Page 18 of Of Shadow and Moon

“Your face.” I manage between fits of laughter, wiping at my eyes as if that would help me pull it together. “The way you look like you’re about to implode because you have me as a roommate.” I bite down on another laugh, but it slips through anyway. I take a deep breath and let it out to try and calm my laughter. “Now do us both a favor and stop glaring at me so I can go to sleep.”

She looks ready to explode, again; the anger radiating off her in waves, her hands clenched so hard her knuckles turn white. For a moment, I think she might actually throw a punch, and the thought almost makes me laugh harder. Instead, she lets out a frustrated huff, a sound that’s somewhere between a snarl and a sigh, and spins on her heel, giving me her back.

“Whatever,” she mutters, her voice brimming withexasperation as she yanks her bag open, shoving clothes onto the shelf with forceful precision. “You’re insane,” she whispers, half to herself, shaking her head as she starts her unpacking, stuffing clothes onto the shelves like they personally offended her. “I swear, they’ve put me with a lunatic.”

“Funny,” I say, leaning back with a smirk, “I was thinking the exact same thing.”

She turns to face me and her eyes narrow, and she lets out a sound of pure frustration…again, turning back to slam clothes into wherever she can fit them.

I turn away, staring up at the ceiling, fighting to still the chuckles that keep bubbling, a stupid grin still tugging on my lips. This ridiculous infuriating exchange, this silly bickering I'd never allow myself the indulgence of before, it's like tasting something I didn't know I was starving for. The thrill of it, the rush of adrenaline, the absurd satisfaction of holding my ground, of pushing back…it’s exhilarating.

Despite her sharp tongue, despite the scrunch of her nose like she'd rather be somewhere else, there's something almost strangely comforting about it, almost like…a normal girl fight.

I close my eyes, letting out a deep breath as the exhaustion of the past few days washes over me, and for the first time, I feel the tension in my shoulders ease. Making sure I have my hand wrapped around the handle of the dagger, I let myself start to drift off.

Maybe, just maybe, this place will be different.

Chapter 9

Selestina

Ijolt awake, sweat trickling down my face.

It was a nightmare.

I run my hand through my hair, my heart pounding from the dream. Alexander is a cloud of rain, always just right above my head. A nightmare in my sleep and in my wake. My breath comes in ragged gasps, and I glance around the room, trying to ground myself. I’m not at The Citadel. I’m at Obsidian Academy, in my dorm room. Safe. Or at least, safer than I’ve been in a long time.

I glance over at Nasarea, making sure I didn’t wake her. She’s still asleep, her eyebrows scrunched together, her nose wrinkled in annoyance. Even in sleep, she looks pissed off, like the world’s out to get her. It makes me giggle softly. Of course, I immediately cover my mouth, not wanting to wake her and ruin the moment.

Finally, I take a second to actually take in the room. The walls are made of stone, dark and rough. Above us, candles are powered by magic, their soft light unwavering even when there’s no draft.

My feet hit the cold floor, and I shiver, the cool airkissing my skin. I make my way to the window, curious about what the view looks like now that I’m fully awake.

When I pull back the heavy curtains, the sight takes my breath away.

From this height, I can see far beyond the academy grounds. The Dark Forest stretches out below me, the tops of the trees covered in a delicate fog that sparkles in the early morning light. The fog shimmers like magic itself, casting an ethereal glow over everything. Creatures, sprites, birds, and other beings of Tonalli, flit and fly about, their movements graceful and wild. It’s like something out of a dream, and for a moment, I forget about everything else.

In the distance, the jagged peaks of the mountains rise up against the horizon, shrouded in mist. The sky is painted in shades of orange and pink as the sun slowly begins its ascent, casting a soft glow over the landscape. It’s breathtaking.

I tilt my head back and look up at the sky, catching sight of the two full moons still hanging there. Something about it makes me smile, a warmth spreading through my chest despite everything weighing on me.

But then, my stomach growls, reminding me I haven’t eaten since yesterday. Even then, it was just an oat bar from my satchel. I press a hand to my tummy, shaking my head. Time to get ready for my first day at the academy. I better hurry, even if part of me wants to linger by the window and take in the view for a little longer.

I look down and realize I am still a bloody, dirty mess. I must have been too restless in my sleep, opening up wounds that I already stitched together back in the forest. Even with the clean clothes I changed into before entering the academy, blood is coming through the fabric from the shittydressing I gave my wounds. I glance back at my bed and see the remnants of a long night of thrashing while covered in blood. Right. I’ll need to wash my sheets before I sleep in them again. I quickly head to the bathroom and take a much quicker shower than I want. Eager to start the day.

I move quietly, not wanting to wake Nasarea as I look in my closet for my uniform.

It’s not bad, all things considered. Black, with a silver crest stitched onto the jacket. A white button-up top and a black pleated skirt. I quickly slip it on and lace up my boots—my black platform boots I snagged from a shop in Metztli. I smuggled them back to The Citadel, hiding them from Alexander, a small act of rebellion he never knew about. Wearing them now feels like a small victory, like I’m keeping something that’s just mine.

I walk over to the mirror and line my eyes with black coal, smudging it just enough to give me that dark, feral look I’ve come to perfect. I square my shoulders, rolling them back as I let out a slow breath. I need to be ready. For everything. My body still aches from my journey through the Dark Forest, but this is normal for me and Alexander’s wrath. I know how to go through my day with lingering pain. I wish I could wear my silk mask, a comfort I didn’t realize I have become used to. It’s a brand of the Shadow Reaper, though, so I can only wear it on missions or when I’m doing something for Alexander.

Grabbing my black shoulder bag, I take one last glance at the window, letting the sight of the mountains and the shimmering fog fill me with a sense of calm. I may not have much control over my life, but right now, in this moment, I feel... okay.

With a final deep breath, I open the doorquietly and slip out into the hallway before Nasarea can wake up. Time to face whatever this academy has in store for me.

The dining hallbuzzes with life, an orchestra of laughter, clinking silverware, and muffled voices, blending together in a symphony of early morning energy. Students chatter, jostling for seats, trays piled high with steaming plates of breakfast fare. The air is thick with the aroma of freshly baked bread and spiced porridge, tempting enough to almost distract me from the gnawing exhaustion lingering from the night before. My mind is still fogged, blurry from nightmares that twisted through sleep, leaving me half awake.

I drag myself toward the food line, barely noticing the clamor around me, but always on alert. My hand wraps around a tray as I stifle a yawn, reaching absently for a plate. My eyes sweep across the room, tracing the shapes of unfamiliar faces. As I scan, my gaze catches on someone unmistakable.

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