Page 9 of Secrets and Shadows

“Yes, Miss Jackson?”

“I’ve heard that the Balance isn’t energy like everyone assumes. Some say it’s actually a person—a closely guarded secret,” she replies, leaning back against her wooden chair.

Professor Ashwood raises an eyebrow, her expression neutral, revealing nothing about the validity of the claim. “Thatseems like a lot of trouble for just one person, doesn’t it?” she muses. “Anyone else?”

“My grandfather believes the Balance doesn’t exist at all,” a tall blonde guy behind me shrugs. “He thinks it’s a hoax to protect the Keepers. I mean… fair enough, but it would be nice to know the truth.”

A smile curves Professor Ashwood's lips, clearly entertained. “Well, that would be unfortunate for me, considering my class is called Elements of the Balance.”

The runes around her shimmer more intensely, their glow pulsating with energy.

Deep down, I can’t shake the feeling that the truth is more complex than any of these theories. The humming sensation coursing through me can’t possibly stem from nothingness; it wouldn’t make sense.

“I’m guessing we won’t find out during our first class, will we?” I ask.

“Of course not,” Professor Ashwood replies, her gaze locking onto mine. “Where’s the fun in that? You won’t discover what—orwho—the Balance is until the very last class of the semester. And when you finally do find out, you’ll swear an oath never to reveal what you learn here. All the knowledge you gain at the academy will eventually die with you.”

I swallow hard. My father took his oath seriously, so I know she means every word. When I received my acceptance letter from the academy, it was clear—I was signing my life away.

There’s no turning back now, no space for second thoughts or doubts. This is my life now.

Four

VAUGHN

I light up my cigarette,leaning against the arched window in the Predators’ dorm. The dark stone walls are cold and unforgiving, merging seamlessly with the deep crimson velvet drapes. I know this spot by heart, right down to every thorny vine and protection rune etched into the stone.

“You’re not allowed to smoke here, Vaughn,” Savina calls out from behind me.

I exhale a thick cloud of smoke, savoring it before turning to face her. “Oh, come on, Sav. Can’t a guy indulge in a little guilty pleasure? Unless you have something else in mind…” I say, raising my eyebrows suggestively.

She stands with her arms crossed and her dark eyes, surrounded by pale skin and endless dark locks, stare at me unforgivingly. As the only woman currently in the Predators’ dorm, we seem to cross paths more often than I’d like—especially since she always catches me breaking the rules.

The high, vaulted ceilings tower above us, with crystal chandeliers casting shadows across her face. She fits perfectly within the common room’s decor, surrounded by dark woodantique furniture upholstered in blood-red fabric that mirrors the curtains.

“No. Not when it affects the common space we all share.” Savina rolls her eyes at me. “And I won’t even bother addressing your other suggestion. The balcony is one floor down. Use it, or the next time I see you smoking here, I’ll seal your mouth shut.” With that, she turns on her heel and heads upstairs to her quarters.

I let out a sigh and put out my cigarette.

“Well, well…” Simon grins as he steps into the common room, loosening his cloak. “Now that was an interesting interaction. Threats of bodily harm before the first day of the semester is even over? Impressive.”

“And it wasn’t the first time it’s happened today,” Kai chimes in from the shadows.

My brow furrows. When did he even get there?

“How long have you been lurking there, listening to my conversation, you creep?”

“Long enough,” Kai replies, emerging from the darkness and settling onto the velvet sofa across from me. He doesn’t even try to deny his spying, the asshole.

“Well, who else did you manage to piss off?” Simon prompts.

I shrug. “Didn’t catch her name, but she’s a first-year. She shouted at me in the middle of the hall and even tossed a book at me.”

Entertainment isn’t hard to come by, but it rarely holds my interest for long. The furious expression on her face, though? Now, that’s something I’d love to see again.

“Oh, wow…” Simon says, a smirk curling on his lips.

“I know. It was hilarious.” I glance at my cigarette with a sigh, itching to have it between my lips. But I know Savina doesn’t mess around; if she catches me again, she really will seal my mouth shut.

---