Chapter 13
Thirteen
LILITH
Honestly, I can’t explain it. Ever since my Shadowing, nothing else has happened, yet I can’t ignore the shadows that keep lurking at the edges of my vision. Sometimes, they’re subtle, a flicker in the corner of my eye. Other times, they’re so overwhelming that I feel like they might consume me.
It’s unbearable, and I have no one to talk to about it. If I tell Simon, he’ll just report it to Headmistress Bennett—he seems to have some weird loyalty to her. Then I’d have to deal with a barrage of questions and scrutiny, probably even an interrogation.
Talking to Tony would only make him worry—maybe even freak him out. He’s my only friend, and I can’t risk losing him. And while I’ve been getting closer to Savina, we’re not at the point in our friendship where I feel comfortable sharing something like this.
More than anything, I wish I could talk to my dad. With all his years of service as a Protector, I know he’d have some wise advice to help me navigate this mess. I crave the comfort of his voice telling me everything will be okay.
But deep down, I’m terrified. If I fully open up about what happened during my Shadowing, I’ll never fit in at the academy. I’m sure they’d label me a freak.
Worse, what if they suspect me of being a traitor? The Predators—who all seem to have their lives so perfectly together—would be the first to jump on that.
“Hey, are you all right?” Savina’s voice slices through the storm in my mind, pulling me back to the present.
Her perfectly sculpted eyebrows arch in concern as she settles gracefully onto the sofa beside me, effortlessly making herself at home. I don’t usually spend much time in the Predator common room, always trying to avoid any awkward run-ins with Vaughn. But after overhearing him and Simon talking about doing some research in the library, I’m seizing this rare opportunity to be out of my room without the usual tension of his presence looming over me—or the playful, teasing banter that never fails to leave me both flustered and utterly confused.
It doesn’t help that our... close encounter at the party keeps replaying in my dreams. It’s bad enough that I need a cold shower every time I wake up, and even when he’s not here, I’m still irritated.
A sigh slips from my lips as I try to push aside all the problems in my life that seem to start with the letter V, and focus on Savina’s question. “Yeah,” I murmur, “just... a lot on my mind.”
With a graceful flick, she tosses her long, black curls over her shoulder—a movement so effortless, I’d never hope to replicate it. “Is Vaughn bothering you again?” she probes, her tone light but curious. “You know, if he’s being a pain in the ass, feel free to curse him. Trust me, it’s quite therapeutic.” Her lips curve into a sly smile, a mischievous glint sparkling in her dark eyes. “And if you need help, I’m more than happy to assist. Cursing is sort of a specialty of mine.”
A small smile tugs at the corners of my mouth despite myself. As much as Vaughn gets under my skin, he’s not the source of my current turmoil. Savina continues to watch me closely, clearly fishing for more, but I don’t have anything else I can give her. No matter how much I want to confide in someone, I can’t.
“No, it’s not him,” I finally admit. “It’s... other things.”
“Other things?” she repeats, her tone playful, but her eyes betray her concern. Shit. “Like what?”
I hesitate, the question hanging heavy in the air. “When do you think we’ll be able to contact the outside world again? Or at least talk to someone outside the academy?”
Savina’s eyebrows shoot up, genuine surprise crossing her face. “Is that what’s on your mind right now?” she asks, incredulous. “Lilith, tonight is the annual masquerade. That’s literally all anyone is talking about! Have you even picked out your dress yet?”
I let out a sigh. Fuck, she’s right.
The annual masquerade ball, followed by the infamous Shadowing after-party, is the highlight of the year at the academy. Everyone raves about it, calling it the best night of their lives. I should be excited, I should be preparing for it, but my mind is elsewhere. As much as I know Savina means well, she wouldn’t understand. No one here would.
And that only makes me feel more alone.
“I know, I know,” I mumble, the words feeling empty.
“Try not to worry too much,” Savina says, her voice soothing. “It’s different every year, depending on a million factors. But if something’s weighing this heavily on you, maybe try leaning on someone within these walls.” She gestures around us with a playful smirk. “Granted, there’s not many of us to choose from in the Predators’ dorms, but I’m always here if you need me.”
Warmth spreads through me at her offer. I love Tony’s company, but it’s comforting to have another female friend—especially in a group as male-dominated as the Predators.
“Well, actually,” I begin, a flush of embarrassment creeping up my neck. “I could use some help.” I gesture toward my hair, which is still a tangled mess from this morning’s training.
Savina’s eyes light up with excitement. “Say no more,” she declares, already moving with purpose. “I’ve got this.”
Savina wasn’t kidding—she definitely knew what she was doing. In just the last couple of hours of getting ready, she somehow managed to make me feel genuinely excited about the masquerade. My heart beats in a frantic rhythm, but with Tony by my side, it doesn’t feel as overwhelming.
He looks nice tonight, though there’s a certain awkwardness in the way he fidgets with his suit. The sleek dark fabric, with its subtle silver details resembling a starry night sky, gives him a bit of elegance, even if he doesn’t seem entirely comfortable in it.
His mask is simple but thoughtful, a dark fabric edged with silver filigree that circles his eyes like constellations. It’s clear he put effort into the look, even if he’s unsure about pulling it off. As he nervously runs a hand through his hair, the mask slips a little, and he quickly pushes it back up, his fingers fumbling slightly.
As we make our way toward the grand hall of the academy, I take in the sight of the other attendees—anonymous Preys and Predators, all dressed in their finest. Shiny suits and sleek dresses are everywhere in the halls, and the masks add a layer of mystery.
Tonight, anyone can be whoever they want to be, and for once, I don’t feel like the odd one out.
Lost in thought, I stumble, but Tony’s quick reflexes save me from a complete faceplant. “Thank you,” I murmur, still surprised but grateful for his quick catch.
“No, thank you for being my date tonight,” Tony chirps, his smile infectious. It’s hard not to feel a little lighter around him, his genuine excitement lifting my mood in spite of everything.
Even though it’s just a friendly date, I’m grateful to have him by my side tonight.
“There’s no one else I’d rather be here with,” I tell him sincerely.
And that’s the truth. The masquerade is the event of the year, with students from other academies joining, turning it into a massive ball that will no doubt be talked about for months. The anonymity creates a unique sense of camaraderie, where everyone sheds their designations, forgets their school loyalties, and simply enjoys the night.
So, I probably should too.
As if reading my thoughts, Tony grabs my hand and spins me with a playful grin, his usual awkwardness melting away for a moment. The crimson fabric of my dress flares and sways around me, billowing out in a cascade of red, briefly merging with the haunting memories of that night in the forest.
Blood. So much of it.
I blink hard, shaking the image from my mind, grounding myself in the present. My dress is a masterpiece—the rich, deep red silk flowing with every step, catching the light in a way that feels almost hypnotic. Black lace detailing adds an alluring touch, while the fitted leather corset clings perfectly to my frame. Long, black gloves, shimmering as they stretch to my elbows, complete the look. A black lace mask conceals my face for the night, offering me a shield of anonymity.
My hair, pulled into an elegant updo thanks to Savina’s expert hands, adds the final touch. Her company while getting ready was surprisingly enjoyable, and I find myself hoping this marks the start of a deeper friendship. I could definitely use more female friends in this sea of Predators.
We approach the massive arched door leading into the grand hall, and it swings open as if welcoming us. Inside, the room is dimly lit yet vibrantly alive. A million stars twinkle on the ceiling, casting a shimmering glow over everything. Soft music drifts through the air from a live orchestra tucked into one corner. The room is packed with people in fancy masks, their dresses and suits sparkling as they sway to the soft music.
“Wow…” Tony murmurs beside me, his voice barely above a whisper. I can’t help but share his awe—there must be at least two hundred people here.
“I’m going to grab a drink and check things out, okay?” I say, about to ask if he wants to join me. But then I notice his gaze lock onto someone else across the room. I recognize those blonde locks, and a small smile tugs at my lips. She’s wearing a stunning silver dress that hugs her petite frame, and it’s clear why she caught his eye. It doesn’t escape me that her dress matches his suit perfectly, and my heart gives a little squeeze at how cute they’d be together. I give him a light pat on the shoulder, nudging him toward her. “Go on,” I whisper when he doesn’t seem to catch on.
He quickly turns back to me, straightening his dark blue suit. “How do I look?” he asks, worry creeping into his voice.
“You look as handsome as always. Now go.”
In a heartbeat, he’s off, and I turn to scan the room for servers carrying wine. I definitely need a drink in a crowd like this.
The music wraps around me, its rhythm pulsing and its harmony infectious. There’s something almost magical about it, urging me to dance without a second thought.
Right as I’m about to make my way to the waiters or find someone to dance with, a dark, imposing, and undeniably handsome man approaches me. He towers over me in a sleek black suit adorned with leather detailing, his face hidden behind a matching mask. Not a single inch of skin is exposed, making him feel almost unreal—like he’s a shadow come to life.
He doesn’t say a word; instead, he extends his hand toward me, inviting me to dance without uttering a sound. I take it without hesitation, drawn into his orbit. His grip is strong and commanding as he leads me across the dance floor, his other hand resting firmly on my waist. He moves with an ease that suggests he’s done this a million times before. I’m so close to him that I can feel the rugged outline of his muscles beneath the fabric of his suit.
As we dance, the world around us fades away, and we remain enveloped in silence. His nearly black eyes stay locked on mine, and we sway together to the music, becoming one in our movements.
Our eyes speak volumes—there’s a magnetic pull between us, an unspoken connection that feels almost electric. I can’t quite explain it, but I want to lose myself in this moment, even if it’s only for tonight.
He holds me close, creating a cocoon that shields me from the outside world. As the music swells, I feel an overwhelming sense of safety. His body sets the pace, guiding my every step, and I can’t help but follow his lead. My breath hitches in the back of my throat, swept away by the intensity of the moment.
Every inch of me tingles with an emotion I can’t quite put into words—anticipation? Arousal? Something different altogether? All I know is that it’s exhilarating and unfamiliar, and my entire body aches for more, even though I have no idea who this man is. We haven’t exchanged a single word, and I don’t even know if he even attends this academy.
When the song ends, he doesn’t release my hands. Instead, he leads me outside, and I decide to go with the flow, letting him take charge. For tonight, I resolve to set aside all my worries and simply revel in the moment.
We step out onto a shadowy balcony, the music from the ball fading into a distant hum. Away from the crowd, my thoughts start to clear, and I muster the courage to speak. I pull my hand back and take a moment to study the man before me.
At first, I think it might be Vaughn, but I quickly dismiss the idea. Vaughn would never be able to stay quiet for long; the bastard always has something to say. This man, however, radiates an energy unlike anything I’ve ever felt before. It’s so powerful that it seems to consume the space around us.
“Why are we here?” I finally ask, breaking the silence.
He tilts his head to the side, studying me intently through his mask. I ache to see his face, but the mystery is part of the allure of the masquerade.
“Because you wanted to be here,” he replies, his voice low and raspy, as if he doesn’t often speak. “You need the distraction.”
I can’t help but snort at his words. It’s true, but “You don’t know anything about me.”
He reaches out to caress my cheek, his thumb brushing against my skin with a gentle pressure that sends a shiver coursing through me. I’m taken aback by how my body reacts to his touch.
“I know more than you think,” he says, his deep, rich voice making my knees weak. I have no idea why he’s affecting me so much, and I’m not sure how to deal with it. “I know you think there’s something wrong with you, but there isn’t. You have every right to exist exactly as you are.”
His words make my heart race, and it feels like this stranger is the only one who understands what I’m going through. Somehow, this is exactly what I’ve been yearning to hear for days. Normally, I would be annoyed that someone had followed me closely enough to uncover something so personal, but with him, I find myself feeling… comforted. Soothed.
But why?
“You can’t possibly know that. I don’t know if this is some trick, but really, you don’t know me,” I protest, even as my body betrays me, insisting that he understands more than I want to admit.
A small part of me wonders if this is the bond of fated mates that people spend their entire lives searching for, but I quickly push the thought away as ridiculous. That kind of connection is usually forged over time, between people who have at least seen each other before.
He tilts his head, studying me with an intensity that sends shivers down my spine. “You can sense it too, can’t you?”
“Sense what?” I ask, even though I know he won’t give me a straight answer. Strong and silent—this seems to be his style, and I’m starting to get used to it. I swallow hard, feeling a mix of irritation and intrigue. I should despise the way he affects me, but somehow, I don’t. Instead, I ask the one question I shouldn’t, but can’t resist needing the answer to.
“Who are you?”
In that moment, I feel vulnerable and exposed. He seems to know me while I know next to nothing about him. It’s like he sees beyond the layers of clothing I wear and the fa?ade I’ve built to protect myself.
“Does it matter?” he replies, his voice steady. “Let me be your distraction.”
I stare at him for what feels like an eternity, my mind racing. I’m torn, trying to decide my next move. Everything about him—his presence, his touch, the mystery that surrounds him—pulls me in, making it difficult to think clearly. Is it crazy to want to surrender to a masked stranger whose identity remains a secret?
Maybe it is. But then again, nothing about my life has felt normal since I stepped into this academy. So, I decide to follow every instinct that’s urging me forward. There’s no turning back now.
I reach for the back of his neck, pulling him closer until our lips finally meet. I catch his bottom lip between mine, and he tastes like danger and darkness, like shadows and cool night air. It’s wild, and honestly, I can’t get enough of it.
I dive in for more, but he takes control, pressing me against the cold stone wall. He grips my hair, tilting my head back to deepen the kiss, his tongue parting my lips to intertwine with mine. His other hand wraps around my throat, lingering there as if to stake a claim. I close my eyes, barely able to breathe, as the world blurs around us. My world shatters and then rearranges itself into something different, something better, leaving me yearning for more than he’s giving me.
Despite being a stranger, it feels as if our souls have intertwined, stripping me of all my worries and shattering every guard I’ve built. Before him, I am completely bare. But just as quickly as it began, it ends. As I open my eyes, I’m left gasping for breath, and find only fading darkness in front of me.
Alone now, I’m left with a haunting question circling my mind—who the hell was that man?