Page 49 of Midnight Reign
As if on cue, the shadows outside seem to press closer to the windows, their inky blackness seeping through the cracks. A wave of panic sweeps through the room.
“This way!” Corvus shouts, gesturing towards a door I’ve never noticed before. It glows faintly with protective runes.
I hurry over to him, and he smiles briefly but is focused on his role right now, so I don’t take it to heart.
Don’t worry about them.We have more important things to focus on.
“Shut up,” I mutter.
Before she can respond, a deafening crack splits the air. The floor beneath our feet shudders, and cracks begin to spiderweb across the walls.
“Move!” Corvus shouts, herding us towards the glowing door.
As we near it, I feel a strange pull, like a hook behind my navel. The air around the door shimmers, and I realise it’s not just a door - it’s a portal.
“Where does it lead?” I shout.
He grabs my hand and links our fingers as Carthage House files through the door. I don’t know where the rest of the Houses are, but I can’t stop to look as Corvus drags me through the opening.
As we cross the threshold, I cast one last look back. The shadows have broken through the windows now, pouring in like a dark tide. Students are screaming, staff members are casting spells to hold them back, but it’s clear they’re fighting a losing battle.
MistHallow is falling.
With a deep breath, I step through the portal with Corvus. There’s a moment of vertigo, a sensation of being stretched and compressed at the same time, and then we’re stumbling out onto soft grass under a star-filled sky.
We’re in a clearing in what looks like a dense forest. All around us, other students and staff members are appearing, stumbling out of thin air as they come through other portals.
“Where are we?” I ask, looking around in confusion.
“The Sanctuary,” a familiar voice answers. I turn to see Professor Blackthorn stepping through the portal. “We’ll be safe here for now.”
As more people from the different Houses arrive, I look around anxiously for my guys.
Sisters, remember. Light and Dark. A shared destiny.
I gulp at Crimson’s reminder. The woman I was when I first came to MistHallow feels like a distant memory. In her place stands someone new, someone caught between light and dark, with powers she doesn’t fully understand and a destiny she’s not sure she wants.
21
ADELAIDE
The Sanctuary is completelydifferent to the chaos we just left behind at MistHallow. The air here is cool and crisp, filled with the scent of pine and wildflowers. Under different circumstances, it might have been peaceful. But the fear and confusion from the gathered students and staff members keep any sense of tranquillity at bay.
I scan the crowd, searching for familiar faces. Corvus is still by my side, his hand gripping mine tightly. I spot Zephyr leading Athens House into our new surroundings. But there’s no sign of Ignatius or Zaiah.
“Where are the others?” I ask Corvus, unable to keep the worry from my voice.
He shakes his head, his jaw clenched tight. “Ignatius was leading Rome House, but Zaiah... I lost track of him when the shadows first attacked.”
A cold fear grips my heart.
Don’t fret, sister. If they’re as strong as fate believes them to be, they’ll find their way to us.
For once, I hope she’s right.
“Me,” I correct her under my breath.
Professor Blackthorn’s voice cuts through the confused chatter. “Everyone, please remain calm. We are safe here for the moment. House Captains, please gather your students and perform a headcount. Any injured should report to Professor Thornridge immediately.”
