Page 29 of Shattered & Returned

What was it? That had to be why a mere third-year dared to challenge one of the academy’s three most powerful figures.

Professor Ravencrux’s face remained icy, a storm gathering in his winter-green eyes. I swore the room was getting darker suddenly, as if shadows had crept in, ready to swallow everything. Then Sebastian chuckled, flicking his wrist, and just like that, the shadows lightened.

It was as if they’d just clashed in some unseen battle. The other students couldn’t see it, but they felt it, the oppressive weight, the instinctive fear of two apex predators circling each other. I didn’t know how I understood, but something in me justdid, like an intrinsic awareness beyond logic.

Yet I was still missing something. A vital piece.

And I hated the feeling of being a pawn caught between them.

“I’m right here,” I said. My voice was clear despite the tremor beneath it. A leaf caught in the storm of their power struggle. That’s all I was to them. “I’m a big girl, and I can take care of myself. I don’t need anyone’s protection.”

Neither man so much as glanced my way. They stood locked in silent battle—two forces of nature, one daylight brilliance, the other midnight darkness. Ravencrux’s loathing burned unchecked, while Sebastian’s smirk never touched his sharp, assessing eyes. The summer blue had darkened to something colder, harder.

“How charitable,” Ravencrux sneered. “Though entirely unwanted. You’re nothing but a distraction, and you arenotwelcome here. Get the fuck out of my class.”

Power crackled at Ravencrux’s fingertips. I grabbed Sindy’s arm, surprised by my own sudden strength. No way were we staying for this pissing contest and getting caught in the crossfire. She stumbled as I hauled her past the rows of seats, but I didn’t stop until we were a safe distance from the two lethally beautiful and ruthless men.

“My, my,” Sebastian drawled. “No need for the theatrics. We’ve got our lady present.” He shot me a glance, knowing exactly where I stood, and pushed himself up with lazy grace. “Not that I’d stay anyway. Your lectures couldn’t hold my attention if you paid me.”

Hands in pockets, he sauntered toward the exit, whistling. At the door, he paused—then turned to me and winked.

“There’s a party at Kingsley Tower this weekend.” he said, voice like honey poured over silk. “You should come, Bloom. I’ll save you a dance. Bring whoever you like.”

Then he was gone, or nearly was, until Ravencrux hurled a violent gust of wind that slammed the door behind him. Yet through it all, the professor’s dark gaze never left me.

“You should be more selective about your company, Bloom,” Ravencrux said as he strode back to the black podium. Hearing him say my name sent an illicit thrill through me—this man who’d orchestrated my kidnapping, touched me, pleasured me, knowing full well I’d become his student. The man who broke every rule without hesitation. “Not every pretty boy has your best interests at heart.”

I tilted my chin up. “What about pretty men?”

The class gasped. To them, this wasn’t boldness; it was suicide. Ravencrux could strike me dead where I stood, and the academy would simply note my absence in tomorrow’s attendance.

Ravencrux merely chuckled, low and dangerous. “What a little spitfire you are. We’ll see if that spirit holds when we summon your magic.” He turned to address the class, his voice booming through the room. “Many of you have manifested, but some haven’t. Today is your last chance to awaken what’s in you.”

The classroom dimmed as Ravencrux snuffed out the overhead witchlights with a casual flick of his fingers. Morning sunlight streamed through the arched windows in golden shafts. Dust motes swirled in his wake as he moved.

“Magic answers to will and responds to intention,” he continued, prowling between desks. His rich voice dropped to a velvet murmur that sent a shiver down my spine. “And sometimes, it needs proper motivation.”

He stopped first before a curly-haired boy, regarding him with indifference.

“Boy One,” he declared. “Your magic is cerebral. It’s been waiting for your puny mind to make room for it.”

A snap of his fingers summoned a glowing sigil midair. The boy widened his eyes as the intricate lattice of light sank between his brows, suddenly, irrevocably awakened.

“Th-thank you, Professor,” he stammered, touching his forehead in wonder.

Ravencrux was already moving on to a tall girl who fluttered her lashes at him. He didn’t spare her a glance.

“Analytical magic,” he pronounced, flicking his wrist. “Ideal for deciphering dead languages and dismantling wards.” The girl doubled over as a stream of water droplets levitated from her palms. “Girl Two manifested.”

I bit back a laugh—he didn’t know a single student’s name. Every male was “Boy One,” every female “Girl Two.” Not even bothering with proper numbering. Yet no one protested their anonymity. The classroom buzzed with anticipation as he worked his way through rows of students like a gardener pruning weeds.

Manifestations erupted in his wake: a tremble of earth sent pebbles dancing; shadows merged into a songbird; one student’s fingertips sparked with blue fire before it sputtered out.

My palms dampened as he neared, thighs pressing together to suppress the heat rising at his proximity. I fought to banish the memory of his face between my legs. It was like trying to smother a wildfire with bare hands.

“Girl Two,” he addressed Sindy beside me.

“Her name is Sindy Vexley,” I corrected.

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