little red.

  “You got everything?” Murasaki asked.

  “Yup!” Pyrrha nodded quickly, thankful for the change of conversation.

  “A few more minutes until our goodbye parade.” Murasaki noted, looking down at her watch.