Page 61 of Secrets and Shadows

Her words hit me like a punch to the gut, the shock and hurt evident on my face. She doesn’t waste any time addressing my reaction. “Simon and Vaughn, too. It may seem extreme, but I have to do what’s best for the academy and all its students. With the recent increase in Rogue attacks, and given the… rumors surrounding your ability, I must be cautious for the safety of everyone here.” She pauses, her gaze softening slightly, if that’seven possible. “I’ll admit I didn’t consider how this would feel for you until now…”

My mind races, struggling to process this new information. All I can think about is everything I’ve done with Simon and Vaughn—was it all just a part of their plan to keep tabs on me? Did they report everything we did back to her?

And what about Kai? Could he have manipulated our bond to draw me in, to serve this elaborate scheme?

Gods. I feel like such a fool for falling for their façade. They played me perfectly and I walked right into their trap. I fell for all of it. Hell, I even messed around with two of them. Was that a game too?

My cheeks burn with shame as I bite my lip, desperately trying to push back the wave of humiliation threatening to consume me. I’m a fucking idiot.

“Lilith?” Headmistress Bennett’s voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts. It feels as though she can see right through me, unraveling every tangled emotion and thought that swirls within.

Somehow I manage to hold back the tears that are close to spilling over. The crow still perched on her shoulder tilts its head, its unblinking stare always so unsettling. “Apologies. I—” I trail off, struggling to find the words to explain the storm of feelings raging inside me.

“I understand this is a lot to process. But you understand why I did what I did, right? I never meant to be hostile toward you,” she says, her tone now weirdly empathetic. It’s even more unnerving coming from her. She’s always so cold.

“Of course,” I reply, but it sounds like an automatic response.

The sad part is I do understand. Her reasoning is logical; she wanted to protect the academy and its students. Anyone with common sense would’ve acted the same way. I’m an unknown, a wild card.

What stings is how none of the three of them thought to mention that they were sent to me by the headmistress. Simon used the mentorship as an excuse to protect me, but was that even his idea? Vaughn kept antagonizing me and I thought it was just his annoying personality. But was getting closer to me also all a plan? And Kai, my fated mate. He said he wouldn’t talk to the headmistress and I believed him. I really thought a bond was enough of a reason to take my side. But what if the headmistress used that too?

It was ridiculous of me to think that I would be more important than their loyalty to the school and the Balance. They clearly all played their roles perfectly to draw me in. What other secrets are they keeping?

“You can trust these boys. They have your best interests at heart.”

“Because you told them to,” I shoot back bitterly. It’s not because they genuinely care. I can’t trust any of them any more than I can trust the headmistress. It’s me now, and Tony—who I refuse to drag into this mess any further. I can’t risk putting him in danger.

“My point still stands,” she insists. “They will do what is necessary to keep you safe, but ultimately, I hold all the power. I’m the one who can truly help you.”

“So, what happens now? Now that you know I’m not a danger, does this change anything? Will you help me?” I hesitate, my voice trembling. “You do know I’m not a threat… right?”

Damn it. Who am I trying to convince? Myself or the headmistress?

She nods, and a wave of relief washes over me. “For now, get some rest. I’ve been in touch with higher-ranked practitioners who believe they may have information to help you. We’ll go through it together when we receive their findings.”

She stands up swiftly, her gaze still cold as it lingers on me. I expect her to say something else, but she simply walks out, closing the door behind her with a soft click. The silence rushes in, leaving me alone with my tears and the swirling thoughts that refuse to settle.

Twenty-Four

SIMON

As soon asKai returned last night, he updated us on what happened with Lilith. At first, I was shocked that she’d do something so reckless, but then I remembered the fierce determination in her gaze during our sparring sessions. That same fire could’ve easily gotten her killed.

But now, knowing that Kai shares a mate bond with her, we can regroup and strategize on how to keep her safe in the most efficient way possible.

None of us want to admit it, but she has an odd hold on all three of us. I’m not sure what prompted Lilith to sneak into my bathroom that day, but whatever her intentions were, I’m positive she didn’t know how it would change everything between us. Maybe she still doesn’t realize.

But that’s okay. I intend to show and remind her every chance I get. To hell with any boundaries I had set before. They evaporated the moment she shattered in bliss around my cock. . And I don’t mind it the slightest bit.

I turn left and make my way toward the Potions lecture room, where Lilith’s next class will be. As Protectors, this is one of the essential classes we attend at the academy. While Predators maynot possess enhanced healing like Preys do, the potions taught here can still be crucial in buying enough time to seek proper help.

Finally, I spot Lilith’s dark hair, soft purple streaks running through it, in the crowd. She’s with that friend of hers, the one who gazes at her with such intensity, as if she’s the sun illuminating his entire world. How does she not see the way he looks at her? It’s obvious to anyone who looks at him.

As I get closer, the guy clears his throat, attempting to subtly shift her attention toward me. She turns, and it’s instantly clear that she’s in a bad mood. Considering what she went through last night, it’s not surprising.

“I’ll give you two a moment,” her friend murmurs and he scuttles off.

“Hey. I heard about last night—”

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