Page 33 of The Fractured Veil

I stared at the shadowy barrier, my heart still racing, my mind struggling to comprehend what had just happened. I had instinctively summoned the shadows, bending them to my will, creating a defense against Damon's unexpected attack. A wave of exhilaration, mixed with disbelief, washed over me. I had done it. I had actuallydonesomething.

Zarek let out a low whistle, his eyes widening with genuine surprise. "Well, would you look at that," he murmured, his voice softer now, laced with a hint of awe.

Nox's gaze met mine, his expression no longer one of annoyance but something more like curiosity. "Guess there's more to her than we thought," he admitted, his tone a blend of disbelief and respect.

Damon stopped circling, his eyes locked onto mine. There was something new in his gaze—an emotion I couldn't quite decipher. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if he were trying to peer inside my mind, to uncover the secrets within my soul.

I let out a long, shaky breath, my fingers hesitantly reaching out to brush the dark mist that still lingered around me. The shadows responded instantly, dissolving back into nothingness as if they had never been there, leaving me feeling strangely exposed.

* * *

The next morning,after my intense training session with the brothers, I found myself alone on the training field. My muscles screamed in protest, a mixture of aches and twinges, a testament of the demanding exercises they'd put me through. But I was determined to use the early morning stillness to explore my shadows more. So far, though? Spoiler alert:Nothing. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

I settled on the edge of the field, the cool, dew-kissed grass a welcome contrast against my palms. My gaze drifted towards the shadowy woods encircling the academy grounds. The air was crisp and refreshing, a welcome change from the sterile atmosphere of the academy buildings. The first rays of sunlight, like golden fingers, started to shine, painting the landscape with a soft, delicate light.

My shadows seemed eager to explore, to merge with the long silhouettes cast by the trees, as if yearning to claim the entire forest as their domain. I swallowed hard, a knot of apprehension forming in my stomach. There was a raw, untamed power in those shadows, an energy that both fascinated and intimidated me.

Despite my efforts, controlling them was more difficult than I’d thought. I could summon them, yes, and they seemed to respond to my emotions, swirling and shifting with my every mood. But true mastery eluded me. I couldn't quite grasp the reins, couldn't direct their movements with the precision I craved. Frustration chipped away at me, a constant reminder of my limitations.

Closing my eyes, I inhaled deeply, attempting to clear my mind and reconnect with the power I had felt the day before. I recalled the sensation of the shadows enveloping me, their cool embrace a protective shield against Damon's attack. But now, as I reached out with my senses, they remained elusive, their movements erratic and unpredictable. It was like trying to capture smoke. Like trying to hold water in my hands.

"They're a part of me," I whispered to myself, the realization settling deep within my bones. It wasn't a sudden epiphany; it was a truth I had known for a while. A truth I had tried to ignore, to bury beneath layers of denial and self-doubt. But yesterday's training session had forced me to confront it, to acknowledge the undeniable connection between myself and the shadows.

Damon, with his piercing blue eyes and hostile demeanor, had watched my every move—his gaze intensifying each time my control faltered, my shadows slipping from my grasp. Was he waiting for a mistake? A sign of weakness? I wasn't sure, but the weight of his presence had been almost unbearable. There were no smiles, no jokes, no attempts to soften the edges of his demanding presence. His shadows, when they flared to life, were a force of nature—dark and powerful, dwarfing my own fledgling abilities

Nox, though less hostile than his brother, had exuded a different kind of tension—an energy that hinted at something hidden, something restrained. He had been more casual in his approach, his instructions less demanding, but there was an underlying wariness in his eyes, as if he were holding something back.

Zarek had tried to lighten the mood with his playful banter and teasing smiles. But even beneath his lighthearted facade, I could sense a deeper intent, a mix of curiosity and something else, something that felt almost protective.

I heard footsteps approaching, and my eyes snapped open, the peace of the morning gone. He stood a few feet away, his tall frame casting a long shadow across the grass. His expression was unreadable, as usual.

Nox.

"You're up early," he observed, his voice carrying less of its usual sharp edge.

I shrugged, "Couldn't sleep. Shadows don't really take a break, you know."

Nox's gaze dropped to my hands, where the shadows flickered and danced, their movements mirroring how I felt. For a brief moment, I thought I saw something soften in his eyes—a flicker of curiosity, or even... concern? My heart skipped a beat, and I looked away, focusing on the horizon, where the sky was beginning to lighten with the promise of dawn.

"What are you doing out here?" I asked, trying to keep my tone casual.

Nox didn't respond immediately. He took a step closer, his presence surprisingly comforting despite his usual aloofness. He knelt beside me, his eyes searching my face as if trying to decipher a hidden message written there. The silence stretched between us, but it wasn't uncomfortable; it was filled with an unspoken understanding—a shared connection that transcended words.

He hummed softly, his gaze lingering on me before he finally spoke, his voice barely above a whisper, as if he didn't want to break the spell that had woven itself around us. "You really don't know."

I turned my head, meeting his gaze. His eyes—usually so guarded—seemed different now—softer, more vulnerable. As if he were letting me see a part of him he rarely showed to anyone. My breath hitched in my throat, and a warmth spread through my chest, a mixture of surprise and something else. Something that felt dangerously close to longing. What was this pull I felt towards him? Why did his presence make my heart pound as if it were trying to escape my chest?

Nox reached out, his fingers brushing against mine, a feather-light touch that sent a jolt of electricity through my body. The shadows beneath my hands stilled, as if responding to his touch. His touch was careful, almost hesitant, as if he feared he might shatter me with a single careless movement.

"Know what?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper, my senses heightened, every nerve ending attuned to his presence.

Nox's eyes searched mine, a flicker of something pained—something yearning—flashing in their depths. He sighed, a sound laden with unspoken emotion, and stood up, putting distance between us. His expression hardened once more, the brief vulnerability vanishing behind his usual stoic mask. "You should get back," he said, his voice regaining its familiar coolness. "Classes will be starting soon."

He turned and walked away, the shadows seeming to cling to him as he disappeared into the trees. He didn't offer a second glance, no lingering farewell—leaving me with a whirlwind of unanswered questions and a heart that ached with a longing I couldn't explain.

* * *

The days were long,stretching into an eternity of lectures and endless training sessions. Every morning began with the Wonders of Nexara training, Professor Lorian's booming voice echoing across the grounds, pushing us to the brink of exhaustion and demanding we surpass our limits from the day before. For everyone else—the naturally gifted ones—it was an exhilarating opportunity to showcase their gifts. For me, it served as a constant, agonizing reminder of just how far behind I seemed to be, struggling to keep up with the rigorous pace and the power radiating from everyone around me. After Lorian’s intensive training, I was forced into yet another grueling session with the Shadow Brothers. Each day felt like hell.

---