Lana nodded. “If possible, yes. I mean, I know this would only apply to specific cases where evidence is lacking or difficult to find. Or if there are contradictory statements or testimony.”
“This is all a little premature. You are still just a student,” Mirielle pointed out, dismissively. “Besides, we don’t even know if what you say is true. You may claim to be able to see people’s secrets, but until we can confirm that, this is all merely speculation. We would need to test your abilities and find evidence to back up your claims. We can’t just trust your word about what you see any more than we can trust a suspect’s version of the truth.”
Lana smiled coldly and held out a hand. “Would you like to test it out?”
“Cute,” Mirielle sneered. “No one sane would willingly let you pry into their secrets. Which is why your ability will be difficult to prove.”
“You can test it on me,” Thayer offered, holding his hand out. “Everyone already knows my big secret.”
“What if she sees something else? Like something embarrassing you did recently?” Kingston asked, amused.
“Oh, fuck.” Thayer snatched his hand away. “Forget it, then. I guess even if someone doesn’t have big secrets to hide, everyone has moments they don’t want to share.”
Mirelle smirked. “See? I told you this would be difficult to prove.”
“Actually, that’s the easy part,” Kingston said cheerfully. “All we have to do is find someone in a similar situation to what I experienced. Someone who claims they were framed for a crime they didn’t commit. If you can help prove them innocent, I’m sure they will agree to do whatever you ask of them.”
Lana gulped, suddenly extremely nervous by his wide grin. “What exactly does that mean?”
“Congratulations, kid,” Kingston said with a grin. “You’re going to prison.”
Chapter Three
The Supernatural Prisonstood upon a lonely island at the center of an enchanted lake, deep within the heart of the Fairy Realm. From a distance, it resembled an ancient castle torn from the pages of a storybook, its towering silver spires rising through curtains of pale pink mist that drifted endlessly across the shimmering water.
Sunlight glistened across the lake’s glass-like surface, the faintly glowing water shimmering with the ancient magic hidden within its depths. A dense forest of towering trees surrounded the lake, forming a natural barrier that few dared to cross. The prison was feared throughout the six realms and was widely regarded as one of the most secure and impenetrable strongholds ever created.
However, its reputation came from far more than its massive walls, enchanted gates, or the countless magical safeguards woven into every stone that made up its foundation. The fairies and pixies wielded unparalleled power over the forces of nature, making them the perfect guardians to watch over the prison grounds. Powerful illusion spells concealed watchtowers hidden throughout the forest, and monstrous stone guardians came to life whenever danger approached.
The very land itself was alive with ancient protective magic, turning the entire area surrounding the island into a veritable deathtrap against any potential intruder. The lake confused any unwanted guests, causing boats to drift in endless circles until their occupants lost their minds to hallucinations whispered on the wind. Even the very air surrounding the prison prevented escape. Teleportation magic failed within its boundaries, shifter abilities were suppressed, and all other supernatural powers were weakened.
But those defenses paled in comparison to the prison itself.
Each and every stone that made up the Supernatural prison was imbued with powerful spells that drained the magic from its inhabitants. The more magic that was discharged, the more powerful the prison’s defenses became. It was a terrifying cycle of efficiency, but it was necessary to keep the prisoners safely locked away.
Only the most dangerous beings in existence were brought to the prison, including rogue shifters, psychotic demons, corrupt mages, and fallen immortals so ancient their names had been erased from history. Every inmate was locked behind layers of enchanted iron, sacred runes, and powerful spells designed specifically to contain their unique abilities.
To the wardens, guards, and magical protectors who maintained it, the prison was a source of immense honor and pride. Defending its walls was considered one of the highest callings in the Fairy Realm, entrusted only to the most disciplined and loyal. They were strong spellcasters and fierce warriors bound by sacred oaths who dedicated their lives to ensuring that no one imprisoned within those walls would ever escape.
They did not merely guard the prisoners. They safeguarded peace itself, standing as the final barrier between order and chaos.
Tales of the prison were spoken of in hushed voices, its reputation carrying a mythical weight that reached every corner within the six realms. For the guilty, merely hearing its name was enough to stir fear deep within their hearts. For others, the prison was more than a fortress. It stood as a powerful symbol woven into the very fabric of their society. A grim warning to those who dared threaten the balance between good and evil, and a solemn promise that justice would always endure.
“I don’t know whether to thank you or punch you for including me in your little prison project,” Claudia Snow grumbled.
Lana sent her friend an amused grin. Despite the snow leopard’s snarky remarks, she knew Claudia would have been supremely pissed if she hadn’t been included.
“You know you wanted to come with me.”
“I really do,” Claudia admitted with a little laugh. “When else would I have the chance to visit the Supernatural Prison? This way, I don’t even have to commit a crime to appease my curiosity.”
It was a little surprising that she and her roommate got along so well. Lana had expected tension, awkward silences, or at least the usual discomfort that came from sharing a living space with someone she had never met before. But she got along with Claudia Snow better than she could have ever expected.
Originally, she had every intention of securing a private suite at the magical academy. She valued her space, her privacy, and the ability to keep certain parts of her life carefully guarded. Still, when the acceptance letter from the magical academy arrived, and she noticed she had been assigned a roommate, she hadn’t complained.
Living alone might have been more comfortable, but it would have made it harder to connect with other students. Especially since that was something she freely admitted having trouble doing.
Of course, trusting a stranger came with risks, especially in a school filled with other supernaturals. As soon as she received her information, Lana immediately began looking into Claudia Snow. However, the deeper she looked, the less concerned she became.
