Page 66 of Secrets and Shadows

I now know what it’s like to belong to someone, not because of a debt, but because of fate. And I feel… complete.

Twenty-Six

LILITH

It’sthe morning after my… encounter with Kai, and I’m still deliciously sore between my thighs. He managed to talk me into having a group discussion to clear the air among the four of us, and I’m not going to acknowledge the fact that the bond changed my resolve. Not yet anyway.

Which brings me to my proposal. “I need to go into the forest again.”

Despite the uneasy feeling churning in my gut, I know it’s our best chance to uncover any valuable information. We can’t rely on Bennett anymore, and the Darkness only communicates with me. There has to be a reason for that—a purpose we can harness, something we can use. And I can definitely use their help this time.

Simon immediately crosses his arms over his chest and shakes his head. “Absolutely not.” I knew he’d be hard to convince.

“You know it won’t be long before news of my abilities spreads throughout the realm. Besides, I highly doubt Bennett actually reached out to any of her so-called colleagues. And if she did, they wouldn’t keep it a secret for long. Soon we’ll have theKeepers on the academy’s doorstep, demanding to see me. And what then? What will they do?”

Kai hovers near the window, caught between listening to me and keeping an eye on what’s happening outside. Vaughn is comfortably seated, while Simon paces restlessly back and forth. The constant thudding of his footsteps consumes my thoughts, making it hard to think clearly.

“That’s true,” Vaughn agrees at last.

Simon’s pacing abruptly halts, his agitation obvious when he runs a hand through his hair. “So let me get this straight. We’re planning to let Lilith go into the forestagain?Alone?”

Vaughn’s shoulders tense. “No, that’s not what I meant. We would all go with her. Besides, Kai has some kind of magical ability that could actually help against whatever she’s facing.”

Simon’s gaze shifts to Kai, searching for any sign of confirmation, but he remains silent, his expression unreadable. My stoic mate. A small smile forms at the corner of my mouth knowing that he’s not always wearing a mask. And that he reserves that part of himself for me only.

“Riiight,” Vaughn scoffs, rolling his eyes. “As helpful as always. Thanks, Kai.” He turns back to Simon, gesturing behind him with a jerk of his thumb. “Plus, let’s not forget that our dear friend here has threatened to murder Bennett. So we don’t have much time to waste on indecision or running in circles without a plan.”

My eyes widen, and I whip my head around to stare at Kai. “You did…what?”

Kai shrugs his shoulders like it’s not a big deal, but that’s definitely a big fucking deal.

“Oh, he didn’t tell you?” Vaughn chimes in, smirking. “Yeah, he nearly slit her throat.”

I can hardly believe what I’m hearing. “Sorry,what?Oh gods... What were you thinking?” I leap out of my seat, feeling the danger hovering over us all. “She could come after you!”

Simon shakes his head, totally unfazed. “Nothing’s wrong with him. This is classic Kai.”

“Plus, she totally deserved it for what she did,” Vaughn adds.

Simon doesn’t disagree. Instead, he turns to me. “Anyway, what exactly do you think will happen in the forest? You really think the Darkness will spill all the secrets you want? It’s tried to kill you three damn times, Lilith.”

I swallow hard. There’s something important I haven’t shared yet—something tied to my last encounter with the Darkness. I fumble for the right words, but it feels like now’s the time to let it out. We’ve cleared the air, I now know who I should trust, thanks to Kai and our bond, so not time like the present, I guess.

“I think there’s something in the Darkness, or rather, someone. I’m almost sure I saw a silhouette of a person. It could be linked to whatever’s going on with me.” I scan their faces for any hint of doubt or disbelief. “Look, I know how wild that sounds, but there was something in there.”

For once, Kai breaks the silence first. “And you’re sure about this? I’ve never seen anything that looks like a person.”

“I caught a glimpse of it before you showed up. It’s tough to say if it was real or just my imagination, but there might be someone out there. And if that’s true, then it’s not just me in danger; the whole academy could be at risk.”

Simon nods, leaning against my desk, which brings a flashback of last night that I try to smother. Now is not the time. “The Darkness is supposed to be pure since it affects the Shadows of every student at the academy…” He runs a frustrated hand through his hair. As an instructor, he’s close with mostof the students, so it makes sense he’d be worried. “And you haven’t mentioned this to Bennett?”

I shake my head. “I felt like I was already in enough trouble.”

“You did the right thing keeping it to yourself. Who knows what that bitch is plotting?” Vaughn mutters under his breath, more to himself than to me.

Kai steps away from the door. “Lilith still struggles with her Shadows, but they’re connected to mine through our mate bond. If it comes down to it, I think I could help guide hers if we’re in danger. You two can keep watch around us. How does that sound?”

Finally, a plan,I think to myself.

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