31. Evelyn
31
Evelyn
T he next few weeks flew by in a blur of classes and training sessions with Chad and Rafe.
We relentlessly tried to uncover more about Morgana’s plans, the link between our families, and any additional information about my lineage that could help, but progress was slow. Every attempt to talk to Lia was thwarted by Rick, who had doubled his efforts, guarding her like a hawk.
One Thursday evening, I flew to Lia’s bedroom window, hoping for a chance to speak with her. Instead, I found a note posted outside, her curtains drawn tight.
The note was brief: Surveillance spell. Can’t talk. Be careful.
It seemed they were monitoring her inside her dorm room now.
Why were they guarding her so fiercely?
Frustrated, I asked Lucien to call Lia into a meeting so we could talk.
“She’ll only lie,” he said, his eyes blazing with annoyance.
“We need answers, Lucien!” I shot back.
We were no closer to finding the truth. We had to get to the bottom of this before something went wrong.
And then it happened.
The news hit us like a punch to the gut—a shifter, the older brother of one of our classmates, had been found dead, completely drained of life and magic. He was an Apex predator, a powerful bear shifter.
This couldn’t be a coincidence.
Later that night, Ryker stormed into Alister’s mansion, his face a mask of fury and concern. “My father’s up to something,” he growled. “He’s been more secretive than usual and is hungry for power.”
“Just like Morgana,” Chad added, his features marred by a deep frown.
I exchanged a glance with Alister, who nodded gravely.
“It seems they’re siphoning magic from powerful shifters,” Alister said, deep in thought.
“Just like they did to me in the previous timeline,” I murmured, my stomach twisting at the memory.
Ryker’s massive form was tense, his jaw clenched as he leaned against the wall.
I stopped pacing and turned to face everyone. “We need to do something. We can’t let them keep doing this.”
Rafe, who had been quietly observing until now, stepped forward. “Maybe we should start by investigating the scene where the shifter was found. We might find clues about how they are doing it.”
I nodded, grateful for his level-headed suggestion. “Good idea.”
Rafe’s eyes met mine. “And we’ll keep training.”
“I think we should all train,” I said, looking pointedly at Lucien, who I suspected, like me, had little battle experience. “If we’re going into a potentially dangerous environment, we need a plan and the ability to defend ourselves against unexpected threats. We also need to work as a team and learn how to block Miss Clarissa.”
Alister nodded. “Yes, that’s a good idea.”
* * *
I cleared the snow from the ground in the courtyard at the back of the mansion while the others discussed strategy. We’d be training together from now on, at least a few days a week.
The mansion was far from the academy grounds, separated by a large, thick forest that provided the privacy we needed. No one would be able to see us here, but Lucien had cast a cloaking spell just in case.
In the first session, Alister guided us, given his extensive battle experience, although his techniques and suggestions were somewhat unconventional. ‘Let your monster out and behead as many as possible’ was not exactly the strategy I was aiming for.
“What if some of them are being manipulated like Theo was?” I asked, thinking of Rick, who we all suspected was under similar influence. “We can’t start beheading innocent people.”
Once Alister’s ruthless approach was rejected, Rafe took over.
He had intensive training, although he lacked real battle experience.
“Okay, so we aim to disable any opponent but not kill.”
“Awe, that’s no fun,” Alister said, then winked at me.
“What about if we need to get out of there quickly?” I asked. “We are all fast except for Lucien.” We all turned to look at him. “Maybe one of us can carry him?”
Chad spoke up immediately. “Oh, he can ride me.”
“I am not riding a hellhound,” Lucien said through gritted teeth.
I smirked. “Or Rafe can take you.”
“I am not being held by a fucking angel,” he snapped, clearly getting seriously mad.
I had to bite the inside of my cheeks not to laugh.
“I’m the best potion master in the world. I think I can whip up a potion that gives me super speed,” he hissed. “Can we focus on actual battle strategy?” He looked to Rafe.
“Okay,” Rafe said. “Let’s begin. We need to work on our teamwork and coordination. In a real battle, we can’t afford to get in each other’s way.”
“Can we start with some target practice?” Chad piped up, bouncing on the balls of his feet. “I’ve been dying to show off my aim!”
Lucien rolled his eyes. “This isn’t a game.”
“Doesn’t mean we can’t have a little fun while we’re at it,” Chad retorted.
Rafe cleared his throat, drawing our attention back to him. “Let’s start with some basic formations. Evelyn, you’ll be our center. Your abilities make you a formidable offensive force.”
“Alister and Ryker, you’ll flank Evelyn on either side,” Rafe continued. “Your speed and strength will be crucial in close-quarter combat.”
Alister nodded and Ryker, as usual, remained silent, but I could see the glint of anticipation in his dark eyes.
“Chad, you’ll be our scout,” Rafe said, turning to the exuberant shifter. “Your hellhound form gives you enhanced senses and speed. Use them to alert us of any incoming threats.”
Chad grinned, giving Rafe a mock salute. “Aye aye, captain!”
“And what about you and the grumpy one?” I asked, gesturing to Rafe and Lucien.
Rafe’s lips quirked into a small smile. “I’ll provide aerial support. Lucien, your potions and spells will be our tactical advantage. Stay behind Evelyn and provide support where necessary.”
Lucien nodded in acknowledgment, his eyes narrowed in thought. I could almost see the gears turning in his head, probably already formulating a dozen different potion combinations.
“Alright, let’s give it a try,” Rafe said, clapping his hands together. “I’ll conjure some illusory opponents for us to practice against.”
With a wave of his hand, shimmering figures appeared around us—faceless, ethereal warriors brandishing various weapons. I felt a surge of adrenaline course through my veins as I took my position at the center of our formation.
“Ready?” Rafe called out.
“Born ready!” Chad whooped, already shifting into his massive hellhound form.
I took a deep breath, feeling the fire building within me while wielding my sword. “Let’s do this.”
The illusory opponents charged, and chaos erupted.
I unleashed a torrent of flames, creating a barrier between us and the approaching enemies. Alister and Ryker darted forward, their movements a blur as they engaged the closest attackers.
Chad’s growl reverberated through the air as he pounced on a group of opponents trying to flank us. His massive jaws clamped down on one illusion, causing it to dissipate in a shower of sparks.
“Evelyn, watch your left!” Lucien’s voice cut through the commotion.
I spun, narrowly avoiding a spectral blade aimed at my side. Without thinking, I swung my sword forward as I sliced the attacker in half and a jet of fire engulfed him.
“Oops, I think I might have ‘disabled’ this one permanently,” I said.
Above us, Rafe soared, his wings spread wide as he rained down bolts of celestial energy. The battlefield was a symphony of fire, fangs, and magic—beautiful in its controlled chaos.
As the last illusory opponent fell, we regrouped, panting, and with a look of excitement in our eyes.
Chad shifted back to his human form, his hair wild and a manic grin plastered on his face.
“That was awesome!” he exclaimed, high-fiving me. “Did you see how I took out that big guy? Wham! Right in the jugular!”
I laughed, feeling the residual energy of the battle thrumming through my body. “You were amazing, Chad. But we all need to remember to maim, not kill.”
Rafe landed gracefully beside us, folding his wings. “Good work, everyone. We need to refine our coordination. Evelyn, try to be more aware of your surroundings. Alister, Ryker, don’t get too far ahead of the group. And Chad…”
“Yeah?” Chad looked up, attentive.
“Try not to get too excited and run off on your own,” Rafe finished with a gentle smile.
“Okay, boss!”
Lucien stepped forward, throwing Chad his joggers, his brow furrowed. “We should also work on integrating my potions into our strategy. I have several concoctions that could work.”
I nodded, feeling a surge of determination. “Agreed. We need to use every advantage we have.”
The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur of training exercises and strategy discussions. By the time the sun began to set, painting the sky in brilliant hues of orange and pink, we were all exhausted but satisfied with our progress.
“I don’t know about you guys,” Chad said, stretching his arms above his head, “but I’m starving. Who’s up for a massive dinner?”
“I could eat,” I admitted, suddenly aware of the hollow feeling in my stomach.
Lucien nodded in agreement. “Using that much magic does tend to work up an appetite.”
“I’ll have the kitchen prepare something,” Alister said, already heading toward the mansion.
As we made our way back, I fell into step beside Rafe.
“Hey,” I said softly, “thanks for leading the training today. You’re a great teacher.”
Rafe smiled, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. “I’m glad I could help. And you’ve come so far in such a short time.”
“I couldn’t have done it without you,” I insisted. “Your experience and guidance are invaluable.”
I reached up and wrapped my arms around him for a hug.
After a moment, I released him and took a deep breath, feeling both drained and exhilarated.
Then, a surge of energy surrounded me, and before I could react, my body suddenly vanished.