Chapter 4
Four
VAUGHN
I light up my cigarette, leaning against the arched window in the Predators’ dorm. The dark stone walls are cold and unforgiving, merging seamlessly with the deep crimson velvet drapes. I know this spot by heart, right down to every thorny vine and protection rune etched into the stone.
“You’re not allowed to smoke here, Vaughn,” Savina calls out from behind me.
I exhale a thick cloud of smoke, savoring it before turning to face her. “Oh, come on, Sav. Can’t a guy indulge in a little guilty pleasure? Unless you have something else in mind…” I say, raising my eyebrows suggestively.
She stands with her arms crossed and her dark eyes, surrounded by pale skin and endless dark locks, stare at me unforgivingly. As the only woman currently in the Predators’ dorm, we seem to cross paths more often than I’d like—especially since she always catches me breaking the rules.
The high, vaulted ceilings tower above us, with crystal chandeliers casting shadows across her face. She fits perfectly within the common room’s decor, surrounded by dark wood antique furniture upholstered in blood-red fabric that mirrors the curtains.
“No. Not when it affects the common space we all share.” Savina rolls her eyes at me. “And I won’t even bother addressing your other suggestion. The balcony is one floor down. Use it, or the next time I see you smoking here, I’ll seal your mouth shut.” With that, she turns on her heel and heads upstairs to her quarters.
I let out a sigh and put out my cigarette.
“Well, well…” Simon grins as he steps into the common room, loosening his cloak. “Now that was an interesting interaction. Threats of bodily harm before the first day of the semester is even over? Impressive.”
“And it wasn’t the first time it’s happened today,” Kai chimes in from the shadows.
My brow furrows. When did he even get there?
“How long have you been lurking there, listening to my conversation, you creep?”
“Long enough,” Kai replies, emerging from the darkness and settling onto the velvet sofa across from me. He doesn’t even try to deny his spying, the asshole.
“Well, who else did you manage to piss off?” Simon prompts.
I shrug. “Didn’t catch her name, but she’s a first-year. She shouted at me in the middle of the hall and even tossed a book at me.”
Entertainment isn’t hard to come by, but it rarely holds my interest for long. The furious expression on her face, though? Now, that’s something I’d love to see again.
“Oh, wow…” Simon says, a smirk curling on his lips.
“I know. It was hilarious.” I glance at my cigarette with a sigh, itching to have it between my lips. But I know Savina doesn’t mess around; if she catches me again, she really will seal my mouth shut.
Simon’s grin widens. The bastard is clearly enjoying this. “I’m guessing you didn’t do anything to piss her off, right?”
I roll my eyes. “I may have bumped into her friend without apologizing. But it’s hardly a big deal—just my supposed,” I make air quotes, “bad manners.”
“You have to let me know which first-year it was. I want to send them a ‘thank you’ card,” Simon jokes with a snort.
Kai stays silent as usual. It’s impossible to tell what he’s thinking at any given moment. He could be planning a murder or deciding what to have for dinner tonight, and you’d never know which.
“You can’t miss her during your practices. She’s about yay high,” I gesture her approximate height on my chest with my hand, “and has dark hair with purple streaks. I’m not going to lie, she’s kind of cute. Especially when she’s mad.”
Simon’s grin disappears instantly as recognition spreads over his face. “You mean Lilith? Lilith Knight?”
“Knight? As in Theodore Knight? His daughter is here?” I cross my arms over my chest.
“Yeah, and she’s stronger and more advanced than her peers. Actually, I was considering giving her name to Headmistress Bennett as a potential Operation Nightfall candidate…”
“And the plot thickens…” Kai chimes in, amusement flickering in his eyes.
“That’s just great.” I sigh, dragging my hand down my face.
Operation Nightfall is a close-knit group—we have to be, since our lives depend on it. If she joins, I doubt I made a good impression during our little encounter today. But it would definitely be entertaining to see how she reacts to being forced to work with me…
“No,” Simon warns, jabbing a finger at me. “Whatever you’re thinking, don’t.”
“I’m not planning anything,” I reply, holding my hands up in mock surrender.
“I know that look, and I don’t want to see it. Leave her alone.”
A smirk creeps onto my lips. “What look?”
“The one you always have when you’re hatching a bad idea,” Kai explains, tilting his head to study me. He’d never admit it, but I know him well enough to see when he’s amused, and this new development is definitely entertaining him.
“I don’t have bad ideas,” I assert with confidence. “Only fun ones.”
The skeptical looks they exchange tell me they don’t agree.
“I promise, no one will be harmed in the making of this ‘fun idea,’” I add, trying to smooth things over.
“Sure, V. Keep telling yourself that,” Simon mutters.
What can I say? I thrive in the messiness of chaos. It’s comfortable, and I intend to make myself right at home in it.
Later that night, I join Simon for his night shift duty at the top of one of the academy’s towers. His task is to monitor the perimeter and ensure the wards are functioning properly.
From our vantage point on the parapet, we have a clear view of the dense forest behind the academy, which appears calm. But while Obsidian Academy looms like a fortress, reinforced by intricate spells and traps designed to deter any Rogues, no amount of magical barriers can replace the vigilant watch of our own. We’ve learned to stay alert, even on the “calmest” of nights.
With the Rogues increasingly viewing the academies as weak points, attacks have become more frequent, making our presence here all the more crucial.
Right now, though, my mind is elsewhere. I can’t shake thoughts of Lilith, the girl who tossed a book at me. It’s been a long time since anyone stood up to me like that, and I can’t deny it—I’m intrigued.
“You should invite me to join you during your next training session with the first-years,” I suggest to Simon, trying, and failing, to appear casual. Technically, I could join the training on my own, but it’s far more entertaining to involve Simon. “You could use an extra pair of hands.”
Simon knows me too well—I get bored easily, yet I’m also easily entertained. Lilith has certainly sparked my interest, and I find myself plotting my next move. A new challenge has presented itself, and I’m eager to play.
Simon pinches the bridge of his nose, a gesture that clearly indicates the tension I’ve caused. With a sigh, he turns to me. “Vaughn, don’t take this the wrong way, but you need to take a step back. We can’t afford to lose focus or waste time playing games. Things are tense, and you know it. So, try to stay focused. And for the love of the Balance, leave the poor girl alone.”
“I work best under pressure,” I argue. “And a little challenge never hurt anyone. It’s just a game of cat and mouse, after all.”
As we continue walking, Simon shakes his head. “Actually, if I recall correctly, it did hurt a few people. Remember that time you accidentally burned off a girl’s eyebrows? Then, two weeks later, she cursed you to laugh like a donkey? Or have you conveniently forgotten that?”
“Right…” I murmur, sheepishly recalling the incident. “What’s in the past is in the past. It’s the future that matters.” I slip my hands into my pockets, a playful grin creeping across my face. “So, what do you say?”
“My answer hasn’t changed. It’s still no.” There’s a slight edge of irritation in Simon’s voice. “I have a long night ahead of me. Go smoke, get some rest, or do anything but pester me about Lilith Knight.”
Easier said than done. That feisty little minx hooked me with one brief interaction. I’ve always had a weakness for fiery women, and the fury in her eyes really drew me in. If Simon won’t help me with this, then I’ll handle it myself.
“You got it,” I say, giving him a playful pat on the back. He pauses, eyeing me suspiciously. “I’ll head back to my room and get some sleep. Have a good night.”
Truthfully, I’m looking forward to it. My plan will be set in motion tomorrow morning, and there’s nothing like a good night’s rest before causing a little chaos.
Whether he believes me or not, he waves me off. “Goodnight, V. Try to make it back to your room without getting yelled at.”
I grin. “Can’t promise anything.”
I linger a moment longer, watching him walk away. Once he’s out of sight, I pull out my pack of cigarettes and slip one between my lips.
The night air is particularly chilly, and a thick fog blankets the ground. In the distance, I hear the familiar hoot of owls echoing through the darkness.
That’s good. It means that, despite its heaviness, it’s a peaceful night.
I slowly make my way back down the winding steps that lead up to the parapets, intending to follow through with my word and get some sleep… until I spot her. Lilith Knight. Walking down the hall leading to the Predators dorm.
Her black hair, streaked with purple, is still pulled into a high ponytail, and her fitted black outfit clings to her curves just right. She moves quietly like a mouse, trying to remain unseen. Little does she know, she’s already been spotted.
I stalk behind her like my wolf Shadow would. Given her last name, I expect her to be more aware of her surroundings, but I suppose I’m giving too much credit to a first-year student. There’s still a lot she has to learn.
As I inch closer, I position myself so near that I can practically smell her sweet scent—jasmine mixed with something else I can’t quite place. All I know is that it’s addictive, and I find myself wanting to lean in closer for more.
In a heartbeat, Lilith spins around, her magic materializing into a blade that burns against my skin as she presses it to my throat. I drop my cigarette to the ground, and a trickle of warmth rolls down my neck before she realizes it’s me.
I can’t help but smile at the surprise in her widened eyes.
“Why the hell are you following me?” she demands, her posture tense. The slight shift in her expression tells me she doesn’t view me as a threat, but she definitely doesn’t trust me. The blade at my neck is a clear reminder of that.
“What a neat little trick,” I remark. “Most first-year students can’t even localize their magic to their hands without passing out, let alone summon a blade like that.”
Her grip tightens slightly, but I can see the flicker of curiosity in her eyes. I can’t help but admire her confidence, even in this tense moment.
With her pressed against me, anchoring me in place, I take the opportunity to appreciate the beauty of her eyes up close. They’re striking—an unusual gray with hints of purple iridescence.
“I’m not most students,” she retorts, her stance unwavering. “I have a few tricks up my sleeve, and I won’t hesitate to use them on you. Do you even understand boundaries, or should I give you a briefing?”
“Ah, right. The daughter of Theodore Knight. He must have taught you quite a few tricks like this…” The man is somewhat of a legend among the Predators, but most details about him are shrouded in secrecy. That only makes this little hunt of mine more intriguing.
Lilith presses her lips into a thin line. “You looked into me? How creepy can you get? Just because I’m the first person to stand up to you? What do you want from me?” She shifts her weight slightly, whether out of frustration or surprise, but I catch the movement.
A sly smirk spreads across my face as I slide my knee between her thighs. Her blade dissolves into thin air as her focus falters, and I can feel the heat radiating from her body against mine. Her breasts brush against my chest with each inhale.
“You still have a lot to learn, sweetheart,” I tease, savoring the thrill of our closeness. “As I mentioned before, pulling a stunt like this on the wrong person could have serious consequences for you.”
Even though her power and skills are impressive, it’s clear she still lacks key elements that will ultimately determine whether she becomes a formidable Predator or easy Prey. One of those crucial elements is the ability to maintain focus.
Yet, even with me clearly holding the upper hand, she remains stubborn— a trait I find annoyingly attractive. She presses against my chest and states coolly, “Listen, I don’t want you anywhere near me.”
I suppress a smile at her defiance; it only makes me want to provoke her further. But for now, there’s a more pressing matter to address. “Why were you wandering around alone at this hour?”
“I wasn’t aware we had a curfew,” she retorts, her tone sharp.
I hold back a smirk and lean in closer, whispering against her ear, “We don’t. But most students tend to stay in their rooms at night… unless they’re seeking… company.”
A shiver runs through her, as if my warm breath has sparked a stray current of electricity against her skin. Despite her attempts to resist, she shifts slightly, pressing her body against my knee as if trying to chase away the involuntary reaction to my touch.
“But not you.”
“Not me,” I confirm, looking her up and down slowly and deliberately. “And apparently not you either.”
Finally, she wriggles out of my grasp and I let her put some space between us.
“Care to explain why you were following me?” she asks.
“No.” I stoop down to retrieve the cigarette I dropped; while my morals may be questionable, littering isn’t one of them. “I was simply minding my own business when I happened to find you wandering around. So tell me, what exactly were you looking for? Maybe I can help.”
Lilith scoffs at my offer. “You? I highly doubt it. The most assistance I could get from you is for you to stay as far away from me as possible. That would please me greatly. So if you really want to do me a favor...” Her eyes lock onto mine, a challenge in her gaze.
I tilt my head, scrutinizing her every movement and expression. While Simon may have a reputation for reading people, I’ve picked up a thing or two about provoking reactions. Everyone has their tells, and my new toy reveals hers through a subtle shift in her weight and the stubborn tilt of her chin. She hides her secrets behind a fa?ade of bravado.
There’s something she’s not telling me.
“I might consider doing you a favor,” I finally say, playing along with her little game. “But only if you tell me what you’re really doing wandering around the Predators’ dorms at this hour.”
She hesitates for a moment but quickly regains her composure. “Nothing. I was simply taking a walk to clear my head. I didn’t realize that was against the rules.”
It’s not—at least, not usually. But something in my gut tells me she’s not being entirely truthful. Those gray eyes staring back at me hold a tantalizing mystery just waiting to be unraveled.
“Very well, then. A late-night stroll, nothing more.” I pause, locking eyes with her in a silent battle of wills before I continue, “I hope you won’t mind if I join you.”
Her gaze sharpens at my suggestion, and her slender frame tenses, poised like a snake ready to strike. She’s already showing Predator-like tendencies. I send up a silent prayer to whatever gods there may be that the Balance puts her with us.
“Actually,” she replies curtly, “I’d prefer it if you didn’t.”
As expected.
“Oh, but I insist,” I counter, matching her tone. I step around her and continue down the corridor. “After all, we wouldn’t want you getting lost in the dark, would we?”
She doesn’t respond right away; instead, she sighs in exasperation. When she finally speaks, there’s an edge to her voice that wasn’t there before.
“Funny,” she snorts, her footsteps echoing mine as she matches my pace. “I was doing just fine before you showed up.”
“Really?” I raise an eyebrow, keeping my tone casual. “It seems you got yourself into quite the predicament back there.”
She scoffs, rolling those magnificent eyes of hers. “That was different.”
“Oh? How so?”
“You caught me by surprise. I won’t let that happen again.”
“So defiant.” I chuckle low in my throat at her assertion. “I admire your spirit, Miss Knight.”
She gives me a disapproving glare but doesn’t say anything else. We continue walking in silence, the sound of our shoes against the cold stone echoing through the dimly lit corridor. I take the opportunity to study her fully, not even being discreet about it. She walks like a Predator does, all lethal grace and coiled power, but you can tell she’s ready to strike at any moment. I should have noticed before she pulled a blade on me, but I had assumed she would have been like any other first-year, weak and clueless.
Definitely not the case with this little spitfire. It’s going to make teasing her way more fun. Finally a worthy adversary.
A few moments pass in silence before I ask, “So, where exactly are we headed? You seemed to have a clear destination in mind before our… encounter.”
Her gaze flicks to mine. “Why do you want to know so badly?”
“I’m merely curious,” I reply, a faint smile betraying my amusement.
“Curiosity is a dangerous thing,” she shoots back, her eyes darting away and returning to the path ahead. “It has a way of getting people into trouble.”
“I suppose that’s something else we have in common.”
“I don’t owe you an explanation.”
“And yet, I still find myself wanting one,” I say, maintaining my stride.
Her gaze snaps back to me. “Why?”
I shrug nonchalantly. “Why not?”
She grunts dismissively at my answer but doesn’t argue further. Instead, she quickens her pace. I’m so absorbed in watching her that I don’t realize where we are until we turn the corner and find ourselves in the corridor leading to the first-years’ dorm.
My mouth drops open in surprise. Maybe she wasn’t as lost as I thought if she knew there was an alternate route to their dorm…
“For the record,” she says, a mischievous grin spreading across her face, “I really was only taking a stroll, but seeing you so intrigued made me want to mess with you.” With that, she salutes me and dashes through the door.
Consider this game on, sweetheart.