Page 39 of Secrets and Shadows

“Headmistress Bennett, I must advise against that,” Tanya interjects quickly. “We’re dealing with something foreign here, and I don’t know if it has the potential to spread to others.” But the headmistress seems unfazed, her focus unwavering. And I know better than to defy orders when she gives them.

I glance at Tanya, who is still pressing the herbs against my chest, before rising to my feet with a small grunt.

Reluctantly, I follow Bennett out of Lilith’s room. As soon as the door clicks shut behind us, Headmistress Bennett’s magic seals it closed, providing us with a moment of privacy.

“What happened in the forest?” she demands, cutting straight to the heart of the matter.

I tense at her question, my chest throbbing painfully as the memories of the day replay in my mind.I was right there.“She was attacked,” I reply tersely.It’s all my fault.

Bennett’s brow furrows with concern, but beneath it lies a hint of irritation and… something else. “And you came straight to the academy without knowing whether what she’s experiencing could endanger others or if it was a deliberate attack against us,” she scolds, her voice rising slightly. Ah shit, I’m in trouble. She never gets worked up like this.

“It wasn’t intentional,” I counter, frustration seeping into my words. “I saw it with my own eyes. Something attacked her, and she nearly lost her damn life trying to protect herself.” I lose any formality in my anger at having to explain why I reacted the way I did. Haven’t the last four years been enough to prove my loyalty?

Bennett’s expression tightens, her gaze turning icy. “I don’t appreciate your tone.”

“And I don’t appreciate your lack of urgency in keeping your students safe,” I fire back before I can think better of it. But I stand by my words—Lilith’s safety should’ve been our top priority. It should’ve beenmytop priority.

As soon as my words leave my mouth, I see her jaw clench and her eyes narrow with suspicion. “She summoned a Prey Shadow as well,” she continues, her voice sharp. “When exactly were you planning to inform me ofthat?”

I open my mouth, then close it again, baffled by how she knows this. But when her crow lets out a squawk and lands on her shoulder, the answer becomes clear.

Of course. The damn bird has eyes everywhere.

“With all due respect, Headmistress Bennett, I’ve just come from bringing Lilith to the healing quarters. I’ve also been injured myself,” I say, gesturing toward my chest where the burns are visible. Thankfully, they seem to be healing, but they’re still a nasty shade of red. “I haven’t even had a moment to process everything to give a full report. But rest assured, you’ll have one as soon as I’m able.”

Her eyes bore into mine, searching for any hint of deception. I stand my ground, determined not to cower under her scrutiny. I have nothing to hide and I’ve proven my loyalty over and over. If that doesn’t count for anything…

“Very well,” she concedes, “but you would be wise not to leave anything out in your report.”

With those words, she pivots sharply and strides down the long hallway, her footsteps echoing against the stone floor until they fade into silence. I’m left standing there, the air thick with tension, the weight of my responsibilities bearing down on me like a heavy cloak. But one thing is clearer now, I’m never letting Lillith out of my sight again.

Sixteen

KAI

Headmistress Bennettneverrequests meetings with me outside her office, so whatever she’s summoned me for must be troubling her deeply.

And I have a feeling I know why; she needs someone to do her dirty work, and she knows I can’t refuse.

As she strides through the withering gardens, her long black cloak billows behind her, stark against the dying foliage. Her expression is taut as she gestures for me to follow, and the students quickly step aside, casting wary glances our way.

Bennett may command respect as a leader at the academy, but she isn’t exactly beloved by everyone. It’s one of the things I appreciate about her—fear can be more potent than affection.

“I’m sure you’ve heard about what happened with Lilith and Simon,” she says as we walk.

I keep my hands clasped behind my back, trailing in her wake, trying not to show any reaction. She expects our loyalty to her to come before our personal desires. But inside I’m reeling.

What the fuck happened to my fated mate? If she got injured on Simon’s watch I might have to show him a thing or two about fucking with what’s mine.

“I know Lilith was supposed to do some training in the forest today, and Simon was going to accompany her as her mentor, ” I say quietly, keeping my voice low. “But I haven’t had a chance to check on Simon yet.” Please tell me Lilith is okay.

Honestly, I haven’t been able to stop thinking about Lilith since the masquerade. Her beauty, charm, and intelligence have captivated me in ways I never imagined possible. I’ve trailed everywhere I could, left my Shadow to watch her while she sleeps.

She occupies my thoughts and stirs emotions within me that both excite and scare me—feelings I never thought I’d experience. And I can only surrender to this fascination, this… obsession. But from a distance. For now. Hence why I was in complete confidence that Simon would watch her back when I couldn’t. His sense of duty wouldn’t let him do anything else. So if something happened to her…

“There has indeed been an attack,” Headmistress Bennett continues. “I have Vaughn and the remaining Nightfall fourth-years combing through the forest for any sign of the culprit.” Her sharp gaze locks onto mine, and I can feel the weight of her unspoken request hanging heavily in the air.That fucker. They will pay.

But I remain silent until she’s ready to speak, not offering anything.

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