Page 11 of Secrets and Shadows

“Right…” I murmur, sheepishly recalling the incident. “What’s in the past is in the past. It’s the future that matters.” I slip my hands into my pockets, a playful grin creeping across my face. “So, what do you say?”

“My answer hasn’t changed. It’s still no.” There’s a slight edge of irritation in Simon’s voice. “I have a long night aheadof me. Go smoke, get some rest, or doanythingbut pester me about Lilith Knight.”

Easier said than done. That feisty little minx hooked me with one brief interaction. I’ve always had a weakness for fiery women, and the fury in her eyes really drew me in. If Simon won’t help me with this, then I’ll handle it myself.

“You got it,” I say, giving him a playful pat on the back. He pauses, eyeing me suspiciously. “I’ll head back to my room and get some sleep. Have a good night.”

Truthfully, I’m looking forward to it. My plan will be set in motion tomorrow morning, and there’s nothing like a good night’s rest before causing a little chaos.

Whether he believes me or not, he waves me off. “Goodnight, V. Try to make it back to your room without getting yelled at.”

I grin. “Can’t promise anything.”

I linger a moment longer, watching him walk away. Once he’s out of sight, I pull out my pack of cigarettes and slip one between my lips.

The night airis particularly chilly, and a thick fog blankets the ground. In the distance, I hear the familiar hoot of owls echoing through the darkness.

That’s good. It means that, despite its heaviness, it’s a peaceful night.

I slowly make my way back down the winding steps that lead up to the parapets, intending to follow through with my word and get some sleep… until I spot her.Lilith Knight.Walking down the hall leading to the Predators dorm.

Her black hair, streaked with purple, is still pulled into a high ponytail, and her fitted black outfit clings to her curves just right. She moves quietly like a mouse, trying to remain unseen. Little does she know, she’s already been spotted.

I stalk behind her like my wolf Shadow would. Given her last name, I expect her to be more aware of her surroundings, but I suppose I’m giving too much credit to a first-year student. There’s still a lot she has to learn.

As I inch closer, I position myself so near that I can practically smell her sweet scent—jasmine mixed with something else I can’t quite place. All I know is that it’s addictive, and I find myself wanting to lean in closer for more.

In a heartbeat, Lilith spins around, her magic materializing into a blade that burns against my skin as she presses it to my throat. I drop my cigarette to the ground, and a trickle of warmth rolls down my neck before she realizes it’s me.

I can’t help but smile at the surprise in her widened eyes.

“Why the hell are you following me?” she demands, her posture tense. The slight shift in her expression tells me she doesn’t view me as a threat, but she definitely doesn’t trust me. The blade at my neck is a clear reminder of that.

“What a neat little trick,” I remark. “Most first-year students can’t even localize their magic to their hands without passing out, let alone summon a blade like that.”

Her grip tightens slightly, but I can see the flicker of curiosity in her eyes. I can’t help but admire her confidence, even in this tense moment.

With her pressed against me, anchoring me in place, I take the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of her eyes up close. They’re striking—an unusual gray with hints of purple iridescence.

“I’m not most students,” she retorts, her stance unwavering. “I have a few tricks up my sleeve, and I won’t hesitate to use them on you. Do you even understand boundaries, or should I give you a briefing?”

“Ah, right. The daughter of Theodore Knight. He must have taught you quite a few tricks like this…” The man is somewhatof a legend among the Predators, but most details about him are shrouded in secrecy. That only makes this little hunt of mine more intriguing.

Lilith presses her lips into a thin line. “You looked into me? How creepy can you get? Just because I’m the first person to stand up to you? What do you want from me?” She shifts her weight slightly, whether out of frustration or surprise, but I catch the movement.

A sly smirk spreads across my face as I slide my knee between her thighs. Her blade dissolves into thin air as her focus falters, and I can feel the heat radiating from her body against mine. Her breasts brush against my chest with each inhale.

“You still have a lot to learn, sweetheart,” I tease, savoring the thrill of our closeness. “As I mentioned before, pulling a stunt like this on the wrong person could have serious consequences for you.”

Even though her power and skills are impressive, it’s clear she still lacks key elements that will ultimately determine whether she becomes a formidable Predator or easy Prey. One of those crucial elements is the ability to maintain focus.

Yet, even with me clearly holding the upper hand, she remains stubborn— a trait I find annoyingly attractive. She presses against my chest and states coolly, “Listen, I don’t want you anywhere near me.”

I suppress a smile at her defiance; it only makes me want to provoke her further. But for now, there’s a more pressing matter to address. “Why were you wandering around alone at this hour?”

“I wasn’t aware we had a curfew,” she retorts, her tone sharp.

I hold back a smirk and lean in closer, whispering against her ear, “We don’t. But most students tend to stay in their rooms at night… unless they’re seeking… company.”

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