Page 25 of The Fractured Veil

As I slung my bag over my shoulder, preparing to leave, I felt a familiar presence behind me. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was. The scent of fresh rain—earthy and clean, filled the air. I closed my eyes for a moment, savoring it, before turning to face the source

"You're improving," Nox's voice was gruff, almost reluctant. I turned to face him, surprised by the unexpected compliment. His emerald eyes met mine, a flicker of respect—or was it reluctant admiration?—hidden beneath his usual hostility.

"Thanks," I replied, my tone guarded. "I have good teachers."

A muscle in Nox's jaw twitched, and for a moment, I thought I saw the ghost of a smile tug at the corner of his mouth. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared. He didn't say anything else, just turned on his heel and walked away, heading back towards his brothers, his shoulders radiating a silent dismissal.

I watched him go, a strange sense of satisfaction settling over me as I made my way across the field, El and James at my side. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the campus. The day was ending on a high note, and despite the rollercoaster of emotions I'd experienced, I felt a spark of hope today.

As we neared the edge of the training field, I couldn't help but glance back at the brothers. They were locked in their own world, their movements synchronized as they sparred with each other. There was a beauty in their unity, a silent understanding that only came from years of shared experiences.

* * *

Exhaustion clungto me like a second skin, the kind that burrowed deep into your bones after pushing yourself too hard. Yet there I sat at my desk, surrounded by ancient texts and scribbled notes, the clock's hands inching toward midnight. A yawn threatened to split my face, but a strange sensation crawled up my spine—a tug, insistent and nagging. It drew my gaze to the window, where the night cloaked the campus.

Outside, Professor Lorian's silhouette emerged from the shadows, draped in a black cloak that fluttered against the breeze. His hood obscured his face, but his sly glances revealed enough under the silver moonlight. Something about his posture spoke of secrets and silent urgency.

What could a professor be up to at this ungodly hour? My curiosity overpowered exhaustion, beckoning me to follow. I grabbed my black hoodie, slid it over my head, and slipped out into the cool night air. The back door closed with a hush behind me as I caught sight of his receding figure.

Treading softly, I kept a safe distance. The shadows seemed to reach out to me, whispering paths through the trees as if guiding me, until we reached a small river glimmering under the moon's watchful eye.

I melted into the embrace of forest shadows, eyes fixed on Lorian's pacing form. He halted abruptly and dropped to his knees with an air of desperation—or devotion—I couldn't tell which. He raised his face skyward, and I leaned forward, straining to catch his murmured words.

"My lord, you have returned to me," he whispered with reverence that sent shivers down my spine.

He paused as if listening for an answer only he could hear.

"She is here," he continued after a beat of silence. "But are you sure she is the one you need?"

Interest sparked within me like flint against steel—dangerous and compelling.

"I-I'm sorry, my lord. I will make sure she's ready for you. But my Lord," he hesitated as doubt laced his voice, "the human hasn't shown any signs of power. I don't think she?—"

A gasp almost escaped me—was he talking about me? Panic laced with adrenaline surged through my veins. In an instant of shock-induced clumsiness, my foot slid against the slick mud by the riverbank.

Lorian's head snapped toward me like a compass finding north.

I didn't wait for him to confirm what I already knew—he'd heard me. Instinct took over; I bolted like a startled deer back toward the safety of my dorm room. My mind was a whirlwind of questions: Was he talking about me? Ready for what? Why would this 'lord' need someone powerless like me?

Reaching my dorm room, I fumbled with the knob, my trembling hands betraying my fear. I slammed the door shut, leaning against it as if to hold back the shadows that seemed to press against the wood.

A wave of dizziness washed over me, and I stumbled toward my bed, collapsing onto the mattress. The springs groaned beneath my weight. I curled up, pulling the blankets tight around me, as if they could shield me from the questions clawing at the edges of my mind.

Was I in danger?The thought whispered through me like a chill wind, freezing me in place. The walls seemed to close in, suffocating me with the weight of everything I didn’t understand.

My gaze fell upon the carved wooden box on the desk—the one that held the invitation, the one that had lured me to this place. Its polished surface gleamed faintly in the dim light, mocking me with its silence. Had it been a mistake?

A bitter laugh bubbled in my throat, but it never escaped. Maybe I should have stayed in the familiar misery of my old life. At least there, the dangers were known, the loneliness predictable. Here, even my own shadow seemed to carry secrets.

There’s no way I could be in danger… right?

I let out a shaky breath, willing my heart to slow down. This wasNexara Academy—one of the most secure places in existence. They wouldn’t have brought me here just to let something happen to me. Would they?

I shook my head, trying to dispel the thought. The professors—hell, even the students—were all powerful. The wards around the academy were unbreakable. If there was one place in the world where I was supposed to be safe, it was here.

And yet, my mind didn’t let go of the possibility. What about the strange glances? The cryptic warnings? The feeling that I didn’t belong here?

No. I was overthinking it. I always did this—spiraled into worst-case scenarios when I didn’t have all the answers. Maybe that’s all it was: fear of the unknown. It wasn’t like I’d been chased by shadows or attacked in my dorm.

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