Page 8 of Secrets and Shadows

“Vaughn!” a voice calls from the end of the hall, breaking our staring contest. It sounds vaguely familiar, and his attention snaps away from me. So that’s his name—Vaughn.

He shifts just enough for me to catch a glimpse of who’s calling him—my hot training instructor from earlier. Vaughn gives Simon a subtle nod, signaling that he’s coming, before turning back to me.

Before I can even process what’s happening, his thumb darts out and pulls my bottom lip from between my teeth. His hand drops as quickly as it moved, leaving me momentarily stunned. I didn’t even realize I’d been biting my lip.

“As much as I’ve enjoyed this little encounter,” he says, his voice low and smug, “we’ll have to continue it another time, sweetheart.” Then he turns and strides down the hall. A few steps away, he spins on his heel, winking at me with a smirk that would melt the panties off a weaker girl. Not me though—definitely not. “I’ll see you around.”

My frustration rises with every step he takes, but I swallow it down. I bet the asshole’s Shadow is something annoying and yappy, like a coyote or a hyena.

As I start walking again, Tony falls into step beside me. I can’t afford to be late for class, and right now, that’s looking like a real possibility.

“You didn’t have to do that. I—”

“No, I did,” I interrupt. “I’ve heard there were snobs here, but I didn’t expect to meet one on my first full day. If we don’t push back, they’ll walk all over us. Literally and figuratively. I did what needed to be done.”

“I don’t want us to make enemies—”

I stop and turn to face him. “Us? You didn’t do anything. This was all me.” I hook my thumb toward myself. “You’ve got nothing to worry about.”

Tony adjusts his glasses, his face earnest. “But we’re friends. Back there, you made my problem your problem. That works both ways. We stick together.”

My expression softens. I didn’t expect to find a friend so soon, but I’m grateful I did. If only Nat could see me now—she’d love Tony.

“Since we’re friends now, let me share something my dad always told me. Obsidian Academy is highly competitive—both with other academies and within itself. People will do anything to secure a spot with the Keepers, even resorting to sabotage. So, it’s important not to show any fear in situations like this; otherwise, you’ll put a target on your back.” That’s how my dad made it as far as he did, finally retiring this year after serving the Keepers for thirty years. “And I’d much rather stick with my friends.”

Tony nudges me with a smile. “Spoken like a true Predator.”

I guess he has a point. Traits associated with your future section often emerge early on. Predators, for instance, tend tohave a somewhat aggressive nature, but that doesn’t guarantee you’ll become one. I can only hope the Balance agrees with Tony.

“All right, come on, troublemaker—we’re going to be late,” I murmur, quickening my pace toward our Elements of the Balance class. I’m eager to leave whatever the hell that was behind and dive into the secrets hidden from the general public.

We all know the Balance is crucial for maintaining stability in our realm as it’s where our magic comes from, but that’s about as far as the general knowledge goes. Attending specialized academies like Obsidian is essential for gaining a deeper understanding of what goes into preserving the Balance.

I’m focused on navigating the busy hallways to class when a shadow creeps into my peripheral vision, its eerie presence impossible to ignore.

Time seems to slow as a cold sensation swirls around me, sending a shiver down my spine. Tony’s voice fades into the background, his words becoming distant and indistinct. I want to speak, but nothing comes out. It feels like my mind has detached from my body. I’m frozen.

I can’t—

“Lilith!” Tony calls out, snapping his fingers right in front of my face.

Suddenly, I’m jolted back to the present. I blink, gathering my composure, and flex my hands to ensure I’ve regained control over my body.

“Hey, are you okay? What just happened?”

“Sorry, I…” I trail off, unsure how to explain. “I think I disassociated for a moment, but I’m fine now.” I shake off the lingering chill and gesture forward, reminding him we still have a class to get to. He gives me a once-over, and I offer what I hope is a reassuring smile, even though I’m not entirely sure I feel that way.

“Most of youwill help the Keepers protect the Balance someday,” Professor Ashwood tells us once we settle into the lecture room.

She is possibly the tallest woman I’ve ever seen, with mahogany skin and striking light blue eyes that create a captivating contrast. Her long hair is neatly braided, trailing along the floor as she paces back and forth. “So, it’s only fair that you learn about the Balance right at the beginning of your time here at the academy.”

I expect her to elaborate, but she lets the room fall silent instead. I notice several students shifting in their seats, uncomfortable with the stillness. We’re all seated at dark, polished wooden tables, and as my gaze wanders around the room, I spot various runes embedded in the walls. A protection spell, perhaps?

They glow softly with a faint purple light, radiating an indescribable energy that seems to awaken every cell in my body, vibrating at a different frequency entirely.

“Surely, you’ve heard theories about the Balance,” she finally continues, pulling my attention back from the shimmering runes. There’s an excited glint in her eyes. “I’d love to hear them. It’s my favorite time of the year.”

Behind me, one of the students quickly raises her hand.

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