Page 51 of Fated for Dawn

“I don’t know,” I admitted. “But soon.”

Silence fell over our little group. I could practically hear their hearts racing in sync with mine.

A crackle of static filled the air, cutting me off.

“All students report to the Great Hall for the first period for an important announcement.”

Adrien’s gaze turned to me. “You already told the dean.”

I sighed. “Over the weekend.”

Felix exhaled. “Well. Guess that confirms it.” He glanced at his barely touched plate, then at the rest of us. “We better finish eating. No point in fighting a goddess on an empty stomach.”

* * *

In the great hall, I sat with my friends. At the front stood Dean Sterling, his usual calm replaced by tension. Lucien and Alister were also present, observing from a distance.

When the crowd finally settled, Dean Sterling cleared his throat, his voice amplified by a spell. “Students of Arcanum Academy,” he began. “I understand that rumors have been circulating, and I won’t pretend everything is fine.”

A wave of murmurs rolled through the room, a ripple of fear and anxiety.

“Goddess Eris has indeed risen,” the dean continued, and a collective gasp echoed through the hall. “She has taken possession of one of our own. Lia Thornwood.”

It was reassuring to know that, at least, the dean believed Lucien about the events that transpired on that field—and what was coming our way.

Fear and disbelief swept through the theater. As if on cue, all eyes turned to me. Their stares pressed against my skin—some wary, some accusatory, others filled with something far more unsettling.

Hope.

I had been gone for a year. A member of the Luminary Coven. The most powerful witch in existence. The one rumored to havebrought down Morgana herself. And maybe the only one strong enough to save them.

Dean Sterling raised a hand, his voice cutting through the panic. “Furthermore, we have reason to believe the Academy may be targeted. We’ve implemented additional safety measures, including increased wards. Guards from the Supernatural Law Enforcement Agency will be positioned within the school.” He paused, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. “We will be conducting evacuation drills. Professor Ainsley will guide you through safety protocols, and Alister Arcanum has graciously provided knowledge of certain secret passageways that may aid us in an emergency.”

Alister, standing beside Lucien, gave a humble nod.

Would people notice that he was human now?

A student near the front raised a trembling hand. “But how safe are we?”

Dean Sterling assured him, “As safe as we can make it with our community’s best teachers and guards. However, your cooperation and vigilance are crucial. Report anything unusual. Remember: our strength lies in unity.”

My heart felt a sharp pang of anxiety. Eris and her supporters weren’t targeting the Academy. But if they did go after the students, I would put myself in their path to keep everyone else safe; I would be ready. I had to be.

Dean Sterling continued, “Okay, everyone. we’ll break into groups for the evacuation drills and then move on to defense techniques. Professor Ainsley, take it away.”

Professor Ainsley’s fiery red hair stood out like a beacon against the dull backdrop of the hall as she stepped forward. “Listen closely and heed my instructions,” she commanded, clapping her hands to silence the room. “We have hidden passages throughout this Academy that can lead you to safety in case of an attack. It is crucial that you learn their locations.”

For the entire morning, we were taught how to locate and unspell these passageways for access. The rest of the day was a flurry of defensive techniques and protective spells. We were assigned partners to ensure no one was left alone. It was heartening to see boundaries fading as witches and warlocks were paired with shifters and other supernatural beings united in fear and a common goal.

Who knew chaos could be such a great team-building exercise?

By nightfall, we were all exhausted from the day’s training. The cafeteria buzzed with students sharing stories about their experiences, laughing with friends, or grumbling about being partnered with magical beings who took themselves too seriously.

“Next time, I’m picking a large shifter,” Ruby said dramatically as she plopped beside me. “At least they know how to have fun. Speaking of, has anyone seen Viper?”

I laughed. “Viper is with Ryker and his gang. Ryker had hand-selected a few shifters from the academy and created a special team to be on the lookout and act as protectors.”

“Oh, I bet he could keep me safe with those dreamy arms of his,” Ruby cooed.

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