11. Thalia’s POV
Chapter 11
Thalia’s POV
T he next morning, I was groggy and confused, the images of the last night flickering behind my eyelids. Zarek had insisted on escorting me back to the dorms, his fake version of chivalry stubbornly overriding my protests. We'd bickered most of the way until my resistance dwindled away out of pure exhaustion. The silent walk back had been strangely peaceful, though; Zarek's voice had eventually faded into the night, leaving us in a shared quiet that was surprisingly comforting.
The brothers hadn't seemed remotely concerned about the beast lurking outside—which I assumed was some kind of bizarre, oversized guard panther—and that left a gnawing unease in my stomach.
"She doesn't belong here"
Nox's words echoed through my mind as I got ready for the day. Another reminder of my outcast status here at Nexara Academy clung to me like a shadow. But shadows or not, I was determined to make something of my time here. After pulling on my uniform, I decided to find El and James later, maybe they'd be willing to help me train.
Classes were an endless loop of information that felt irrelevant to my existence. While other students discussed their gifts and control techniques, I could only sit and absorb theories and histories that seemed more fantasy than reality for someone like me. I was learning plenty about the world I'd been thrust into, but nothing that explained why I was here.
With each lecture, the sense of isolation grew sharper—like a thorn lodged beneath my skin. These were lessons for witches, shifters, fae—beings with power flowing through their veins. And there I was, just Thalia. The powerless human. An anomaly among prodigies.
I masked my frustration with attentive scribbling in my notebook—notes that might never be useful but kept me anchored in each moment. Despite feeling like an outsider peering into a world where I didn't quite fit, I wasn't ready to give up. Not yet. Not when there was still so much left unexplained.
By lunch, I had lost all interest in being around people. I opted to skip the crowded cafeteria, instead grabbing some snacks before heading to Combat Training. The leaves were turning, painting the campus in shades of orange and gold as fall settled in. My academy sweatshirt did little to shield me from the cool breeze as I made my way to the training field, but the brisk air felt good. It was refreshing—a reminder that I was alive, still standing.
I started running laps around the track, trying to clear my head, the rhythm of my footsteps grounding me. Each step seemed to push away the lingering unease, the doubts, the feeling of being watched. After a couple laps, I began to notice other students making their way to the field, their voices mixing with the rustle of leaves in the wind.
Grabbing my water, I took a deep breath, the crisp air filling my lungs as I scanned the growing crowd. I needed to find El and James—if anyone could help me right now, it was them.
I spotted El first, her chestnut hair catching the light as she laughed with a group of students near the mats. Relief washed over me as I made my way toward her. James appeared moments later, his smile as bright as always.
“Well, there’s the sunshine,” he beamed, throwing an arm over my shoulder and pulling me in close. A blush crept up my cheeks, and I glanced away, trying to hide it as El gave me an amused smile.
“Where were you at lunch?” she asked, her tone casual but with a hint of curiosity.
“I wanted to get a head start on training,” I replied, shrugging. “Speaking of training—” I was cut off mid-sentence by an unmistakable feeling—shadows looming over me, making my skin prickle. James’s arm slipped away, and he took a step back, his expression shifting slightly. I let out a small scoff, already knowing who it was without having to look.
Wonder who that could be.
I turned to see none other than the psycho trio. Their presence was as imposing as ever, each of them radiating that strange combination of power and intensity that seemed to fill the entire space around them.
“Can I help you?” I asked, raising an eyebrow, my voice dripping with sarcasm.
Zarek’s grin spread across his face—that lazy, annoying smile that always seemed to say he knew something I didn’t. “Just wanted to see if our favorite troublemaker was planning on causing any more scenes today,” he said, his eyes bright with playfulness.
Nox’s gaze was as sharp as ever, those violent eyes locking onto mine. He didn’t say anything, but the intensity in his expression spoke volumes. Damon, standing beside him, looked as stoic as always, his eyes narrowed slightly as if assessing my every move.
“Scenes?” I repeated, crossing my arms over my chest. “Are we really doing this?”
El cleared her throat beside me, stepping forward with a bright smile. “Oh, are we starting drama already? I thought we’d wait at least until the warm-up,” she joked, her eyes darting between the brothers and me, her tone light but not without an edge.
James chuckled, his boyish smile returning as he took his place beside me again, his presence warm and steady. “Yeah, fellas, give the girl a break.”
Nox's expression darkened at James's comment, but Zarek only seemed more entertained. "You wound us, sunshine," he purred, his voice smooth as silk, a hint of laughter in his eyes as he emphasized the nickname.
I rolled my eyes, refusing to give them the satisfaction of a response. Zarek simply winked at me before turning away with his brothers. Damon looked relieved to escape my presence, but Nox lingered for a moment, his eyes still locked on mine, something unreadable flickering in their depths. Then, without a word, he turned and followed after Damon and Zarek.
I let out a breath, turning back to El and James. "They are going to drive me crazy," I muttered under my breath. "I don't know why they have to make my life so complicated."
El laughed, her amber eyes sparkling with mirth. "Because they enjoy it, obviously. And I have to say, you’re handling it pretty well. Most people would’ve cracked by now."
I snorted, feeling a hysterical edge creeping into my laughter. "I'm pretty damn close, El."
Professor Lorian's normally rigid structure seemed to crumble today, allowing us some freedom. We were expected to use the time to hone our skills, but beyond that, the field was ours. Still, even as I moved through the motions, practicing the techniques El and James were teaching me, I could feel the brothers' eyes on me—tracking my movements, their gazes as evident as the chill in the autumn air.
El demonstrated a defensive stance, her body fluid and graceful as she explained the nuances of balance and leverage. "Remember, it's not just about strength," she said, her voice steady and reassuring. "It's about using what you have to your advantage."
James took his turn, his approach more hands-on as he guided me through the steps of a takedown. His presence was calming, a relief against the relentless attention from the Shadow Brothers. With each successful move, my confidence grew. I was getting better, and for the first time since arriving here, I allowed myself to feel a flicker of hope.
"Alright, now try it on me," James challenged, his blue eyes alight with excitement. I squared my shoulders, mirroring the stance he had just demonstrated, my focus narrowing to the space between us.
With a burst of energy, I lunged forward, wrapping my arm around James and throwing my weight into his. The next thing I knew, he was on the ground, looking up at me with a surprised yet impressed grin.
"See? You're a natural," he said, his words igniting a spark of pride within me.
El clapped her hands enthusiastically. "Nice one, Thalia!" she exclaimed, crossing the distance between us to give me a high-five.
As I caught my breath, my gaze inadvertently drifted to where the brothers were sparring amongst themselves. Nox moved with a predatory grace, his strikes precise and lethal. Damon's shadows swirled around him, adding an extra layer of danger to his already formidable skill. Zarek, ever the show-off, was a blur of speed and agility. They were a sight to behold, a trio of power and controlled chaos. Despite everything, I couldn't deny the pull I felt. They were like magnets for my attention, an enigma I couldn't quite solve.
And that fact irritated me to no end. What was it about them that made them so impossible to ignore?
I hated that I wanted to figure it out—that I couldn’t seem to stop myself from analyzing their every move, trying to piece together the puzzle they represented. Nox's quiet intensity. Damon's simmering hostility. Zarek's playful arrogance. Each so different, yet somehow connected. My jaw tightened as frustration bubbled beneath the surface. Why did it matter? Why did they matter? They were just distractions—obstacles in my path.
I need to focus on myself, not get caught up in the enigmatic aura of the psycho brothers. But no matter how much I tried to push it aside, the pull remained—a quiet, infuriating hum in the back of my mind.
Taking some of frustration out on James, I brushed the grass off my pants, trying to regain some semblance of composure. He didn't deserve my misplaced annoyance, but he was the closest target. I glanced at him, offering a small, apologetic smile.
"Not bad for a human," Zarek called out, his voice carrying across the training field. I couldn't tell if it was a compliment or another one of his teasing remarks, but I decided to ignore him as I turned my attention back to James, offering him a hand to help him up.
"Oh, he's just doing it to get in her pants. I'm sure it's not that hard, James!" Mira yelled, her pack of hyenas erupting in laughter around her.
"I've heard it's easy! Just be careful not to catch anything!" one of her hyenas shouted.
I stiffened at the sound of their voices. The laughter that followed felt like a swarm of wasps, stinging and relentless. I clenched my fists at my sides, fighting the urge to let the hurt show on my face. My cheeks burned with a mixture of embarrassment and anger. James' body tensed beside me, his earlier amusement gone as he stood up.
"Ignore them," El muttered, shooting Mira a glare that could've set the grass on fire. "They're just looking for a reaction."
I nodded, but could feel my temper was wearing thin. James' hand found my shoulder, squeezing gently in a silent show of support. "They're not worth it," he said quietly, his eyes meeting mine with understanding.
My gaze snagged on Mira, who stood by Zarek's side with that ever-present smirk playing on her lips. Her eyes locked onto mine, a challenge simmering in their depths. She leaned closer to Zarek, whispering something in his ear, her hand covering her mouth as if they were sharing a private joke at my expense. Her other arm snaked around his bicep, fingers playfully tracing the lines of his sweatshirt. She had to stand on her toes to press her body against his, and the possessive way she clung to him made my blood boil. I could feel my heart pounding, each beat a drum against my ribs.
There she was—all smiles and flirty gestures, flaunting her closeness to Zarek—while he just watched me, his eyes never leaving my face, a knowing smirk playing on his lips. It was like a silent taunt, a game they were playing.
"Fucking playboy," I mumbled under my breath as the whistle blew, signaling the end of our training session. My gaze drifted to Professor Lorian, who was already looking at me. His eyes, sharp and discerning. It seemed like he was evaluating more than just my performance on the field.
I broke eye contact first, turning away to gather my things. Zarek's laughter echoed in my ears, a reminder of his little display with Mira. It was a performance. I knew that much. But it didn't make the sting of rejection any less painful.
El approached me, her expression a mix of concern and irritation. "Don't let them get to you, Thalia," she said, her voice low so only I could hear. "They're just trying to throw you off your game."
I forced a smile, appreciating her attempt to lift my spirits. "I know, El. It's just... frustrating."
James joined us, his arm brushing against mine in a comforting gesture. "You did great today," he reassured me, his blue eyes sincere. "Don't let Mira and her cronies distract you from that."
I nodded, taking their words to heart.
As I slung my bag over my shoulder, preparing to leave, I felt a familiar presence behind me. I didn't need to turn around to know who it was. The scent of fresh rain—earthy and clean, filled the air. I closed my eyes for a moment, savoring it, before turning to face the source
"You're improving," Nox's voice was gruff, almost reluctant. I turned to face him, surprised by the unexpected compliment. His emerald eyes met mine, a flicker of respect—or was it reluctant admiration?—hidden beneath his usual hostility.
"Thanks," I replied, my tone guarded. "I have good teachers."
A muscle in Nox's jaw twitched, and for a moment, I thought I saw the ghost of a smile tug at the corner of his mouth. But it was gone as quickly as it appeared. He didn't say anything else, just turned on his heel and walked away, heading back towards his brothers, his shoulders radiating a silent dismissal.
I watched him go, a strange sense of satisfaction settling over me as I made my way across the field, El and James at my side. The sun was beginning to set, casting long shadows across the campus. The day was ending on a high note, and despite the rollercoaster of emotions I'd experienced, I felt a spark of hope today.
As we neared the edge of the training field, I couldn't help but glance back at the brothers. They were locked in their own world, their movements synchronized as they sparred with each other. There was a beauty in their unity, a silent understanding that only came from years of shared experiences.
* * *
Exhaustion clung to me like a second skin, the kind that burrowed deep into your bones after pushing yourself too hard. Yet there I sat at my desk, surrounded by ancient texts and scribbled notes, the clock's hands inching toward midnight. A yawn threatened to split my face, but a strange sensation crawled up my spine—a tug, insistent and nagging. It drew my gaze to the window, where the night cloaked the campus.
Outside, Professor Lorian's silhouette emerged from the shadows, draped in a black cloak that fluttered against the breeze. His hood obscured his face, but his sly glances revealed enough under the silver moonlight. Something about his posture spoke of secrets and silent urgency.
What could a professor be up to at this ungodly hour? My curiosity overpowered exhaustion, beckoning me to follow. I grabbed my black hoodie, slid it over my head, and slipped out into the cool night air. The back door closed with a hush behind me as I caught sight of his receding figure.
Treading softly, I kept a safe distance. The shadows seemed to reach out to me, whispering paths through the trees as if guiding me, until we reached a small river glimmering under the moon's watchful eye.
I melted into the embrace of forest shadows, eyes fixed on Lorian's pacing form. He halted abruptly and dropped to his knees with an air of desperation—or devotion—I couldn't tell which. He raised his face skyward, and I leaned forward, straining to catch his murmured words.
"My lord, you have returned to me," he whispered with reverence that sent shivers down my spine.
He paused as if listening for an answer only he could hear.
"She is here," he continued after a beat of silence. "But are you sure she is the one you need?"
Interest sparked within me like flint against steel—dangerous and compelling.
"I-I'm sorry, my lord. I will make sure she's ready for you. But my Lord," he hesitated as doubt laced his voice, "the human hasn't shown any signs of power. I don't think she?—"
A gasp almost escaped me—was he talking about me? Panic laced with adrenaline surged through my veins. In an instant of shock-induced clumsiness, my foot slid against the slick mud by the riverbank.
Lorian's head snapped toward me like a compass finding north.
I didn't wait for him to confirm what I already knew—he'd heard me. Instinct took over; I bolted like a startled deer back toward the safety of my dorm room. My mind was a whirlwind of questions: Was he talking about me? Ready for what? Why would this 'lord' need someone powerless like me?
Reaching my dorm room, I fumbled with the knob, my trembling hands betraying my fear. I slammed the door shut, leaning against it as if to hold back the shadows that seemed to press against the wood.
A wave of dizziness washed over me, and I stumbled toward my bed, collapsing onto the mattress. The springs groaned beneath my weight. I curled up, pulling the blankets tight around me, as if they could shield me from the questions clawing at the edges of my mind.
Was I in danger? The thought whispered through me like a chill wind, freezing me in place. The walls seemed to close in, suffocating me with the weight of everything I didn’t understand.
My gaze fell upon the carved wooden box on the desk—the one that held the invitation, the one that had lured me to this place. Its polished surface gleamed faintly in the dim light, mocking me with its silence. Had it been a mistake?
A bitter laugh bubbled in my throat, but it never escaped. Maybe I should have stayed in the familiar misery of my old life. At least there, the dangers were known, the loneliness predictable. Here, even my own shadow seemed to carry secrets.
There’s no way I could be in danger… right?
I let out a shaky breath, willing my heart to slow down. This was Nexara Academy —one of the most secure places in existence. They wouldn’t have brought me here just to let something happen to me. Would they?
I shook my head, trying to dispel the thought. The professors—hell, even the students—were all powerful. The wards around the academy were unbreakable. If there was one place in the world where I was supposed to be safe, it was here.
And yet, my mind didn’t let go of the possibility. What about the strange glances? The cryptic warnings? The feeling that I didn’t belong here?
No. I was overthinking it. I always did this—spiraled into worst-case scenarios when I didn’t have all the answers. Maybe that’s all it was: fear of the unknown. It wasn’t like I’d been chased by shadows or attacked in my dorm.
The logical part of my brain fought to take control. This place is safe, Thalia, I told myself firmly. You’re just letting your imagination get the best of you.
Still, I couldn’t shake the feeling that my presence here had started a domino effect I didn’t understand.