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“I’m in,” I said firmly, determination flaring within me like a newly kindled flame.
“Sweet!” Jasper said. A flash of a handsome grin followed—just enough for me to glimpse his keen fangs. “How about we get you ladies off the floor first?” He grabbed my hand and pulled. But when he reached down to do the same for Lily, Jasper hesitated before freezing solid, eyes gawping at her.
Lily’s mouth barely opened, but no sound came through. She blushed, widened eyes fixed on his.
“Gods!” I muttered under my breath, snatching Lily’s hand and hauling her to her feet. My stare bounced between Jas and her. It was no secret that these two had a massive crush on each other, but neither of them would make the first move.
Jasper uttered a nervous laugh, raking his fingers through his mane of chestnut hair. “I’ll catch you later, guys,” he told his pack, and the group swiftly scattered in the hallway.
We dipped into the crowded corridor and eased our way to the quieter staircase. Then, swinging his head towards us, Jasper asked, “Coach or mirror, ladies, what’ll it be?”
“I’ve recently discovered mirror traveling makes me sneeze,” Lily mumbled with a shrug. “No idea why.”
Jasper’s fierce eyes softened as they lazily roved her face. “Then coach it is,” he purred, the corner of his lips curling up in the warmest smile.
“I’m fine with it too…” I said, but the words went unheard. In spite of myself, I choked a laugh.
Within minutes, we were aboard a sleek black barouche, one of the academy’s driverless coaches. Jasper, Lily, and I snuggled into the plush cab as it rattled down the tree-lined road, their laughter and stories of summer adventures filling the night air.
I gazed out at the moon hanging low over the shadowy forest, the eerie glow heightening the mystical atmosphere surrounding Blackthorn’s grounds. A chill raised goosebumps on my arms as our coach rolled up to the carved wooden sign for Buckingham’s Pub & Billiards.
Stepping inside the warmly lit pub, I rubbed my chilly hands together in relief. Jasper offered to grab drinks while Lily tagged along. I smirked knowingly at her eagerness—those two just needed a nudge before dating bliss could be theirs.
I sat and sulked in the pub’s warmth. All in all, I was grateful for the nearby fireplace. Trying to clear my mind, I focused on the tough road ahead. If I wanted to succeed at Blackthorn, I had to push past this heartache.
As the first Silvermist to attend Blackthorn Academy, the weight of expectation lay heavy on my shoulders. My family’s hope for legitimacy and acceptance in an elite magical society depended on my success here. Failure was unthinkable—I could not let generations of struggle be in vain. This term had to mark the turning point against prejudices still shadowing our name.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, summoning my strength. But a snarling voice shattered my concentration.
“All alone, Silvermist?”
My eyes snapped open to find Cassius Nightshade, his cold blue eyes boring into me with malicious delight. Of course, Drazhan’s loyal lackey would relish the opportunity to torment me.
“Poor abandoned thing,” he mocked, flashing sharp vampire fangs. “But I guess you’re used to it by now?”
My fists clenched tight under the table. “Get lost, Cassius,” I spat.
But his malicious grin only widened. Slipping a hand on the table, Cassius leaned closer and rumbled, “Ready yourself, little witch. This will be yourworstyear yet. I’ll make sure of it.” He let out an ominous laugh as he straightened, then vanished into the crowd.
Gods, what an insufferable bastard.My chest tightened with anger and unease. Cassius’ threats rattled me more than I cared to admit.
Jasper and Lily arrived then, concern in their eyes. “Was that creep bothering you?” he asked.
I shrugged it off, not wanting them to worry. But Cassius’ taunts lingered, stoking doubt inside me. If I faltered now, he would destroy me… Reluctantly, the warmth of forthcoming tears rose to my eyes.
Lily wrapped a supportive arm around me. “Oh… Don’t let him get to you, love,” she said soothingly. “You can’t let him win.”
Taking a deep breath, I steeled my nerves. “You’re right,” I said, blinking back the tears. “I’m not worried. I’ll be ready for him.”
But Iwasworried. Somehow, I had to find the strength to survive whatever darkness awaited me this year. And something told me it would prove more challenging than I first imagined.
CHAPTER2
Rhys
I stoodsolitary in the corner of Buckie’s, my tall frame casting a foreboding shadow. My piercing eyes scanned the lively scene before me, but I remained distant from the merriment. The warm, homey pub overflowed with laughter and joy—feelings foreign to me now.
While the other students celebrated their last taste of freedom, I brooded in isolation, burdened by the curse I carried within. The gazes of admiring girls followed me, but their attraction was only skin-deep. They did not see the true monster that lurked beneath this handsome façade. They knew nothing of my secrets, buried inside me in a vault of stone.
