Page 32 of Secrets and Shadows

“Why do you keep going to the forest?” Simon asks, cutting straight to the chase. It’s clearly a topic that’s been gnawing at him for days. I glance over at Kai, who’s watching me with his usual unreadable expression.

“I should’ve known your stalker tendencies would eventually turn on me,” I say, glowering at Kai, irritation bubbling up again. But he remains as impassive as ever, his posture as unreadable as his face. Gods, I could really use that damn cigarette right about now.

“Fine. If you really want to know, I keep going to the forest because something doesn’t sit right. Same reason you two do.” I roll my eyes at their surprised expressions. “Yeah, I know you keep going there—even if you try to hide it. I can sense that something is off, and I’m trying to figure out what’s going on.You told me not to play around, so that’s exactly what I’m doing. Is that answer satisfactory?”

“And have you found anything?” Simon presses.

Fuck it. I need that smoke.

I light up a cigarette and lean back, tipping my head toward the ceiling as a thick cloud of smoke escapes my lips. Yes. In the privacy of my room, no one can tell me not to.

“Simon, if I’d found anything, you two would be the first to know.”

Kai jumps in, “I find it odd that you’re still on this, especially after Bennett gave us the all-clear. At least on this matter.”

“Yeah,” I reply bitterly. “Bennett wasn’t the one who saw Lilith freaked out and covered in blood. The forest has its share of creepy happenings, but nothing like this. This is… different. Whatever went down out there clearly wanted to hurt her. With everything we’re dealing with regarding the Rogues, I thought it was worth looking into. Clearly, I’m the only one who sees the urgency.” I gesture toward them, the cigarette still lodged between my fingers.

“You’re the only one with such an obsession with her, though. You keep provoking her in the halls…” Simon shakes his head, and I can’t help but notice a twitch from Kai by the window. Yeah, I know you follow her too, fucker.

“Oh, sure,” I cut him off before he can go on. “It’s not like you’re taking her on training sessions outside the academy, and ‘stalker snake’ over here is monitoring her every move.” Simon and Kai exchange a look. “Yeah, as I said, you’re not as subtle as you think.”

I sink into the velvet chair in the corner of my room, studying them both. “Lilith and I might have our differences, but she’s still part of this academy and one of only two female Predators. Besides, as a member of Operation Nightfall, it’s my responsibility to keep her safe.”

“How noble of you,” Kai murmurs, his gaze fixed on the dark sky outside. “I’m sure it has nothing to do with your fondness for playing with your toys.”

I roll my eyes. They think I’m all fun and games, and I guess I’ve brought it on myself with that show I put on, but protecting what’s mine is genuinely important to me. I just happen to enjoy myself while doing it.

I shrug. “I like to mix business with pleasure. Who can blame me?”

Simon stands up, studying me intently, and it makes me a little uncomfortable. It’s like he’s trying to see beyond my expression and into my mind. “If you’d formed a bond with her, you’d tell us, right?” he asks.

“Of course he would,” Kai chimes in. “He’d never shut up about it.”

I give Simon a light shove on the shoulder to create a bit of space between us. “You’re creeping me out,” I say, standing up. The thought of a bond with Lilith hasn’t even crossed my mind, so it’s safe to say no.

This is only a game I enjoy—one that neither of them would really get. Simon’s not the casual fling type, and Kai hasn’t looked at a woman in… well, ever. I’m not even sure he’s ever even slept with anyone.

When Simon’s gaze continues to probe, I let out a sigh.

When Simon’s gaze keeps probing, I let out a sigh. “There’s no bond,” I assure him, even if there is a slight obsession. “But enough about Lilith,” I snap. As much as I enjoy our little games, there are more pressing matters to tackle right now. “I know Bennett is focused on the Rogues, but I believe whatever’s drawing them here might be connected to the forest. That’s why I think it should be our top priority.”

Both Kai and Simon nod in agreement—one of those rare moments when we’re all on the same page. While peace in therealm might feel out of reach, at least we can start by making the academy as safe as possible.

Thirteen

LILITH

Honestly,I can’t explain it. Ever since my Shadowing, nothing else has happened, yet I can’t ignore the shadows that keep lurking at the edges of my vision. Sometimes, they’re subtle, a flicker in the corner of my eye. Other times, they’re so overwhelming that I feel like they might consume me.

It’s unbearable, and I have no one to talk to about it. If I tell Simon, he’ll just report it to Headmistress Bennett—he seems to have some weird loyalty to her. Then I’d have to deal with a barrage of questions and scrutiny, probably even an interrogation.

Talking to Tony would only make him worry—maybe even freak him out. He’s my only friend, and I can’t risk losing him. And while I’ve been getting closer to Savina, we’re not at the point in our friendship where I feel comfortable sharing something like this.

More than anything, I wish I could talk to my dad. With all his years of service as a Protector, I know he’d have some wise advice to help me navigate this mess. I crave the comfort of his voice telling me everything will be okay.

But deep down, I’m terrified. If I fully open up about what happened during my Shadowing, I’ll never fit in at the academy. I’m sure they’d label me a freak.

Worse, what if they suspect me of being a traitor? The Predators—who all seem to have their lives so perfectly together—would be the first to jump on that.

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