Page 30 of Secrets and Shadows

As they spar, trading blows and weaving magic, I can’t help but envision what it would be like to face her myself. To feel the crackle of her energy against my skin, to match her strength with my own—it’s a thrilling and dangerous thought that sends a rush of adrenaline coursing through me.

Then, in an instant, Lilith stumbles, leaving herself vulnerable for a split second. Simon seizes the opportunity, sweeping her legs out from under her. She crashes to the ground, the impact knocking the air from her lungs in a sharp gasp of pain.

Before I even realize what I’m doing, I step out from the shadows, a low hiss building in my chest. The protective instinct surges through me, demanding that I defend my mate. But I catch myself, and disappear before they see me, clenching my fists at my sides.

This is training—Simon would never truly hurt her. Especially not Simon.

Lilith pushes herself off the ground, brushing away the dirt and grass clinging to her clothes. A fierce glint ignites in her stormy gray eyes as she faces Simon once more, undeterred. Pride swells within me at her resilience, her unwavering determination to rise after being knocked down.

“Good recovery,” Simon praises, nodding in approval. “But you need to mind your footing. One misstep can mean the difference between life and death out there.”

“I know,” Lilith replies, a hint of frustration creeping into her tone. “I’ll do better.”

“That’s what I like to hear.” Simon gives her a reassuring clap on the shoulder. “Now, let’s go again.”

I take comfort in watching from the shadows, absorbing every detail of her form and the flicker of emotions that dance across her face. I etch the memory of her into my mind, holding it close like a cherished treasure.

I know I shouldn’t let myself become so attached, so consumed by this bond I never asked for. Yet as I watch Lilith train, pouring her heart and soul into every movement, I find myself unable to look away.

The session drags on for another grueling hour, leaving both Lilith and Simon drenched in sweat, their breaths coming in labored gasps. As they wind down with some cool-down stretches, Simon glances in my direction, narrowing his eyes slightly. He can sense my presence, even if he can’t see me.

I take that as my cue to slip away, melting back into the shadows as silently as I arrived. I have duties to attend to, Rogues to hunt, and a façade of detachment to maintain. I can’t afford to let myself get distracted, no matter how desperately I want to lose myself in her.

Twelve

VAUGHN

The forest has always feltominous, but since Lilith’s Shadowing, its weight has grown heavier. When I found her, her shoes were soaked in blood, leaving a scarlet trail with each step.

Yet, when I ventured deeper to investigate, I couldn’t find a trace of that blood anywhere. I’ve been coming almost every night since, but whatever scared her that night is nowhere to be found. It’s bothering me ever since. Something isn’t adding up.

My Shadow—a huge wolf made of light—keeps an eye on everything around us, looking for anything off. But the forest feels the same as ever.

Light trickles through the thick trees, making shadows that twist and turn, playing little mind games that only add to the creepiness. And it’s so quiet that it’s almost eerie.

Even though the darkness here could give anyone the chills, I’ve learned to call it home. That’s why I can tell something’s different. We need to figure out what’s going on. If something in this forest is endangering Lilith, I want to find out what it is, and I won’t stop until I do.

My usual patrol through the forest takes about an hour and a half, and every second is spent scanning for any disturbances, unusual sounds, or strange sights. To my frustration, I find nothing out of the ordinary, which leaves me empty-handed as I head back to the academy—again.

The echo of my boots reverberates against the cold stone floor as I make my way through the halls toward the dorms. First, I need to change my clothes, then it’s off to the library. If I can’t find any clues in the forest, maybe I can dig up some answers in a book. Someone before Lilith might have experienced something similar. At least, I kind of fucking hope so.

I have this gnawing feeling inside of me that something isn’t right.

As I near the dorms, I hear that unmistakable sound of feminine laughter echoing through the halls. It’s a sound I’d recognize anywhere, and it pulls me in her direction.

I find Lilith perched on a stone bench in the courtyard, chatting with her Prey friend, who’s lounging beside her with an ease that makes my jaw tighten. His wide-eyed gaze is glued to her, hanging on every word she says, and I can’t help but feel a flicker of irritation for no real reason.

I start brainstorming ways to insert myself into their conversation when suddenly, Lilith’s piercing gray eyes lock onto mine.

Those eyes—eyes that held me captive while her body trembled against mine. Her face scrunched in pleasure as she fell undone, and the way her warm slickness coated my fingers. I’ve replayed that moment over and over for days, while I’m awake, while I’m asleep, never fully able to stop thinking about it.

It was everything I imagined it would be—and more, perfectly etched into my mind. We haven’t spoken since, andhonestly, that’s probably for the best. But today, I’m suddenly in the mood for a bit of chaos.

With my most charming smile in place, I strut over to them with confident strides. The moment I come into view, Lilith grabs her friend’s arm and yanks him from his comfortable spot, clearly eager to escape. Their frantic movements only heighten my amusement—far more than I’d care to admit.

“Leaving so soon?” I ask playfully, keeping pace with them.

Lilith rolls her eyes, trying to brush me off, but her hurried steps betray her irritation. “Yeah,” she huffs. “Suddenly, there’s an unpleasant stench in the air, and I can’t stand it.”

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