Chapter 11
Eleven
KAI
When fate weaves its threads to create mates, the bond they form overcomes anything else. It’s an all-consuming devotion, a filthy obsession, a twisted fixation—every emotion heightening to its peak, integrating into your very essence as much as your own magic. It devours every cell of your being to the point you can barely function.
I used to think people exaggerated when they spoke of their fated mates. How could someone blend with you so seamlessly that you feel incomplete without their presence?
But then I met Lilith Knight.
One look at her is all it took for me to know.
It’s as if the stars aligned for us to cross paths. Or, rather, simply pass by one another. She hasn’t noticed me yet, not fully. Not while I linger in the shadows, watching her from afar. I hate how much power she holds over me already, even though she remains blissfully unaware of our connection.
“I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?” she says to the Prey guy who has practically been her shadow for the past month. They’ve been spending more and more time together, but she doesn’t seem to notice the way he stares at her.
“Maybe before class? We could meet at the library,” he suggests, his eyes fixed on her face.
“That sounds great,” she replies, and they finally part ways.
As he heads down to the floor below, where the Preys’ dorms are located, she makes her way upstairs to her room. I follow closely behind like a shadow, silently ascending the winding staircase that curves through the stone walls.
Mastering my own darkness was an immense challenge, but it now offers endless possibilities. I can follow her, watch her every move, and even reach out to her without her ever knowing at all.
As she softly hums to herself, her heartbeat resonates with mine. A part of me wishes she could feel this torturous bond, while another part is content to remain hidden in the shadows. What would I even say? And what would she see when she finally notices me?
Lilith reaches for the door and slips into the dorms. I pause for a moment before following her down the familiar hallway, lined with crimson banners. At Obsidian Academy, every student is assigned their own room after being sorted into a Predator or a Prey, which is convenient for me. It allows me to keep a close watch on Lilith without drawing attention to myself.
Technically, I’m doing Simon a favor. He requested that I monitor her after their one-on-one training session that ended with a close encounter with a Rogue. He wants her under constant surveillance in case anything happens. He won’t say exactly why though, other than she is powerful and that the headmistress wants to know, which is interesting.
So we take shifts, and honestly, I don’t mind it. Neither of us wants to rely on Vaughn for this—he excels at many things, but discretion isn’t one of them. This is just a precaution on Simon’s part. Given the power she’s shown, he wants to be certain there’s something worth reporting to Headmistress Bennett. In my opinion, she simply has a lot of power, and it’s intriguing. It makes me want to have a taste of it. At least that was the reason why I started following her.
In reality, I follow her because I’m drawn to her. I want to understand what drives her, what pushes her to her limits, and what truly unravels her. I want to know everything about her.
When I reach the second floor of the Predators’ dorms, I carefully push open the massive arched window and step out onto the stone fa?ade that crowns the academy. Rain pours down, accompanied by distant rumbles of thunder, but I press on undeterred.
The shadows envelop me as I navigate the narrow stone path, moving slowly to avoid any missteps that could send me tumbling to my death. Each cautious step feels like an eternity, especially with the slick stone beneath my shoes. Thankfully, Lilith’s window isn’t too far off.
I linger near her window, leaning in just enough to catch a glimpse inside. Lilith collapses onto her bed, dragging her hands down her face. The strain of hours spent training with Simon is clearly taking its toll on her.
For a few moments, she lies there, staring blankly at the ceiling, her hair splayed messily around her head as she kicks off her shoes.
A sudden rumble of thunder shakes the sky, drawing her gaze toward the window. A flash of lightning illuminates the stormy night, casting eerie shadows across her room. As she stands to approach the thick glass, I hold my breath, testing my ability to blend into the shadows. Will she notice me? Will she sense the presence of her fated mate?
Her face scrunches in concentration, mere inches from my hiding spot. She remains focused on the storm outside, blissfully unaware of my presence.
And yet, we’re so close to each other that I can make out every freckle on her skin, every speck of purple in her gray eyes—eyes that hold secrets she’s not yet ready to share with anyone. I’m sure of it.
As she places her hand on the window, captivated by the storm outside, I carefully maintain my balance on the narrow stone ledge. Slowly, I raise my own hand and press it against the cool glass, yearning for even the slightest connection with her. For now, this is as close as I can get.
The next morning, the rising sun feels blinding after a restless night spent moving through shadows. Simon approaches me in the hall, his expression tight, hands resting on his hips. It’s obvious he’s bracing for bad news—he always expects the worst, even when it doesn’t come to pass.
I tend to judge people based on what I observe, and from what I’ve seen, there’s no reason to suspect Lilith of being involved with the Rogues—especially not them. My fated mate could never be tangled up with that kind of scum. The Balance wouldn’t do that to me, would it?
I’d sense it through our bond if it were true. For now, I’ve kept that bond a secret. I don’t want Simon to question my integrity or doubt my capability over something he might think clouds my judgment—especially something like this.
“You can relax,” I say, trying to ease his worry. “Nothing suspicious happened, and Lilith is safe. I made sure of that.”
Simon lifts a skeptical eyebrow. “And you watched her the whole night?”
I shake my head. “No, that would’ve been inappropriate. But yeah, I kept an eye on her for a while, just to be safe.” I pause, remembering how I had to pull away when she started undressing to wash off the training grime. No matter how much I crave her, that’s a boundary I won’t cross until she lets me. “When I left, my Shadow stayed behind to watch. No unusual activity.”
He sighs, rubbing his temples. “Still blows my mind how you trained your Shadow to be your personal stalker, but I guess it’s useful now.”
“Let me guess—you spent the night combing through the forest?” I ask, shifting the conversation.
Simon nods. “Yeah, I wanted to sweep the area for more Rogues. Something was off about this one. He kept repeating, ‘he’s here.’ I’ve already talked to Bennett. It’s not much to go on, but at least we know the target’s gender. We can use that to keep a closer eye on the male students.”
His words stir a memory from about a month ago—an encounter with a Rogue I killed. That one had chanted something similar, signaling someone’s deadly presence. I had dismissed it as the usual Rogue nonsense, but now, hearing it again, Simon might be right. Maybe it’s more serious than I thought.
I wait for Simon to continue, but when he doesn’t, I ask, “Anything else?”
He shakes his head. “No, that’s it. I’ll take over now. I’ve got a training session with Lilith anyway. Oh, and Bennett wants to see you,” he adds, his expression shifting slightly.
Simon and I couldn’t be more different. My bond with Lilith, though powerful, is something fated—set in motion long before either of us had a say in it. Simon, on the other hand, connects easily with the people around him. Sometimes I envy that, but mostly, I’m content in my solitude. It’s less complicated that way.
“You don’t have to worry,” I reassure Simon. “I won’t say anything to Bennett about what happened with Lilith.”
And I mean it. Involving Bennett would only put Lilith under more scrutiny, and that’s the last thing she needs. If she does join Operation Nightfall, at least I’ll be able to keep a closer eye on her, to protect her.
“Thanks,” Simon replies, his relief palpable. “I don’t want Bennett jumping to conclusions. You know how she is, especially now. A discovery like this could change everything.” And so could the fact that Lilith is my fated mate.
I don’t respond—there’s nothing more to say. His secret, and hers, is safe with me.
Simon breaks the silence with a small shake of his head. “Right, sometimes I forget I have to actually dismiss you. Go on, Bennett’s waiting.”
With a nod, I turn and stride toward Bennett’s office. Usually, her messages come when she needs something done quietly. So it’s odd that she summoned me in broad daylight, and through Simon, no less.
I knock lightly on the door and wait for her permission to enter. Headmistress Bennett sits at her desk, surrounded by towering stacks of paperwork that seem to grow every time I see her.
“You called for me?” I ask, taking up my usual spot by the door.
The air feels heavier than usual, tension hanging between us. Whatever’s on her mind must be serious. I stand there quietly as she continues scribbling, her Shadow watching silently from its perch in the corner. After what feels like an eternity, she finally sets her quill down and looks up, meeting my eyes.
“Firstly, I want to commend you for your success in eliminating those Rogues last week. Thanks to your efforts, our security protocols remain intact. Simon also reported taking down another one last night,” Bennett says, a rare hint of approval in her voice.
But I can tell this praise isn’t the main reason for our meeting. The way she studies me, like she’s weighing her next words, confirms there’s more on her mind. I stay expressionless, waiting for her to get to the point.
“What’s your opinion of Lilith Knight?” she finally asks bluntly.
Well, damn. I was hoping we could avoid Lilith, especially since Simon is supposed to be her mentor. Why is she asking me of all people?
“I haven’t known her long enough to form a solid opinion,” I respond, my voice steady. Not a lie. “Besides, student evaluations are more Simon’s area—or even Vaughn’s. You know I prefer my solitude.”
“Simon has his hands full with other matters,” Bennett says, her eyes still fixed on me with that scrutinizing look. “He and Vaughn are exceptional at what they do, but they’re not like you. They haven’t experienced the cause in its entirety, not like you have. You know what the Rogues are capable of. You’ve experienced their depravity firsthand. That’s why your opinion matters so much to me.”
She’s circling around something, which isn’t like her. Normally, she’s far more direct.
I don’t react, keeping my expression neutral like always. “Lilith Knight seems more advanced than other first-years, but that’s expected, given who her father is. He probably trained her before she got here. That’s the only assessment I can give for now.” Still not a lie.
Bennett rises and strides to the window, her steps purposeful. She clasps her hands behind her back and gazes out into the distance. “I need more individuals like you—someone who can do what you do—”
“You mean, silently and efficiently eliminate Rogues without feeling a shred of remorse,” I cut in, bluntly acknowledging my role. Simon killed a man last night, and I know he’ll wrestle with it, but for me, each life I take is just another chapter closed and a Balance restored. I don’t linger on them, even if my hands feel a bit more tainted each time.
“I do as I’m told,” I say, my voice steady. And it’s not like I have a choice. Bennett saved me and took me in, I owe her my life. Spilling blood is my way of showing my gratitude, albeit in a decidedly fucked up way.
“I’ll need someone to step into your role next year and I’m considering Lilith… if she proves herself”
The bond within me twists and stirs; for the first time, I feel an unfamiliar emotion—worry.
It's a feeling so foreign that I struggle to grasp it completely. I know the weight of this position, the dangers it brings, and how deeply it taints the soul. The protective instinct rising within me fights against the idea of her being thrust into this dark world I inhabit—a realm of blood and shadows, where the lines between right and wrong blur into nothingness.
While I have no doubt she could handle it, I still want her as far away from the bloodshed as possible. It’s a conflicting thought, considering she’s my fated mate and will eventually be exposed to it now that she’s tied to me.
But I know better than to voice any of this.
“Understood.”
“Good. Keep me updated on any significant developments.” Bennett nods curtly, effectively dismissing me.
I rise and exit her office, my mind racing. The thought of Lilith stepping into my role and shouldering the burden of assassinating Rogues unsettles me in a way I’ve never experienced before. This unfamiliar protective urge clashes with my unwavering loyalty to Bennett and the cause.
Is this what it means to have a fated mate? To feel an overwhelming need to protect someone, even from a distance? Even if it conflicts with everything I’ve ever worked for?
As I navigate the stone corridors, my thoughts linger on Lilith—her strength, her power, the secrets that seem to envelop her like a cloak. I know I should keep my distance, focus on my responsibilities, and let fate unfold as it will. Yet the pull toward her is magnetic and undeniable, the bond between us alive and thrumming within me.
Almost without realizing it, I find myself at the training grounds, where I know Lilith is sparring with Simon.
I keep myself concealed in the shadows, watching as they train together. Simon, a skilled and patient instructor, guides Lilith through a series of drills and techniques. But it’s Lilith who truly captivates me. The way she moves, the determination in her eyes, the raw power radiating from her every pore—it’s nothing short of mesmerizing.
As they spar, trading blows and weaving magic, I can’t help but envision what it would be like to face her myself. To feel the crackle of her energy against my skin, to match her strength with my own—it’s a thrilling and dangerous thought that sends a rush of adrenaline coursing through me.
Then, in an instant, Lilith stumbles, leaving herself vulnerable for a split second. Simon seizes the opportunity, sweeping her legs out from under her. She crashes to the ground, the impact knocking the air from her lungs in a sharp gasp of pain.
Before I even realize what I’m doing, I step out from the shadows, a low hiss building in my chest. The protective instinct surges through me, demanding that I defend my mate. But I catch myself, and disappear before they see me, clenching my fists at my sides.
This is training—Simon would never truly hurt her. Especially not Simon.
Lilith pushes herself off the ground, brushing away the dirt and grass clinging to her clothes. A fierce glint ignites in her stormy gray eyes as she faces Simon once more, undeterred. Pride swells within me at her resilience, her unwavering determination to rise after being knocked down.
“Good recovery,” Simon praises, nodding in approval. “But you need to mind your footing. One misstep can mean the difference between life and death out there.”
“I know,” Lilith replies, a hint of frustration creeping into her tone. “I’ll do better.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” Simon gives her a reassuring clap on the shoulder. “Now, let’s go again.”
I take comfort in watching from the shadows, absorbing every detail of her form and the flicker of emotions that dance across her face. I etch the memory of her into my mind, holding it close like a cherished treasure.
I know I shouldn’t let myself become so attached, so consumed by this bond I never asked for. Yet as I watch Lilith train, pouring her heart and soul into every movement, I find myself unable to look away.
The session drags on for another grueling hour, leaving both Lilith and Simon drenched in sweat, their breaths coming in labored gasps. As they wind down with some cool-down stretches, Simon glances in my direction, narrowing his eyes slightly. He can sense my presence, even if he can’t see me.
I take that as my cue to slip away, melting back into the shadows as silently as I arrived. I have duties to attend to, Rogues to hunt, and a fa?ade of detachment to maintain. I can’t afford to let myself get distracted, no matter how desperately I want to lose myself in her.