Page 153 of Every Shade of Shadow

The Professor steps forward. “How do you feel?”

I do a mental check. Whatever connection of consciousness we had on the roof has faded, but I feel no pain. Only power—raw, dark energy that thrums beneath my skin. I have never felt so alive, so attuned to the magic around me. I can sense each flicker of energy in the walls, feel the flow of power as students cast simple spells downstairs.

A slow smile spreads across my lips.

Damien moves to seat himself beside me on the bed, taking my face in his hands.

"I knew you were ready," he says softly.

I meet his gaze, spine straightening. "I was." My voice emerges stronger, laced with authority. "And now no power is beyond my reach."

Darkwood's lips curve. "Is that so?" he laughs, pulling me into an embrace.

I nestle deeper into it, savoring the quiet intimacy. His heart beats steadily under my ear.

Exhaustion seeps into my bones, the aftermath of our magical and physical exertions combining to drain what little strength I have left. My eyelids droop, too heavy to remain open.

"Rest now," he whispers, pressing a kiss to my forehead. "You have more than earned it, my pet."

I don't protest. For once, the insatiable curiosity and ambition that constantly drive me have been satisfied. There is nothing left but the peace and the solace of his arms.

Within moments, I drift into a deep, dreamless sleep.

I’m alone when I wake, but I can still feel the echo of Damien's presence, like a brand seared into my soul. I stretch, wincing now at the soreness between my legs and the faint ache in my muscles.

Struck by lightning.

I don’t recall seeing that in the brochure.

I get out of bed and stand in front of the mirror.

My skin is mottled with bruises in the shape of his fingers and mouth.

A surge of heat races through me at the sight, desire, and possession warring for dominance. He has marked me, claimed me so completely that I will never be free of him again.

One man, twice my age, scarring me like this? The thought should frighten me. Instead, it only makes me crave his touch more. I want nothing else but to give myself to him, again and again, until there is no part of me left unclaimed.

For a moment, I don't recognize the woman staring back at me. Gone is the uncertain girl who first came to Lumina, so naïve and pathetic. In her place is a sorceress awakened, heavy with power.

I meet my reflection's gaze and smile. I raise my hand up to my neck and trace the love bites, down to the new scarring that runs from my breast right down my entire arm.

Damien Darkwood has given me a gift beyond price, one that has transformed me forever.

I will spend the rest of my life proving I am worthy of it.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

It’s the day of the witches’ ball, a certain flurry of activity overtaking the Academy. With the promise of flowing alcohol, terrible dancing, and drunken sex to follow, the gloom that has fallen over the Academy these last weeks is all but forgotten.

Frankly, if Isadora is Mortis or not, I intend to enjoy myself tonight—something I’ve done very little of since I arrived, my encounters with Damien aside.

As for my suspicions about the Headmistress, I’ll take them to the Professor after the ball. If he decides to reward me with that expert tongue of his, so be it. For now, I think there’s a certain safety in numbers.

Lily arrives at my door an hour before the ball looking far from the carefree girl I first met. Even the once vibrant pink in her hair seems dimmer now.

“What happened to you?” I ask, ushering her in. “Shouldn’t you be with—”

Ava walks in behind her.

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