Page 3 of Secrets and Shadows

I throw him a small smile. Our handshake is slightly awkward as we both use our non-dominant hands, but the gesture is appreciated. “Lilith. Lilith Knight.”

With our introduction complete, Tony and I gradually fall into an easy conversation. We chat about where we’re from, our families, what our goals and dreams are, and of course, our mutual fear of the unknown that lies ahead. I find out his family is similar to mine, with loving and supportive parents and that he has a best friend he’s leaving behind too. I decide right there and then that I like him. And I really could use a friend to face whatever is coming.

His nervousness starts to fade, and his naturally warm personality begins to shine through.

I find comfort in his words; they echo the same feelings I have. It’s reassuring to know that I’m not the only one who feels like a fish out of water.

“Please don’t judge me based on our first meeting. I’d love to have a friend before entering the academy—if you’re okay with hanging around the guy who just puked.”

“Don’t worry, Tony. No one has to know.” I make a gesture like I’m sealing my lips and tossing the key into Black Lake. “Your secret is safe with me.”

“I appreciate that. That’s probably the most embarrassing—and the grossest—way to meet someone. I wouldn’t want people to think I make a habit out of it.”

Two of the girls in front of us turn toward us and, not so discreetly, shoot a judgmental glare in his direction. I stare right back at them until they slowly turn back around. Now that I found a friend, no one is going to mess with him.

“Look at the bright side; it’ll make a great story in twenty years when you’re married and telling your kids about how you met your bestie at the academy,” I say, trying to distract myself from the overwhelming sense of foreboding, but chills run down my spine regardless.

Our boat continues to carve its way through the ominous waters of Black Lake as the academy grows larger with each passing second. By now, the chatter among our fellow students has completely died down, leaving only an intense silence that mirrors our shared apprehension.

We’re here. This is it.

When we reach the dock of the academy, the tall man at the front of our boat stands with the grace of a cat, somehow managing not to rock the boat in the slightest. He’s wearing a long flowing cloak that matches the black stone walls behind him. His blond hair is slicked back, and his brown eyes observe each of us intently, like he’s already assessing us.

“Welcome to Obsidian Academy,” he greets, not necessarily coldly, but not warmly either.

Our gazes meet for a split second that seems to stretch on for a lifetime before his eyes drift to the next person.

A black shirt clings to his muscular build and broad shoulders, and he’s wearing a leather harness with a dagger strapped on either side. His cloak seems to dance with the wind behind him as if it, too, is welcoming our arrival.

The small crimson pin on the right side of his chest shows that he’s already a resident here, and a Predator, even if he doesn’t introduce himself. At all. He doesn’t seem that much older than us. A few years, maybe.

His expression remains closed off as he begins, “For the first month of your stay here, until you’re declared a Predator or Prey, your communication with the outside world will be entirely cut off. The only exception is in the case of an extreme emergency, and even then, it’s at the sole discretion of the headmistress.”

A girl at the front lets out a giggle, twirling a piece of her hair as she says something too low for me to hear. She reaches a hand toward him and he takes a step back.

His chest rises with a deep breath before he continues, “Do not touch me. And do not expect any special treatment.” His gaze cuts lasers into the girl, who glances away, cheeks pink. “You will be sleeping in shared dorms until you are assigned a room of your own after the selection.” He pauses, letting the weight of his words sink in. “Only the strongest will remain. May the Balance show you the way.”

Two

SIMON

For some reason,the air feels heavier this year, thick with the promise of danger. A raven’s caw echoes in the distance, its sound cutting through the silence of the academy like a warning.

The Rogues are growing bolder, and with each passing day, the stability of the realm slips further out of reach.

We’ve been here before.

Seventy-five years ago, the realm was almost torn apart by the Rogues’ creator—the Dual. The Keepers fought hard to preserve the Balance with Predators and Preys by their side, eventually forcing the Dual and the Rogues to retreat.

Despite the absence of their leader, the Rogues have managed to regrow their numbers and work tirelessly in their efforts to destabilize the peace.

That struggle has brought us to where we are today. Protectors’ academies have sprouted up across the realm, all focused on one thing—guarding the Keepers and preserving the Balance. Among them, Obsidian Academy remains one of the most prestigious, with growing expectations each year.

After delivering my welcoming speech to the students and showing them to their shared dorm, I make my way to a meeting with Headmistress Bennett. The echo of my boots on the stone floor feels too loud in the empty hallway.

If they’ve finished their tasks, Vaughn and Kai should already be there. Kai’s always on time—like clockwork—but Vaughn?

Well, he’s always a bit of a wildcard.

---