Page 4 of Secrets and Shadows

As for me, I’ve been tasked with doing a quick assessment of the new students. This year, the academy’s taking in more than ever, trying to make up for the losses we’ve suffered against the Rogues.

Headmistress Bennett has led the academy steadily for the past seventeen years, but this past year has been particularly challenging. The gray streaks in her hair and the fine lines around her sharp, calculating eyes tell the story of her struggle.

But she firmly believes we can put an end to the recent tragedies, starting right here at Obsidian Academy.

Bennett has implemented numerous changes to develop the most capable Predators and Preys, yet one of her greatest achievements remains a closely guarded secret.

Four years ago, when we first arrived, she recruited Vaughn, Kai, and me, along with a few others from our class. At first, she didn’t reveal the full extent of the Rogue threat. Instead, she carefully explained that she needed a select group of Protectors—people she could trust for the most sensitive assignments related to the realm’s safety, and that we would have to operate discreetly.

Thus, Operation Nightfall was born. Only its members and her most trusted advisors know of our existence. Now, she hopes my ability to read people will help her identify more recruits for our cause.

I knock on the tall, arched wooden door, waiting momentarily before the headmistress invites me in. The heavyoak door swings open, revealing Bennett’s office, dimly lit by the warm glow of floating candles throughout the room. Tall bookshelves line the walls, filled with ancient texts that stretch up to the ceiling. In the center, a large desk is cluttered with papers that I swear she’s always working through.

The walls are decorated with framed portraits of former Headmasters, their expressions a mix of sternness and wisdom. The faint light from the window filters in, illuminating dust motes that dance in the air, while shadows deepen the corners of the room.

As predicted, Kai and surprisingly, Vaughn are present and ready to get this meeting over with.

“You? Simon Blake, late? That’s unheard of,” Vaughn jabs, arching a thick, black brow as I sit beside him. He places a hand on his chest, feigning shock.

“Look who’s talking,” I retort. “Some of us haveimportantthings to do.”

A smug smile tugs at the corners of his mouth, and his icy blue eyes sparkle with that familiar glint of mischief. He runs a hand through his messy black hair, pushing a few errant strands back, his casual confidence only adding to the aura of effortless charm he’s always had.

Vaughn and I go way back—long before we stepped through these academy gates. He’s never been one to hold back, even when the situation calls for it. I suppose that’s part of his charm, though. He always knows how to lighten the mood, even when we’re supposed to be all business.

Kai leans a shoulder against the windowsill, his eyes narrowing as he watches something out the window. Moonlight spills over his sand-toned skin, casting shadows across his face, while a faint frown tugs at his lips. He remains silent, as always, his focus entirely on the outside world rather than our banter.

Vaughn never shuts up, and Kai barely ever speaks.

It’s all about balance in the universe.

Bennett leans back against her leather chair, so used to our back and forth she doesn’t bother chastising us anymore. Her Shadow, a burning crow, perches on her shoulder, its fiery eyes watching us without missing a detail.

“Any potential candidates found in tonight’s newcomers?”

I can’t help but feel like she’s giving me too much credit.

Yes, I’m good at reading people and assessing their abilities, but sitting on a boat while they give off varying energy levels isn’t enough for me to do my job properly. I need to see them in action and interact with them, which is why I made the suggestion for everyone to start self-defense classes right away this year.

With the Rogues getting closer and their numbers growing every day, we need to make sure all our students know the basics of self-defense. If the Rogues attack, we have to be sure they can defend themselves as best as possible.

Bennett’s crow tilts its head at me, its beady eyes boring into mine and snapping me out of my thoughts. “I’ll have an initial report for you tomorrow after my first class with them.” She arches an eyebrow, prompting me to elaborate. “But I think it’s going to be a good year.”

Vaughn shoots me an assessing glance. I know my response is a bit formal, but it’s all I can offer right now. I don’t want to lie or get ahead of myself with anyone. First impressions are important, yes, but they can also hold secrets.

“Very well,” Bennett says, her lips pursed as though she expected more from me, but she doesn’t press the issue.

She stands, her crow still perched on her shoulder, and turns to gaze out of the massive window behind her, overlooking the forest. “Some days it feels as though we’re hanging by a thread.” She sighs heavily. “Something must be done. The future depends on it.”

Kai finally speaks, his voice low and dangerous. “We’ve been keeping a closer watch on the academy’s borders. Lately, the Rogues have been showing up on the northern shore more often. I’ll patrol there more, just in case.”

“They know we’re bringing in new students,” I add. “They could strike at any moment to sabotage this generation. It’s crucial we keep most of our forces here.” The ravens, sent by the Rogues, have been appearing more frequently. Their presence always signals that the Rogues are watching us, waiting for the right moment to strike. “We need to be ready to protect the academy. Twenty-five first-year students hardly stand a chance at protecting themselves.”

“They’d be fools to attack us now with the upcoming ceremony next year,” Vaughn points out.

He’s right. If they attack us here, whether they win or lose, they’ll inevitably lose people too, lessening their numbers—numbers they’ll need in order to successfully sabotage the Keepers’ ceremony.

Every ten years, new Keepers are selected to help maintain the Balance. That’s where we’ll be next year—by their side, protecting them.

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