Page 10 of Secrets and Shadows

Simon’s grin widens. The bastard is clearly enjoying this. “I’m guessing you didn’t do anything to piss her off, right?”

I roll my eyes. “I may have bumped into her friend without apologizing. But it’s hardly a big deal—just my supposed,” I make air quotes, “bad manners.”

“You have to let me know which first-year it was. I want to send them a ‘thank you’ card,” Simon jokes with a snort.

Kai stays silent as usual. It’s impossible to tell what he’s thinking at any given moment. He could be planning a murder or deciding what to have for dinner tonight, and you’d never know which.

“You can’t miss her during your practices. She’s about yay high,” I gesture her approximate height on my chest with my hand, “and has dark hair with purple streaks. I’m not going to lie, she’s kind of cute. Especially when she’s mad.”

Simon’s grin disappears instantly as recognition spreads over his face. “You mean Lilith? Lilith Knight?”

“Knight? As in Theodore Knight? His daughter is here?” I cross my arms over my chest.

“Yeah, and she’s stronger and more advanced than her peers. Actually, I was considering giving her name to Headmistress Bennett as a potential Operation Nightfall candidate…”

“And the plot thickens…” Kai chimes in, amusement flickering in his eyes.

“That’s just great.” I sigh, dragging my hand down my face.

Operation Nightfall is a close-knit group—we have to be, since our lives depend on it. If she joins, I doubt I made a good impression during our little encounter today. But it would definitely be entertaining to see how she reacts to being forced to work with me…

“No,” Simon warns, jabbing a finger at me. “Whatever you’re thinking, don’t.”

“I’m not planning anything,” I reply, holding my hands up in mock surrender.

“I know that look, and I don’t want to see it. Leave her alone.”

A smirk creeps onto my lips. “What look?”

“The one you always have when you’re hatching a bad idea,” Kai explains, tilting his head to study me. He’d never admit it, but I know him well enough to see when he’s amused, and this new development is definitely entertaining him.

“I don’t have bad ideas,” I assert with confidence. “Only fun ones.”

The skeptical looks they exchange tell me they don’t agree.

“I promise, no one will be harmed in the making of this ‘fun idea,’” I add, trying to smooth things over.

“Sure, V. Keep telling yourself that,” Simon mutters.

What can I say? I thrive in the messiness of chaos. It’s comfortable, and I intend to make myself right at home in it.

Later that night,I join Simon for his night shift duty at the top of one of the academy’s towers. His task is to monitor the perimeter and ensure the wards are functioning properly.

From our vantage point on the parapet, we have a clear view of the dense forest behind the academy, which appears calm. But while Obsidian Academy looms like a fortress, reinforced by intricate spells and traps designed to deter any Rogues, no amount of magical barriers can replace the vigilant watch of our own. We’ve learned to stay alert, even on the “calmest” of nights.

With the Rogues increasingly viewing the academies as weak points, attacks have become more frequent, making our presence here all the more crucial.

Right now, though, my mind is elsewhere. I can’t shake thoughts of Lilith, the girl who tossed a book at me. It’s been a long time since anyone stood up to me like that, and I can’t deny it—I’m intrigued.

“You should invite me to join you during your next training session with the first-years,” I suggest to Simon, trying, and failing, to appear casual. Technically, I could join the training on my own, but it’s far more entertaining to involve Simon. “You could use an extra pair of hands.”

Simon knows me too well—I get bored easily, yet I’m also easily entertained. Lilith has certainly sparked my interest, and I find myself plotting my next move. A new challenge has presented itself, and I’m eager to play.

Simon pinches the bridge of his nose, a gesture that clearly indicates the tension I’ve caused. With a sigh, he turns to me. “Vaughn, don’t take this the wrong way, but you need to take a step back. We can’t afford to lose focus or waste time playing games. Things are tense, and you know it. So, try to stay focused. And for the love of the Balance, leave the poor girl alone.”

“I work best under pressure,” I argue. “And a little challenge never hurt anyone. It’s just a game of cat and mouse, after all.”

As we continue walking, Simon shakes his head. “Actually, if I recall correctly, it did hurt a few people. Remember that time you accidentally burned off a girl’s eyebrows? Then, two weeks later, she cursed you to laugh like a donkey? Or have you conveniently forgotten that?”

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