Trials in Walls of Ivy (Triskelion Trilogy Book 1) by Deborah Jayne Pye

you rather we have names like slug and hippopotamus?” He laughed.
    “It just seems too far-fetched, that’s all. Animal names for groups, all the secrecy, it’s just hard to fathom. I don’t even think I’m going to pass.”
    “You’d better,” Ash said, sharply, “what do you think will happen if you fail?”
    I shrugged. “Go back to working at the beach bar, I suppose.”
    “Not a chance,” he laughed, humourlessly.
    “What do you mean?”
    He leaned in close and lowered his voice. “Think about it. We had to agree to be in this, to keep the secret for life. The guys who didn’t want to, left before she said anything really secret, so they weren’t in the know. But us, we know the truth now. We know what this university trains: spies. So, what do you think will happen to those that fail the first year?”
    “Well, what can they do, lock us up?”
    “Who knows?” He looked around quickly and leaned closer to whisper.  “My Dad’s military, and he said those that know too much are never free. Those soldiers, who have seen too much, are always tagged. But this, this is covert training. We’re going to be placed in key positions. If we fail here, I don’t want to think of where we would end up. Probably the arse end of nowhere for the rest of our lives. Somewhere where we can be forgotten and not tell their secrets.”
    I shivered. He was right in that we were told everything here was secret. I had spent the entire first night, once I was alone, pouring over the introduction booklet and my assigned role. It was spelled out plain and clear. We were forbidden from revealing this location, purpose or existence. According to my cover story, I was a sociology student. But the overwhelming tone was clear: absolute secrecy at all times. Nowhere in the pages did it reveal what the penalty for revealing those secrets would be. But, reading between the lines, it was clear it wouldn’t be good, and it would be permanent.
    Bree let out a shallow snore. She was slumped over and sound asleep on the seat beside me.
    “I really should get her home.” I shook her shoulder. “Bree, time to go.” I shook again. She was out of it.
    “Come on. I’ll carry her. Just tell me you’re not on the top floor of those flats?” Ash reached over and scooped Bree into his arms. He lifted her like she was a child. “You ready?” His muscles flexed in front of my face as he lifted her over the table.
    I jumped up, embarrassed at my preoccupation. “Yeah, sorry. Here, I’ll get the door.” I made a path through the crowd for Ash to follow.
    We stepped out into the freezing air. The wind blew hard against my eyes and I held down my hair, away from my face.
    “It’s this way. We’re in the houses, past the Keep.” I walked beside him, periodically checking on Bree. She was still snoring gently, drool beginning to trickle down her cheek. “Can’t wait to tease her about this in the morning,” I laughed.
    “She’s a stubborn one. I’m guessing this isn’t her first time in this state though. As soon as she got into training today, she came straight for me.” Ash laughed. “She’s definitely one of the Wolves.”
    “What do you mean? She attacked you?” I couldn’t believe it. I know I hadn’t known her long, but Bree didn’t seem aggressive.
    “Yeah, attacked me is about right. We were supposed to be just trying out some simple falls. Next minute, I hear this crazed battle cry and she’s charging at me.”
    “Why would she do that?”
    “Because I was the biggest in the room. At least, that’s what she said when I plucked her off my back. Honestly, I don’t think the sergeant had ever seen anything like it.” He shook his head, laughing at the memory.
    “What is it you guys are studying, battle tactics?” I joked.
    “Pretty much,” he said, without any hint of humour.
    I stopped and stared at him open mouthed.
    He looked back at me. “What?”
    “You’re, I mean, you and Bree are studying