Page 18 of Secrets and Shadows

For the past two weeks, I’ve been eager to confirm whether she’s a strong candidate for Operation Nightfall. I’ve been thoroughly impressed with her skills, but this complicates things.

“To be honest, I’ve never encountered anything quite like this,” I say gently, stepping closer despite myself. I want to ease the worry etched on her face, but I’m not sure how to do that without pulling her into a hug. That would be a bit too much, right?

“Even those who didn’t make it through the Shadowing were still able to cast their spells at a satisfactory level. But I can do some research to see if I can find anything that might explain what’s going on. There could be a simple solution.”

While it’s unlikely there’s no issue at all, I don’t want to dampen her spirits right away. She shows immense potential and it’s crucial for her to stay motivated and determined.

“Your powers are still developing. It’s possible that your energy hasn’t fully settled yet,” I add in an attempt to reassure her. “During our training sessions, I can feel how powerful you are—much more powerful than most students your age. So I know your energy is there, and you aren’t lacking in any way. Try not to worry too much, okay?”

Without realizing it, I instinctively reach out to reassure her, placing a hand on her shoulder and giving it a comforting squeeze.

Her eyes meet mine, still filled with worry and uncertainty. I sense her inner turmoil, but there’s little we can do until her Shadow manifests during the Shadowing ceremony. Until then, all we can do is be patient and wait.

“Thank you,” she replies, her gaze dropping as if she’s not entirely convinced everything will turn out fine.

I grapple with the urge to provide more immediate help, but I know that time is the only remedy right now. Still, I’m confident her Shadow will manifest properly. It has to. The Balance wouldn’t waste such talent and potential, especially in these tense times. I firmly believe that.

“I’ll see you tomorrow morning at our practice,” I say gently, feeling an inexplicable need to ease her anxiety, even if just a little. “Seriously, try not to stress yourself out too much.”

My words hang in the air, somewhat lacking the impact I intended, but I give her one last reassuring smile before turning to head toward Bennett’s study. I’m already running late and curse myself for getting sidetracked by a pretty student with an anxious smile.

I quicken my pace, shaking my head to clear my thoughts and focus on the tasks ahead. I know Bennett won’t be pleased when I arrive, especially since I can already hear Kai’s voice coming from behind the closed door, likely briefing her on the latest developments. Ah, fuck.

I knock on the door, pausing to take a deep breath and gather my thoughts before turning the knob to enter.

Headmistress Bennett is seated at her desk, her hands clasped together in that familiar gesture of contemplation. My eyes scan the room and I notice the absence of the crow thatusually perches on her shoulder. Thank the gods. I let out a silent sigh of relief; its constant presence always unsettles me.

Keeping it summoned at all times is an impressive feat that demands immense energy, showcasing her skills. Honestly, it’s a bit intimidating. But I suspect her Shadow’s smaller size contributes to it since it’s a much smaller Predator than any of ours. My Shadow is a bear, Kai’s is a snake, and Vaughn’s is a wolf. Keeping them permanent would require a significant amount of energy.

“My apologies,” I say as I approach Bennett’s desk. I catch Vaughn’s gaze; he wears a smug look, clearly relishing the thought of me getting scolded again. I ignore him and continue, “A student stopped me and asked for my assistance on my way here.”

To my surprise, Bennett doesn’t scold me or show any sign of annoyance. Instead, she gestures for me to take a seat, and I do so without hesitation.

“Since you missed the beginning of our meeting,” she starts, “Kai updated us on the recent developments along the northern shore beyond the forest. It seems to be a repeated target of their attacks. He managed to neutralize a few of them, but we’ll need to send more frequent patrols there.”

I shift my gaze between Bennett and Kai, noting the seriousness etched on both their faces. “Again? Where are they getting all these people from? Their numbers have been steadily increasing this year, and we still don’t know why.” My concern is palpable, mirroring the anxiety gnawing at me. I shift my weight, feeling restless.

The Rogues aren’t known for their subtlety. Their movements are typically chaotic and driven by a desire to disrupt the Balance. But this feels different. They’re being more strategic and calculated in their attacks, almost as if they’re trying to remain under the radar.

This shift is unsettling and raises more questions about their true motives, especially here at the academy, where many young, untrained students are not yet capable of defending themselves against such a threat.

“That’s not all,” Bennett continues, her voice low and urgent. “I’ve spoken with the headmasters of the other academies. Their situations remain stable, with attacks consistent with the usual patterns we’ve seen over the years. But here? Our academy has experienced a drastic increase in assaults.” She pauses, scanning our faces for a reaction before she continues. She must see what she was looking for, as she delivers the next piece of news like a punch. “It’s as if we’ve become their primary target.”

A shiver runs down my spine at her words. The fact that we’re being singled out makes the situation even more alarming. There has to be a reason behind it—something specific that draws the Rogues here. But what?

As my mind races with possibilities, Kai remains motionless by the window, his back turned to us. His hands are clasped behind him in his usual rigid posture, making him resemble a statue—silent, still, and unyielding—except when he speaks.

“We could let them show us,” he suggests, turning to face us with an intense expression. “Allow one of them to believe they’ve breached our defenses. They’d be so confident in their success that they might lead us straight to what they’re after.”

Bennett immediately shakes her head. “That’s far too dangerous,” she says firmly, her tone leaving no room for debate. “It would be like letting a bull loose in a china shop and expecting it to avoid wreaking havoc on everything in its path.”

She meets each of our gazes in turn, lingering on Kai before continuing. “There’s also no telling what their magic could do to our academy’s shield. It could become permanently tainted.” Her eyes flicker with an uncharacteristic worry before she adds,“And the risk to everyone here is far too great. I can’t, in good conscience, allow it.”

Kai’s eyes narrow as he absorbs her words, his jaw clenching slightly. He might as well have shouted at her. Though he rarely shows his emotions, this small act is more telling than any words he could utter. Still, he presses on. “I would personally keep an eye on the Rogue we let in,” he insists. “I’ve never failed you before.”

An odd silence hangs between them, filled with unspoken tension. Everyone knows Kai is often assigned the bloodiest tasks, but neither Vaughn nor I understand how far those assignments truly go. As I watch this exchange, I can’t help but wonder if they’re even more brutal than we’ve imagined and what the impact is on our friend.

Bennett meets Kai’s gaze, her own unwavering. “I know you’ve never failed. But there’s always a first time, and I can’t afford to let that happen here. Not with something this dangerous,” she says with finality.

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