Chapter 3
Three
LILITH
“Holy shit.”
Tony’s words pretty much sum up the whirlwind still going on in my head. Adrenaline is pumping through my veins, leaving every part of my body buzzing with energy.
I’m still a bit shaky from our first self-defense class as I make my way down the hallway to the next. I notice a few curious glances in my direction, but I do my best to ignore them.
My first class went… well? At least, I think it did. Does tackling the ridiculously hot instructor count as “going well”? I have no idea. I wish I could text Natalie for her take—she’d definitely have some thoughts. Especially if she knew how insanely attractive he is.
“I know, right?” I mutter as Tony and I walk down the hall overlooking the academy’s garden. The plants look like they’ve been slowly withering away, but there’s still a haunting kind of beauty to the place. Morbid, but beautiful.
“I’ve never seen anything like that,” Tony says, still beaming. “Where did you learn to move like that? That wasn’t in any of our basic practitioner training…”
I raise an eyebrow at him, clutching my book a little tighter. Not everyone has a dad who spent half their life making sure they were prepared for moments like this it seems. Now I’m silently grateful for all those years of relentless training.
From the day I was born, my dad believed I was destined for something bigger—and he was determined to prepare me for it. But after that sparring session, it’s clear I still have a lot to learn.
“He went easy on me,” I say, downplaying it. “It was probably beginner’s luck, anyway. You did great too, though.”
Tony sighs, shaking his head. “I had an asthma attack in the middle of practice, Lilith.” His voice is full of exasperation, and rightfully so—it was a bad one. He could barely breathe, and Simon had to call in the academy’s healer to ease his symptoms.
I try to lighten the mood. “It wasn’t that bad,” I say, though my tone lacks confidence.
Tony gives me a look, the kind that says, Please, stop lying. “They had to carry me out of there.”
“Okay, so it was bad,” I admit, chuckling. “But it could’ve happened to any of us—anyone with asthma, I mean. Besides, you looked kinda cute while they carried you away.”
Tony manages a smile at my attempt to cheer him up. “You know, my whole family is made up of Predators. Even my mom. Predators do a lot of running, though… I’m not sure how that’s going to work for me.” His voice trails off, clearly worried.
Tony has that gentle, nurturing energy Preys are known for, and even though everyone secretly wants to be a Predator, there’s nothing wrong with being a Prey. They play a crucial role in maintaining the Balance, especially during times of war.
“My dad’s side of the family has always been Predators too,” I confess. “And while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with being a Prey… I kind of hope I get to carry on the family legacy—”
Before I can finish my sentence, one of the older students barges past us, deliberately bumping into Tony’s shoulder. He stumbles back from the impact. The guy has at least six inches on both of us—he has to be about 6’5”, all arrogance and attitude.
“What the hell is your problem?” I call out, my voice sharp with irritation.
He doesn’t even bother to apologize. In fact, he doesn’t even turn around, as if my words don’t exist.
“Hello? I’m talking to you!”
Still no response. He keeps walking like we’re invisible.
Oh, hell no. I’m not in the mood for entitled assholes today. Without even thinking it through, I hurl my book at him. It flies with surprising precision and smacks him right on the back of the head before landing with a heavy thud on the stone floor.
He stops. Turns around slowly—very slowly.
And now I’m staring into icy blue eyes that could freeze me on the spot if I wasn’t already so fired up. A crimson pin on his chest marks him as a Predator—because of course, he is. He looks older, with a sharp jawline dusted with stubble. There’s a brief pause before he bends down, picks up my book, and stalks back over to me in a few short strides
He shoves the book into my hands, eyes hard. “The fuck is your problem?” he snaps.
I step in front of Tony, who’s wide-eyed and glancing nervously down the corridor like he’s ready to bolt.
“Can you not hear? I asked what the hell your problem was.” My voice comes out louder than I intended, but I’m too pissed to care. I gesture around the hall, and a few passing students glance over. “You can’t just bump into people and not apologize. It’s called basic manners.”
“Manners?” he scoffs. “You’re the one who threw a book at me.”
“An eye for an eye,” I say with a shrug. “If I thought I could’ve caught up with your gargantuan ass and shoulder checked you with the same force you hit my friend here with, I would’ve. You’ve been rude and impolite twice that I know of, and I’ve only been here for a day, meaning this definitely isn’t the first time you’ve pulled this on someone. So, yeah, all signs point to bad manners.”
He arches an eyebrow. “Mm. And what if I do have bad manners?”
“Then I’d say your parents should’ve done a better job raising you.” The words slip out before I can stop them. For a second, I regret it, but it’s already too late—so I stand my ground.
I can’t stand bullies, and this guy? He’s the walking definition of one.
“You’ve got a sharp tongue for someone who just arrived at the academy,” he says, crossing his arms over his chest. I definitely don’t notice how broad and muscular he is… nope, not at all.
“Well, would you look at that? Some of us have sharp tongues, and some of us have bad manners. Guess we all have our flaws.”
His irritation melts into amusement, which only makes me hate him more. Nothing about this situation is funny.
“Seriously, Lilith, it’s fine,” Tony mutters behind me, tugging lightly on my sleeve. But I’m already too deep into this to back down now.
“You should listen to your little friend,” the guy—whose name I still don’t know—says with a casual shrug. It only makes me want to punch him right in his smug, annoyingly attractive face.
“My Gods, you’re insufferable. Clearly, no one taught you how to act in public. I can’t imagine anyone willingly spending time with you.”
His lips twitch, like he’s holding back a grin. “Yet, here you are... in my presence.” He steps closer, towering over me. My breath hitches, but I try not to let it show. Judging by the way his eyes drop to my lips, I’m not doing a great job.
“Against my will,” I retort, though his gaze is still fixed on my mouth. “And let me be clear—you’re an ass.”
There’s a glint of amusement in his eyes. “You’re lucky, you know. Say things like this to the wrong person, and you might not get away with it.”
My tongue darts out to wet my suddenly dry lips, and I notice his gaze track the movement with a predatory gleam. “There’s a simple fix for all this,” I say coolly. “Apologize to my friend, turn around, leave, and never think of me again.”
A part of me can’t believe his audacity, but the rest of me is not surprised at all. Obsidian Academy is one of the most prestigious schools in the realm, so I expected to encounter students who think they’re better than everyone else.
“Vaughn!” a voice calls from the end of the hall, breaking our staring contest. It sounds vaguely familiar, and his attention snaps away from me. So that’s his name—Vaughn.
He shifts just enough for me to catch a glimpse of who’s calling him—my hot training instructor from earlier. Vaughn gives Simon a subtle nod, signaling that he’s coming, before turning back to me.
Before I can even process what’s happening, his thumb darts out and pulls my bottom lip from between my teeth. His hand drops as quickly as it moved, leaving me momentarily stunned. I didn’t even realize I’d been biting my lip.
“As much as I’ve enjoyed this little encounter,” he says, his voice low and smug, “we’ll have to continue it another time, sweetheart.” Then he turns and strides down the hall. A few steps away, he spins on his heel, winking at me with a smirk that would melt the panties off a weaker girl. Not me though—definitely not. “I’ll see you around.”
My frustration rises with every step he takes, but I swallow it down. I bet the asshole’s Shadow is something annoying and yappy, like a coyote or a hyena.
As I start walking again, Tony falls into step beside me. I can’t afford to be late for class, and right now, that’s looking like a real possibility.
“You didn’t have to do that. I—”
“No, I did,” I interrupt. “I’ve heard there were snobs here, but I didn’t expect to meet one on my first full day. If we don’t push back, they’ll walk all over us. Literally and figuratively. I did what needed to be done.”
“I don’t want us to make enemies—”
I stop and turn to face him. “Us? You didn’t do anything. This was all me.” I hook my thumb toward myself. “You’ve got nothing to worry about.”
Tony adjusts his glasses, his face earnest. “But we’re friends. Back there, you made my problem your problem. That works both ways. We stick together.”
My expression softens. I didn’t expect to find a friend so soon, but I’m grateful I did. If only Nat could see me now—she’d love Tony.
“Since we’re friends now, let me share something my dad always told me. Obsidian Academy is highly competitive—both with other academies and within itself. People will do anything to secure a spot with the Keepers, even resorting to sabotage. So, it’s important not to show any fear in situations like this; otherwise, you’ll put a target on your back.” That’s how my dad made it as far as he did, finally retiring this year after serving the Keepers for thirty years. “And I’d much rather stick with my friends.”
Tony nudges me with a smile. “Spoken like a true Predator.”
I guess he has a point. Traits associated with your future section often emerge early on. Predators, for instance, tend to have a somewhat aggressive nature, but that doesn’t guarantee you’ll become one. I can only hope the Balance agrees with Tony.
“All right, come on, troublemaker—we’re going to be late,” I murmur, quickening my pace toward our Elements of the Balance class. I’m eager to leave whatever the hell that was behind and dive into the secrets hidden from the general public.
We all know the Balance is crucial for maintaining stability in our realm as it’s where our magic comes from, but that’s about as far as the general knowledge goes. Attending specialized academies like Obsidian is essential for gaining a deeper understanding of what goes into preserving the Balance.
I’m focused on navigating the busy hallways to class when a shadow creeps into my peripheral vision, its eerie presence impossible to ignore.
Time seems to slow as a cold sensation swirls around me, sending a shiver down my spine. Tony’s voice fades into the background, his words becoming distant and indistinct. I want to speak, but nothing comes out. It feels like my mind has detached from my body. I’m frozen.
I can’t—
“Lilith!” Tony calls out, snapping his fingers right in front of my face.
Suddenly, I’m jolted back to the present. I blink, gathering my composure, and flex my hands to ensure I’ve regained control over my body.
“Hey, are you okay? What just happened?”
“Sorry, I…” I trail off, unsure how to explain. “I think I disassociated for a moment, but I’m fine now.” I shake off the lingering chill and gesture forward, reminding him we still have a class to get to. He gives me a once-over, and I offer what I hope is a reassuring smile, even though I’m not entirely sure I feel that way.
“Most of you will help the Keepers protect the Balance someday,” Professor Ashwood tells us once we settle into the lecture room.
She is possibly the tallest woman I’ve ever seen, with mahogany skin and striking light blue eyes that create a captivating contrast. Her long hair is neatly braided, trailing along the floor as she paces back and forth. “So, it’s only fair that you learn about the Balance right at the beginning of your time here at the academy.”
I expect her to elaborate, but she lets the room fall silent instead. I notice several students shifting in their seats, uncomfortable with the stillness. We’re all seated at dark, polished wooden tables, and as my gaze wanders around the room, I spot various runes embedded in the walls. A protection spell, perhaps?
They glow softly with a faint purple light, radiating an indescribable energy that seems to awaken every cell in my body, vibrating at a different frequency entirely.
“Surely, you’ve heard theories about the Balance,” she finally continues, pulling my attention back from the shimmering runes. There’s an excited glint in her eyes. “I’d love to hear them. It’s my favorite time of the year.”
Behind me, one of the students quickly raises her hand.
“Yes, Miss Jackson?”
“I’ve heard that the Balance isn’t energy like everyone assumes. Some say it’s actually a person—a closely guarded secret,” she replies, leaning back against her wooden chair.
Professor Ashwood raises an eyebrow, her expression neutral, revealing nothing about the validity of the claim. “That seems like a lot of trouble for just one person, doesn’t it?” she muses. “Anyone else?”
“My grandfather believes the Balance doesn’t exist at all,” a tall blonde guy behind me shrugs. “He thinks it’s a hoax to protect the Keepers. I mean… fair enough, but it would be nice to know the truth.”
A smile curves Professor Ashwood's lips, clearly entertained. “Well, that would be unfortunate for me, considering my class is called Elements of the Balance.”
The runes around her shimmer more intensely, their glow pulsating with energy.
Deep down, I can’t shake the feeling that the truth is more complex than any of these theories. The humming sensation coursing through me can’t possibly stem from nothingness; it wouldn’t make sense.
“I’m guessing we won’t find out during our first class, will we?” I ask.
“Of course not,” Professor Ashwood replies, her gaze locking onto mine. “Where’s the fun in that? You won’t discover what—or who —the Balance is until the very last class of the semester. And when you finally do find out, you’ll swear an oath never to reveal what you learn here. All the knowledge you gain at the academy will eventually die with you.”
I swallow hard. My father took his oath seriously, so I know she means every word. When I received my acceptance letter from the academy, it was clear—I was signing my life away.
There’s no turning back now, no space for second thoughts or doubts. This is my life now.