Ephy pushed closer to Airin as they filed into the start-of-school school assembly the next day, which was during first-period study hall. Do the senior high students get to miss real classes for the assembly?

She was afraid she would lose Airin in the press of students. They reached forward and grabbed Liska’s sleeve to keep from being swept away from her.

Once they got through the double doors, the pressure eased. A tall, cocoa-skinned teacher with her hair in a bun was directing the students on that side of the auditorium. She reached out and put a hand on Liska’s shoulder, abruptly stopping their little line as they made their way to the seats. The woman wore a leotard and flared dance pants.

“I hear you took a dance minor. I’m proud of you,” she said. Liska scowled and pulled away from the teacher’s hand.

The teacher smiled at them, dimples breaking the smooth lines of her cheeks. “Are these your suitemates? Anyone in dance?”

Liska waved limply in their direction. “Airin is studying music, and Ephy is in the drama track.”

“I’m taking dance,” said Ephy. She noticed the teacher's resemblance to Liska and remembered the name on Liska's schedule. “Are you Liska’s sister?”

Hunter nodded, her bun bobbing on her head. “I am! Have you studied dance before?” she asked hopefully.

Ephy shrugged. “A little contemporary and some classical, but I've only had a few years.”

Hunter’s expression drooped a bit. “Oh, well, I look forward to seeing you in class.” She gestured down the aisle. “Nearly time to start, so go find some seats.”

The room was nearly full, so the trio climbed the stairs into the balcony, where they found a few seats together on one side of the first row. Ephy crossed her arms and leaned over the railing, peering down at the excited, chattering students below. She wondered if students at Heskalon were doing the same thing right now and she would be experiencing if she had gone there instead.

A slender woman with perfect posture walked onto the stage. She must have been a dancer. White hair framed her dark skin, and her firm demeanor quieted the chattering students.

“Good morning, students and teachers. Welcome to a new year and a new term.” Her voice boomed through the microphone.

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“I am Ferula Graves, Head of Eclipse Supernatural School for the Arts.” She paused, slowly scanning the crowd.

“Those of you who are starting another year at Eclipse know that we work hard here to help each one of you achieve your dreams. Those of you who are new and taking their first steps towards achieving your dreams may feel intimidated or afraid that the challenge is too big or too hard to achieve.”

I’m not at Heskalon anymore. What do I do now? Next to her, Airin fidgeted. Liska draped herself over the railing; she looked like she was hanging on every word.

“You may be imagining dancing on a grand stage before a large audience or hearing your song on the radio. But before that happens, you must take thousands of tiny steps that will make that dream a reality. So, I challenge you to consider each day a chance to shine, even in the smallest challenges. Writing a few lines of a new song every day could mean many songs in a year. Stretching and doing ankle raises while watching your favorite TV show could improve your flexibility and strength for your end-of-term dance exam. Practicing scales every day can help you develop both solid practice habits and a good ear for music.”

Coughs and murmurs came from the students below. Ephy had an itch in the middle of her back. Liska started digging in her backpack.

Principal Graves shifted and scanned the auditorium, waiting for the students to settle. “Nothing great is achieved without many small steps, so consider every small step one step toward your goals. I am glad all of you are here; I hope you remember that each small step leads you to something great. Next, we will hear from our student council.”

Ephy stole another glance at Liska, who was scribbling on a small notepad. Is she taking notes on the start-of-school assembly? Airin was sitting placidly, their hands in their lap. Ephy took a breath and returned her focus to the stage.

A small girl dressed in a plaid red dress with a white ponytail walked onto the stage. She has pointed ears. An elf.

“I am Holly Pine, the Air Quad leader. I have some announcements for all students.”

She’s our quad leader? A Christmas elf?

Half-gods tended to be tall, so the range of sizes of the students at Eclipse surprised Ephy. She was at least five inches taller than either of her suitemates.

Holly was talking. “We will be holding middle school student council elections in October to give the new students a chance to meet and get to know one another. You can fill out a form in the administration office if you want to run, or you can nominate one of your classmates.”

Ephy scowled. That reminded her of Heskalon, where everything was a popularity contest. Why can’t students choose if they want to run or not?

Holly continued, “Also, be sure to pay attention to the email announcements for more upcoming events. Thank you!”

Holly skipped off the stage.

They announced the rest of the student council and quad leaders, but Ephy let her attention wander, since most of the announcements were about high school events.

Then Ferula Graves returned to the podium and announced, “We will now have a performance by some of our outstanding senior students.”

Ephy turned her attention back to the stage. Finally, something more fun than announcements.