Chapter 1
One
LILITH
“My Gods, how the time flies. My little girl is growing up,” Natalie exclaims with a wistful sigh, pretending to wipe a tear from her eye. She props her foot on the chair beside me and begins painting her toenails a rich, vibrant shade of red. “I’ll be an empty nester soon.”
Suppressing an eye roll at her theatrics, I can’t help but smile at my best friend. But beneath that smile, a twinge of sadness lingers.
Despite her constant jokes about our age difference, Natalie is only three months older than me. Not that you’d know it with the way she acts. She’s always been a bit of a mother hen, seeming much older and wiser than twenty.
“Yeah, yeah. You know it’s still a whole week away,” I reply, lounging on my bed beside her.
Her nose scrunches in concentration, and thick, brown curls frame her face in perfect ringlets, a striking contrast to her dark skin. Her focus stays on her feet as she carefully finishes each nail one by one.
I watch, wanting to absorb every second left before my life changes completely. This is one of the last times we’ll get to hang out together before I leave for Obsidian Academy. After I arrive, my visitations for the next four years will be very limited.
My heart clenches at the thought of leaving Nat behind. She’s always been my rock, sticking by my side no matter what. The true definition of besties through thick and thin.
Moments like these—relaxing in my room, basking in each other’s company, doing things like painting our nails or studying for exams—are the ones I know I’ll miss the most.
“Done!” Natalie finally declares, holding her foot up for inspection, her toenails glinting like little rubies in the soft light of my bedroom.
I give her a thumbs up followed by a goofy grin, which makes her giggle. We’ve always had an easy language between us, unspoken yet understood. We fall back into a comfortable silence as Natalie moves on to her other foot.
It all still feels surreal to me; despite knowing that attending Obsidian Academy is a great honor and privilege, it also comes with immense pressure.
Especially for the daughter of Theodore Knight, a name synonymous with exceptional service to the Balance. The weight of that legacy presses down on me. I wonder if I can live up to it—or if the pressure will crush me instead.
“Why do the times have to change?” I murmur more to myself than anyone else but Natalie hears me.
She pauses, the nail polish brush hovering above her toenail. I can see the gears turning in her head as she contemplates my question.
It takes a while before she responds. “Change,” she starts, dropping her foot and turning to face me fully. Her eyes are serious, lacking their usual spark of mischief. “Is inevitable. It’s part of growing up, part of life.”
I watch as she takes a deep breath and readjusts herself. I don’t respond, simply absorbing her words. She’s right, of course, but yet…
“Babe, you need to stop stressing.” She leans closer, her expression softening, as if trying to read my thoughts. “You know your dad is already immensely proud of you, and will be, whether you’re a Predator or a Prey.”
A heavy sigh escapes me as I roll onto my back, my gaze drifting to stare at the ceiling spelled with twinkling magic to mimic a starry night sky. My dad set it up when I was three and I always thought it was the coolest thing ever.
Some would say my parents have spoiled me, but the truth is, I’ve been lucky to have such loving parents who have always encouraged and supported my choices.
“Yeah, that’s what he’s been telling me too.”
When my acceptance letter arrived, my father was ecstatic. And even though he says he’ll be happy regardless, I know there’s still a part of him that really hopes I’ll be a Predator like him.
Unfortunately for both of us, the odds are against me, since that’s usually a position reserved for male Protectors. Female Predators are very rare.
“Then what are you worried about?” Nat returns her attention to her feet. “Aside from packing all your things, of course. Now that is going to be a massive task. But don’t worry, you’ve got me.”
My gaze sweeps over my bedroom, taking in the deep blue walls covered in paintings and decorations that I’ve collected over the years. Given the size of the small duffle bag and backpack I’m allotted to bring, taking any of them with me won’t be an option. I need to reserve the space for important items like clothes and toiletries. Maybe even a few books…
Ugh. How will I ever be able to choose what comes with me and what doesn’t?
I rub at my chest, ignoring the heaviness that settles there each time I think about leaving.
So many of the memories I share with Nat were created in this very room. We used to get ready in front of the massive, silver mirror across from my bed before sneaking out in the dead of night. Endless hours spent studying for our primary education. And I don’t even know how many times we cried over boys in each other’s arms.
Now, it all feels like it’s coming to an end.
“I don’t want to be a Prey,” I finally admit out loud.
The thought of being a Prey fills me with dread. In our world, Preys are seen as vulnerable healers who depend on Predators for protection. I can’t shake the sense that I could easily become a target.
In Keepers’ residences and law enforcement facilities, an in-house Prey is usually present. During raids, they’re the first to be targeted, their healing magic making them prime targets. Losing a Prey weakens the Predators’ ability to heal, and that makes my anxiety worse.
Predators, though, serve as the protectors of the Keepers—who maintain the Balance—and enforcers of the law. They’re skilled in powerful protection spells and known for their physical strength. But they still rely on Preys, their healing abilities essential.
Nat’s gaze is sympathetic as she stares at me. She’s a non-practitioner, meaning magic skipped her generation, but she’s not bothered by her lack of magical ability. If anything, I think it’s made her stronger—shaped who she is. Even though they’re often looked down upon, the life of a non-practitioner seems much simpler now.
A part of me selfishly wishes we could continue our lives together without being forced to go our separate ways. But non-practitioners aren’t allowed at Obsidian Academy.
“Lilith, it doesn’t matter where you’re sorted; you’ll never be weak or powerless. You could have the cutest little bunny form ever, but I know you. You’ll never fully depend on someone else to keep you safe. Remember when that boy took a swing at you during our first year of Basic Practice? You fought right back. He didn’t even know what hit him.” We both chuckle at the memory. “My Lilith doesn’t depend on anyone. That won’t change simply because you’re leaving for some fancy pants academy, okay?”
My chest tightens at her words, but I nod regardless. The sheer conviction that lingers in every word she says only adds to the pressure I already feel because I know she means it.
But she’s right. If anyone can find a way around any obstacle, it’s Nat. She’s never let her lack of magical abilities hold her back from living life to the fullest and always maintains that power comes in many different forms.
And I, for once, find myself desperately clinging to that idea alongside her.
“You better not forget me,” she playfully chides, wagging a finger at me. Her big round eyes are brimming with mock severity but I can see a hint of real fear lurking behind them. The same fear that I’ve been nursing in the pit of my stomach since my acceptance letter into the academy arrived.
My smile falters as I see that fear and I reach out to grip her hand. Her skin is warm, familiar. “Never in a million years, Nat,” I assure her fervently. “You couldn’t get rid of me even if you tried.”
That seems to soothe her somewhat. Seems we’re both scared of what’s to come, of the inevitable change that’s looming over us like a dark cloud.
“You know, why don’t I help you pick what clothes you’re going to bring with you?” Nat grins wide at me, wiggling her eyebrows. “I mean, you’re going to want to look cute around all those college boys, yeah?” She stands, putting an arm over her forehead and swaying. “Ugh, I can picture it now. All the sweat and muscles and…”
I roll my eyes and I stand to follow her to my closet, tuning out her gushing. Right now, men are the last thing on my mind.
A week slips by in a blur, each day merging into the next as I mentally prepare for my departure to Obsidian Academy. When the day finally arrives, I find myself standing at the dock, my heart pounding with a mix of excitement and dread.
My parents envelop me in tight hugs, their arms warm and familiar. Tears glisten in their eyes as they tell me how proud they are of me, their voices thick with emotion. Their unwavering belief in my abilities ignites a fire within me, fueling my determination to be the best student.
As I step back, I glance at their faces one last time, memorizing the way their smiles clash with the tears.
Before I know it, I’m standing at the edge of the dock as I prepare to board the rickety boat alongside a group of chattering students. I can’t shake the feeling that this is all surreal, like a dream I might wake from at any moment.
The boat drifts away from the shore slowly, around a bend, and there it is—my first glimpse of Obsidian Academy. Emerging through the thick, swirling fog that clings to Black Lake, the academy appears like a specter, isolated on its own remote island, separate from the rest of the realm.
The dark waters of the lake, even in the fading light of evening, live up to their name as they spread a sense of unease to all who dare to sail across their depths. Even the waters ripple silently as if hiding secrets beneath their surface.
The imposing walls of the academy loom high into the sky, their dark stone seeming almost alive as it shifts in the mist. What truly captures my attention, however, are the intricate stained glass designs that adorn the windows—beautiful, but haunting.
Taking a deep breath, I take in the rest of what I can see of the grounds. Behind the academy lies nothing but a dense, shadowy forest, shrouded in darkness.
Wow. This is it—the place I’ll call my home for the next four years.
Suddenly, a chill sweeps across the lake and ruffles my hair. Shivering, I pull my cloak tighter around me. It’s clear that this place was not meant for the faint of heart as the wind begins to howl and the waves rock the boat.
The silence is shattered by a loud dry heave from the guy next to me. I turn away from the scenery in time to see him double over and vomit, breaking the stillness that has settled over the twenty-five of us on our journey across Black Lake. In an instant, hungry piranhas swarm to the surface, mistaking his half-digested lunch for an easy meal.
“Sorry,” he manages to say between gasps, wiping his mouth with a shaky hand. His tousled brown hair falls messily around his face, matching his dazed eyes behind thick, round glasses. His complexion is almost gray, save for a slight flush in his cheeks from embarrassment. “I haven’t been feeling well since we left the dock. Of course I’d be the one to get seasick…” he mutters the last part under his breath, as if it was only meant for him.
“I’m sure we’re all feeling a little nervous today, so don’t even worry about it,” I reassure him with a sympathetic smile, then I lean in conspiratorially. “Honestly, I feel like throwing up too, but somehow I’m managing to hold it together.”
Relief floods his face. “Holy hell, thank goodness. I thought I was the only one nervous about today.”
His hand flies in my direction, ready for a handshake, but I hesitate since it’s the hand he used to wipe his mouth. The realization hits him half a second later, and he quickly extends his other hand, smiling sheepishly at me. “Sorry. Again. I’m Tony. Tony Ross.”
I throw him a small smile. Our handshake is slightly awkward as we both use our non-dominant hands, but the gesture is appreciated. “Lilith. Lilith Knight.”
With our introduction complete, Tony and I gradually fall into an easy conversation. We chat about where we’re from, our families, what our goals and dreams are, and of course, our mutual fear of the unknown that lies ahead. I find out his family is similar to mine, with loving and supportive parents and that he has a best friend he’s leaving behind too. I decide right there and then that I like him. And I really could use a friend to face whatever is coming.
His nervousness starts to fade, and his naturally warm personality begins to shine through.
I find comfort in his words; they echo the same feelings I have. It’s reassuring to know that I’m not the only one who feels like a fish out of water.
“Please don’t judge me based on our first meeting. I’d love to have a friend before entering the academy—if you’re okay with hanging around the guy who just puked.”
“Don’t worry, Tony. No one has to know.” I make a gesture like I’m sealing my lips and tossing the key into Black Lake. “Your secret is safe with me.”
“I appreciate that. That’s probably the most embarrassing—and the grossest—way to meet someone. I wouldn’t want people to think I make a habit out of it.”
Two of the girls in front of us turn toward us and, not so discreetly, shoot a judgmental glare in his direction. I stare right back at them until they slowly turn back around. Now that I found a friend, no one is going to mess with him.
“Look at the bright side; it’ll make a great story in twenty years when you’re married and telling your kids about how you met your bestie at the academy,” I say, trying to distract myself from the overwhelming sense of foreboding, but chills run down my spine regardless.
Our boat continues to carve its way through the ominous waters of Black Lake as the academy grows larger with each passing second. By now, the chatter among our fellow students has completely died down, leaving only an intense silence that mirrors our shared apprehension.
We’re here. This is it.
When we reach the dock of the academy, the tall man at the front of our boat stands with the grace of a cat, somehow managing not to rock the boat in the slightest. He’s wearing a long flowing cloak that matches the black stone walls behind him. His blond hair is slicked back, and his brown eyes observe each of us intently, like he’s already assessing us.
“Welcome to Obsidian Academy,” he greets, not necessarily coldly, but not warmly either.
Our gazes meet for a split second that seems to stretch on for a lifetime before his eyes drift to the next person.
A black shirt clings to his muscular build and broad shoulders, and he’s wearing a leather harness with a dagger strapped on either side. His cloak seems to dance with the wind behind him as if it, too, is welcoming our arrival.
The small crimson pin on the right side of his chest shows that he’s already a resident here, and a Predator, even if he doesn’t introduce himself. At all. He doesn’t seem that much older than us. A few years, maybe.
His expression remains closed off as he begins, “For the first month of your stay here, until you’re declared a Predator or Prey, your communication with the outside world will be entirely cut off. The only exception is in the case of an extreme emergency, and even then, it’s at the sole discretion of the headmistress.”
A girl at the front lets out a giggle, twirling a piece of her hair as she says something too low for me to hear. She reaches a hand toward him and he takes a step back.
His chest rises with a deep breath before he continues, “Do not touch me. And do not expect any special treatment.” His gaze cuts lasers into the girl, who glances away, cheeks pink. “You will be sleeping in shared dorms until you are assigned a room of your own after the selection.” He pauses, letting the weight of his words sink in. “Only the strongest will remain. May the Balance show you the way.”