Page 24 of Secrets and Shadows

For once, he takes my words seriously. His free hand finds its way to my throat, applying just enough pressure to heighten my pleasure. With every thrust of his fingers, his pace quickens, sending waves of tingling sensation through me. I’d never in amillion years admit to him that he’s hitting all the right spots, as if he’s known me forever.

My body responds eagerly to him, my pussy throbbing around him and dripping with wetness. As stars twinkle faintly in my vision, my knees shake from the intensity.

“Thought so, Fox,” he whispers against my jaw, trailing his lips along my skin. His gaze takes in every reaction, from the scrunch of my face to the parting of my lips and the heavy breaths escaping them. It’s oddly exposing, but I can’t bring myself to care.

I want to stimulate him in return, but I can’t make myself remove my hand from his hair, which I grip tightly, or his shirt, which I wish I could use to strangle him.

“Your mouth says one thing, and your body another. You like this…”

My parted lips struggle to take in breath as waves of pleasure crash over me, starting at my core and seeping outwards like wildfire. My legs tremble uncontrollably as I try to hold myself on the edge. My eyes flutter shut, but his grip around my throat tightens ever-so-slightly, demanding my full attention.

“Eyes on me, Fox. Watch me as you come,” he commands.

My first instinct is to tell him to fuck off, but the moment my eyes flutter open, I’m there. An orgasm hits me hard, coursing through every inch of my body. My senses are overwhelmed with a thousand tiny tingles, leaving no part of me untouched.

I cling onto his wrist, digging my nails into his skin in an attempt to ground myself through the overwhelming euphoria. I take a few moments to recover, and he allows them before pulling back.

In an instant, the fog around us dissipates, and I straighten my dress, suddenly acutely aware of what we’ve just done. The lingering sensation of his fingers inside me is a vivid reminder of our actions as our eyes lock. He opens his mouth, clearly readyto make some quip or, worse yet, comment on this unexpected encounter.

“Whatever you’re about to say, don’t,” I say firmly, cutting him off before he can speak.

His gaze darkens, still heavy on mine. He may be skilled with his fingers, but when it comes to talking, he falls short. Yet, even without words, his eyes convey everything he wants to say.

One thing is for sure; I’ll never hear the end of this from him.

Ten

SIMON

Headmistress Bennett leans forwardin her high-backed leather chair, hands clasped together. The office is dimly lit, illuminated only by flickering candles floating around the room. “I have another task for you, Simon,” she says, her voice low and serious.

Recently, Bennett has been calling us into private meetings more frequently. It feels like every other day she has a new assignment for one or all of us. But this time, she has summoned only me, leaving Kai and Vaughn out of it. She must have a specific issue that requires my unique ability to read people and blend in when necessary.

“It’s about Lilith, isn’t it?” I ask, already suspecting the answer.

Ever since the Shadowing two days ago, Bennett has taken a keen interest in Lilith. Something happened in the forest during her Shadowing that she’s keeping to herself, but I can sense the anxiety simmering beneath the surface.

All we know for certain at this point is that Vaughn found Lilith completely shaken up, with blood splattered across herboots. And while the Shadowing is meant to test us and push us to our limits, it shouldn’t leave anyone traumatized.

So far, our investigations have turned up nothing unusual, despite Vaughn insisting he felt something was off.

Bennett’s sharp gaze flickers with curiosity as she studies me before leaning back in her chair, twirling her quill between her fingers. Her ever-present Shadow crow perches on a nearby stand, its dark feathers glinting ominously in the dim light. I suppress a shudder; there’s something about its presence that always unnerves me.

“Indeed, you chose this girl for Operation Nightfall, and now Vaughn has reported strange occurrences in the forest surrounding her. I think it’s wise to... keep an eye on her,” she says, and I know what she really means: she wants me to spy. “Something feels off, and I intend to uncover the truth.”

“It could be a coincidence, Headmistress Bennett,” I suggest, aware that her years as a Protector have made her overly cautiousandsuspicious.

“Coincidences do not exist, Simon,” she replies firmly.

“But—”

“Especially in these dangerous times when we’re constantly under threat. The Balance does not allow for such occurrences. Yes, I may seem overly cautious…” Her voice trails off, and I can’t help but furrow my brow in response. It wouldn’t surprise me if she had the ability to read minds; that would explain a lot. “But the last thing we need is a Rogue sneaking into our academy and putting us all in danger. Until this girl is cleared of suspicion, I need you to watch her. Get close to her. Learn her secrets.”

The thought of manipulating Lilith’s trust leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. If there is truly something dark and dangerous at play here, then I can’t turn a blind eye. But a Rogue? CouldTheodore Knight’s daughter really be in league with them? If anything, I think that would make her a target.

“I want to see her true nature,” Bennett continues. “I don’t want to raise any suspicions. If she is involved with someone, I don’t want her to have any reason to reach out. She hasn’t made many friends, except for that harmless Prey of hers. Since you and she frequently spar together, your familiarity will prove useful. You’ll become her mentor and keep a watchful eye on her.”

Mentorships are an annual tradition at the academy, where fourth-year students guide and support a first-year. These relationships usually lead to friendships and lasting bonds, but I doubt that will be the case here, especially if I’m being asked to spy on her.

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