Page 25 of Fated for Flames

17

Evelyn

Exhilaration still bubbled inside me as I made my way back to my room.

I was muddy and smelled like an old sock, but I didn’t care.

The successful completion of the obstacle course had ignited a fire in me, one that refused to be quenched. Chad’s warm praise echoed in my ears, and I felt a surge of genuine happiness.

My grin widened as I opened the door to my room. The familiar scent welcomed me, and, for a moment, I allowed myself to bask in the comfort of my sanctuary.

But then, as soon as I stepped inside, I felt it. A slight hum, like a soft whisper. It was subtle, barely noticeable. But now that I was stronger, I could feel it.

Something dark was in my room.

My heart pounded in my chest as I followed the faint hum. My gaze darted around the room, searching for any sign ofintrusion. And then I found it: the source was coming from my bookshelf.

Nestled between my collection of magical theory books and an old copy ofHerbs and Their Magical Properties, which had belonged to my mom, was a book I didn’t own. A romance novel whose cover depicted a handsome shifter and a blushing woman locked in a passionate embrace. It looked innocent enough, something I would have picked up myself if not for the chilling hum it emitted.

A feeling of dread washed over me as I gingerly picked up the book, careful not to let my fingers linger on its cover for too long. The humming intensified as soon as I touched it, and I was certain.

This thing is siphoning my magic.

Without wasting another moment, I stuffed the book into my backpack and bolted out of my room. As much as I would have loved to deal with this myself, this was beyond me.

I needed help.

I needed Professor Lucien.

With my heart hammering against my ribs, I sprinted toward the potion master’s office. He might be a little grumpy and a little intimidating, but he was the only one who could help me.

I trust him… I think.

Minutes later, I knocked on Professor Lucien’s office door, the cool wood vibrating under my urgent pounding. The door swung open, revealing the potion master in his usual attire, his eyes widening in surprise at my abrupt appearance.

“Evelyn?” He blinked. “What’s the matter? Why are you so dirty?”

It dawned on me that I probably looked like a madwoman, especially since I was covered in mud.

“They retaliated,” I gasped out, rushing into his office without an invitation.

I unzipped my backpack, pulled out the book, and threw it on his desk, like it was a live grenade.

With his hand behind his back, he marched to me after closing the door.

It was only when I pointed at the book that his eyebrows furrowed.

The title “Rejected Luna: A Fated Mates Romance Novel…” he read out loud with a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes. Gazing back at me, he mumbled, “Fascinating, I’m certain. Though I didn’t peg you for a supernatural smut enthusiast.”

My cheeks burned with embarrassment, but I was too anxious to care what he thought about my reading habits. “First, this isn’t my book. Second, don’t you feel the humming?”.

Professor Lucien picked up the book from where I had laid it on his desk, his fingers grazing its cover. A grimace replaced his previous amusement once it was apparent that he also sensed the dark magic laced within its pages. Suddenly, he let out a string of curses, that would have made a sailor blush, and dropped the book as if it burned him.

When we locked eyes again, I was sure that Professor Lucien understood the gravity of my situation.

The stakes had been raised, and I had a sinking feeling this was just the beginning.

* * *

---