Page 19 of Secrets and Shadows

Kai doesn’t respond right away. He’s not one to argue, but I know him well enough to recognize that his silence doesn’t mean agreement. It’s in his nature to take action, to handle things himself if he believes it’s necessary—and that terrifies me. His skill with stealth makes it nearly impossible to keep tabs on him and prevent him from jumping in headfirst.

“I’m sorry, man, but I’ve got to agree with the headmistress here. It’s too risky. At least for now,” Vaughn interjects, breaking the tense silence. He seems to have read between the lines, arriving at the same conclusion I did.

Kai then turns to me, our eyes locking for a brief moment before he looks away, his disappointment evident at what he sees.

“I agree with them, too,” I say softly. “Protecting the academy is far too important.”

Bennett’s gaze meets mine for a moment before she turns back to Kai, searching for reassurance that we all support her decision. Kai gives a slight nod, but I can’t shake the feeling that this isn’t over.

There’s a storm brewing—one I fear we may not be able to weather unscathed.

Eight

LILITH

Classes have keptme so busy that it feels like I blinked, and a whole month has slipped by. That’s how I find myself walking along the withered path, surrounded by my fellow students as we make our way to the Shadowing.

It doesn’t feel like we’re ready for this, but perhaps that’s the essence of the ritual itself. The Shadows that will awaken tonight are said to emerge from the deepest, most primal parts of ourselves—the ones that are the hardest to tame and control. I suppose I’m about to find out how true that is.

As I come to a halt just before the edge of the forest, I scan the clearing before me. The full moon looms overhead, casting an eerie glow that seems almost unnaturally bright, as if it knows what is about to unfold beneath its gaze.

Once a year, on this very night when the stars align and the moon is at its fullest, every training academy in the realm performs this ancient ritual: the Shadowing. Its purpose is to strengthen our realm against the forces that threaten its stability. As I stand here, anticipation and anxiety twist in my stomach, I realize that tonight will change everything for me andmy fellow students. The moment we’ve been preparing for has finally arrived.

Tonight, hundreds of Predators and Prey will fully awaken all over the realm for the first time, ready to perform their duty toward the Balance. Or at least that’s how my dad explained it to me, trying to prepare me for what’s to come.

And yet, as I’m staring into the impenetrable depths of the forest, I can’t help but feel a strange buzzing sensation pulsing through my body, similar to the feeling I’ve been getting within the walls of the school but different. It’s urging me to run, but I resist the impulse.

I’m here at Obsidian Academy to embrace my powers, to connect with my Shadow, and to follow in the footsteps of my ancestors. Well, really my dad’s. Hopefully.

I tilt my head slightly, taking in my surroundings as best I can. Every student here feels drawn to the forest, knowing it’s where our powers originate. But there’s an undeniable, threatening aura emanating from its depths that makes it impossible to ignore. It’s as if the forest itself is alive, waiting for us to make our move.

We gather around the perimeter of the forest, waiting for Headmistress Bennett to begin her ceremonial speech. She stands before us, her imposing figure draped in scarlet robes, a crow-shaped brooch glinting on her chest. Her gray hair is slicked back, adding to her formidable presence as she prepares to address us.

Her Shadow—a fiery crow—streaks across the sky before landing on her shoulder. It’s a rare sight to see anyone maintain a permanent connection with their Shadow like that, and it fills us all with a sense of awe, reminding us of the immense power we have the potential to access tonight.

Beside her stand a few familiar faces. Simon, tall and lean, exudes confidence with his arms crossed. Next to him is Vaughn,who always seems to have a mischievous glint in his eye that makes me want to roll mine in exasperation. But I resist, still trying to convince myself not to bolt.

The third member of their group wears a black hood that conceals most of his face, keeping to himself and adding an air of mystery to the trio. I’ve seen him around but haven’t spoken to him; it’s probably for the best, given the strong aura of danger he radiates.

A few others linger behind them, but my intuition tells me that these three are the key figures in whatever this situation with Bennett may be.

Instead of fixating on their faces, I turn my attention to the spot where my destiny will be decided. The air is thick with anticipation and tension, it feels like an actual force pressing down on all of us. Each breath feels heavy, and every movement carries a sense of purpose. My heart pounds in my chest, and I find myself simply waiting. I don’t know what lies ahead, but I’m determined to confront it head-on.

“The Shadowing is the most significant ritual for all Predators and Prey,” the Headmistress finally announces, her icy gaze sweeping over the crowd. It’s as if she can peer into our very souls, evaluating who will rise to the occasion and who will falter. There’s no way to know what her predictions might be, but she clearly seems to lack optimism. “Our task is unique, determining the fate of our realm,” she continues. “Every cell in your being is aware of this destiny; the only question is whether you can harness the strength of your mind to awaken the ancient forces within you.”

I steal a glance at Tony beside me, and my heart sinks at the sight of his drawn expression. He looks so anxious that I half-expect him to have an asthma attack any moment. He’s like the brother I never had, and I can read him like an open book. Itsuddenly hits me that everything is about to change. What if we don’t get to continue the next phase of our training together?

The Headmistress’s words about some students leaving tomorrow morning loom over us like a dark cloud. The thought of being separated from Tony sends a pang through my chest, and I have to resist the urge to rub it away.

As the Headmistress continues to speak of purity and power, she prepares us for the harsh reality that not all of us will make it. “It will be unfortunate to lose some of you, but our forces must remain strong for what is to come.” Her tone sends shivers down my spine, and I brace myself for what lies ahead.

This will not be an ordinary test. And only those with enough strength and focus will emerge victorious.

Tony’s hands clench into fists at his side, something I’ve noticed he does to keep his fingers from visibly trembling.

“Breathe. It’ll be all right,” I promise him in a whisper and the firmness in my voice manages to surprise even me.

“I actually feel like I might throw up,” he murmurs in response.

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