Page 67 of Secrets and Shadows

Simon looks torn, while Vaughn nods eagerly, treating this like a casual outing instead of a potentially deadly mission.

“You, in particular,” Kai says, pointing at Vaughn, “are in charge of getting rid of that damn bird of Bennett’s. I don’t want to see it anywhere near us.”

The grin spreading across Vaughn’s face tells me everything I need to know—he’s thought about getting rid of that crow way more times than he’d ever admit. “Don’t need to tell me twice,” he says, practically buzzing with excitement. “Let’s do this tonight to get it over with. That way, if things go south and Lilith doesn’t find anything, we can still get the fuck out of here.”

I can’t believe what Vaughn just said. “You really mean that?” I ask, searching his face for any sign that he’s joking. With him everything is always a game.

He cocks his head, that signature devilish grin spreading wider. “Why wouldn’t I? We’re in too deep now, Fox.”

The wind howlsaround me as I face my deepest fears once again. The forest looms ahead, looking pretty innocent on the surface, but I know better. My heart pounds against my ribs as I think about what lurks within. Those ancient trees stretch their limbs like skeletal arms, ready to drag me into the darkness.

Behind me, I can feel the guys standing close, their presence a comforting warmth against the chill. I glance back at them, all dressed in black, their eyes steady. I know I have the option to turn back, but I’m determined not to give myself the chance to second guess myself. Not this time. We need answers.

“Remember,” Kai murmurs, sensing my hesitation. “You’re not alone. We’re here with you.”

His words don’t completely chase away the fear gnawing at me, but they do help steady my nerves. I take a deep breath and step over the boundary into the forest. Again. Fourth time’s the charm, right?

This time feels different. I’m not alone, and we’ve cleared the air—no more secrets. That has to count for something, right?

“Is it here?” Vaughn asks after a brief silence while we walk slowly.

I look around. With how dark everything is, I understand that it’s difficult for them to see the difference. But I can sense it. Or I could, at least.

The Darkness that speaks to me has a specific energy, impossible to ignore. But it seems to be strangely absent.

“No,” I admit, “I can’t feel it right now.”

And that scares me. Why isn’t it here?

This is different from all the other times I’ve come here, and it feels like something is seriously wrong. I pick up my pace, trying to follow my intuition that usually leads me straight to the Darkness’ embrace. But tonight, I’m wandering aimlessly.

“Where are you?” I call out, my heart racing as I search for any trace of it. This should feel like a good thing, but it almost feels like the opposite. “Where the hell did you go?”

“Lilith, wait,” Simon’s voice calls from behind me, but I’m already sprinting, the sound of my footsteps drowning him out. I know it’s irrational, but something inside me screams to keep going.

I lose track of time and space, only focusing on the faint tug I can finally feel. It’s weak, barely there, but it’s enough to lead me forward. I refuse to look back; even a moment’s distraction could break this fragile connection.

The Darkness isn’t calling me like usual, but the pull grows stronger... until I’m yanked into something twisted and unnatural. The hazy vision I had before snaps into focus, revealing a tangled web of darkness, endless chains wrapped around something.

The energy here is thick and heavy, like a physical force trying to pin me down. I know I don’t belong in this twisted place, but I have to find out if the figure in the shadows is real or simply a figment of my imagination.

Despite the resistance, I take a step forward. My fox appears beside me, followed by my deer. Their presence eases some of the tension, pushing me forward. It drains my energy, but I don’t stop—not even for a second. I feel like the fate of the realm is hanging in the balance.

And I have to do something. I’m just not sure what or why.

“Lilith!” Fading voices call out behind me, begging me to turn back.

Their pleas get lost in the cacophony of whispers swirling around me, but I can’t seem to make out a single one. In the distance, a faint figure catches my eye, bound in chains. I squint through my distorted vision, straining to focus.

The first thing I notice is glimmering silver hair catching the dim light, framing a rugged face marked with scars. The figure’s eyes are closed, his body shackled and spread-eagle, straining against his restraints. I take a moment to study him, then…

His deep purple eyes snap open.

Suddenly, the whispers around me erupt into wails, and it feels like the underworld itself is awakening. Darkness swirls around me, swirling like a swarm of bats, hungry for my flesh.

No.

I can’t hold it in—I scream.

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