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CHAPTER1
Sera
The wind whippedmy hair as the carriage rattled along the cobblestones towards Blackthorn Academy. I shivered, though not just from the chill night air. Apprehension coursed through me at the thought of returning to this place that harbored such bitter memories. The ghosts of last year’s grief and betrayal still haunted these halls.
All too soon, the imposing wrought-iron gates appeared, enclosing the ancient school like the jaws of some great stone beast. I hesitated, clutching my cloak tight against the darkness beyond. Could I bear to reenter that den of secrets and heartbreak?
With a violent jolt, the carriage halted.
My breath fogged before me as I gazed up at the academy’s imposing entrance. The oxen-type creatures that pulled the coach snorted impatiently, their breath misting in the air. Heaving a deep sigh, I clambered down from the travel coach, the cool evening breeze stinging my cheeks.
Icy metal hinges creaked beneath my touch as the gates swung open, revealing the darkened path that led towards knowledgeandthe unknown.
“Welcome back, Miss Silvermist,” a voice echoed through the courtyard.
“Headmistress Blackthorn,” I uttered, turning to face the stern woman who stood at the top of the steps leading to the castle. Her black hair, streaked with silver, was pulled tightly into a bun, framing her piercing eyes that seemed to see right through me.
I clasped my hands, wringing them tightly.
“Your second year at Blackthorn Academy will not be without its challenges,” she continued, her voice as cold and crisp as the surrounding air. “But I trust you will find the strength to rise above them.” Her eyes locked on mine in a meaningful stare.
Fuck. Sheknew. She knew everything. How could shenotknow? It was right before the holidays that I’d caught Drazhan kissing Gloria Redmoon in this very courtyard—I’d cried and screamed at them, my heart torn and bleeding for all eyes to see. He was my boyfriend… and I thought Gloria was my friend.
“Yes, Headmistress,” I whispered, unable to meet her stern gaze.
“Very well, Miss Silvermist,” the Headmistress said. “Proceed to your dormitory and prepare for the term ahead. The academy awaits.”
Squaring my shoulders, I continued past the courtyard and into the gloomy interior, the scent of dust and candle wax swiftly enveloping me. The shadows here ran deep. This was not only a place of ancient knowledge, but the preternatural arena of merciless power struggles—a battle I feared I was destined to lose.
Brief relief came the minute I closed the door to my dorm room. Releasing a long exhalation, I leaned against the dense slab of iron-nailed wood. I gazed around the familiar space, taking in the carved furnishings awaiting me. But my eyes were drawn to the empty bed on the left side of the room. It had been meant for Gloria originally. Before her betrayal, we’d vowed to stick together through the years.
I’d started worrying I’d have to share quarters with Drazhan’s new girlfriend, and the notion filled me with dread. But now it seemed that side of the dorm would remain vacant. A small mercy perhaps, though the glaring emptiness echoed with ghosts of what could have been. With a melancholy sigh, I turned away from those faded dreams and began unpacking my things. This term marked a new start, and I would greet it unburdened by things beyond changing.
BOOM! The door burst open with such force that I stumbled and landed on the ground.
“Seraphina! You’re back!” a familiar voice said. I looked up to see my classmate, Lily, weaving her way through the throng of hurried students that crammed the hallway.
Her eyes sparkled with warmth and concern, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something she wasn’t telling me. As Lily’s bright cornflower eyes searched my face, a strange shadow flickered through them—there one instant, vanished the next. I blinked uncertainly. For a moment, it seemed something cold peered out of my gentle friend’s gaze. But then, she waved her hand reassuringly, once again all warmth and compassionate concern.
At once, her sweet countenance slipped into a scowl. “Sera?” she asked in the sweetest tone, laden with innocence. “What are you doing on the floor?”
I scrambled my limbs back into place and sat up, sluggishly. “Hey, Lily…” I managed, forcing a smile onto my face. “How was your summer?”
“Good, thanks,” she replied, settling down beside me on the wood-tiled floor. “How about yours?”
“Fine…” I lied, my fingers twisting together nervously on my lap. I wanted to confide in her, to share the burden of my pain; but after my breakup with Drazhan, trust did not come easily to me.
“Seraphina,” Lily said softly, big dreamy eyes searching my own. “I know you’re hurting. And I’m here for you, okay? Whatever you need.” Her delicate hand folded over mine.
“Thanks,” I whispered. I knew she meant well, but the thought of opening up to someone—of making myself vulnerable—sent a shiver of fear down my spine.
The door swung open. “Hey, you two!” a boisterous voice interrupted.
We glanced up to see a group of our friends approaching. Shapeshifters. Wolves. “School doesn’t start until tomorrow… You up for a pint at Buckie’s?” Jasper teased, hazel eyes alight with mischief. He was the pack’s alpha, and he was also too cute to refuse.
“You know it!” Lily replied, her spirits lifted by their arrival. She turned to me, her hand on my arm reassuring. “What do you say, Sera?”
I hesitated for a moment, torn between my desire to move forward and the lingering pain from last year. But as I looked at my friends’ expectant faces, I knew I couldn’t let Drazhan’s betrayal hold me back.
