Page 22 of Crimson Shadows
“The volcanic eruption in Feeore?” Zaiah asks with a knowing smirk.
“Who am I to say? But back to Miss Black. There’s something intoxicating about the idea of corrupting someone so pure.”
“Oh, you have no idea how much I’m looking forward to it,” Corvus mutters.
My mind drifts back to my summer in the Dark Fae Kingdom. The endless lessons on diplomacy and statecraft, the monotonous ritual ceremonies, the constant pressure to be the perfect prince—it was suffocating. But it also honed my skills and sharpened my powers in ways I hadn’t expected. I have levelled up, and that is a secret that I intend to keep for as long as possible.
I flex my fingers, feeling the shadows dance between them. The darkness responds to me now more than ever, a living, breathing entity at my command. I can manipulate emotions with more finesse and weave illusions so real they can fool even the most discerning eye. The nature magick... well, let’s just say the forest around MistHallow has never felt more alive to me. My dad’s words echo in my head, a mantra drummed into mefor the last twenty-one years:“We are necessary, Zephyr. We bring balance to the light; we remind the world of its shadows. Without us, there is no contrast, no depth to existence.”
“You’re plotting,” Zaiah observes, pulling me from my incessantly wandering thoughts. “I can practically see the gears turning in that devious mind of yours.”
I grin, not bothering to deny it. “Always, my friend. Always.”
Corvus leans in, his interest piqued. “Care to share with the class?”
I consider for a moment. These two, along with Ignatius, are my closest allies at MistHallow, as much as I hate to admit it. We’ve caused our fair share of chaos together, pushed boundaries that should have remained untouched. But this... this feels different. Bigger.
“Not yet,” I decide. “Let’s see how our Little Light Dollie settles in first. Get a better read on her.”
“Fine,” he grumbles. “But don’t think you can keep me out of this for long. I want a piece of the action.”
I nod, acknowledging his claim. “You’ll get your chance. We all will. Sharing is caring, after all.”
Zaiah claps his hands together, his white eyes gleaming with excitement. “Well, gentlemen, this promises to be an interesting year. I, for one, can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.”
With that, he blinks out of existence, leaving behind nothing but a faint scent of sandalwood and magick.
Corvus lingers for a moment longer, his eyes searching mine. “Watch yourself, Zeph,” he warns. “Randall Black isn’t someone to be screwed with.”
I give him a feral grin. “Neither am I, Corvus. Neither am I.”
He nods, a hint of respect in his gaze, before morphing into his bat form again and taking flight. Do I envy this ability? Sometimes. Fae, unlike faeries, don’t have wings, which is finemost days, but today, I’m agitated. Adelaide Black has sunk her claws into my soul and has a grip on it that won’t let go.
Alone at last, I let out a long breath, feeling the weight of expectation settle on my shoulders. As the crown prince of the Dark Fae, I’m used to pressure. But this feels different. There’s a charge in the air, a sense of impending change that makes my skin prickle with anticipation.
I close my eyes, reaching out with my senses. The forest around me pulses with life, each tree and blade of grass singing its own unique song. I can feel the emotions of the creatures that call this place home—the contentment of a rabbit in its burrow, the hunger of an owl on the hunt, and the nervous excitement of the new students arriving on campus.
And there, just at the edge of my perception, something new—a presence that feels both familiar and utterly foreign—Adelaide. Even from this distance, I can sense the turmoil of her emotions—fear, excitement, curiosity, all swirling together in an intoxicating blend.
I open my eyes, a slow smile spreading across my face. Oh yes, this is going to be fun.
With a thought, I meld into the shadows, allowing the darkness of the dense forest to envelop me. It’s a comforting embrace, cool and familiar. I move through the trees unseen, heading back towards the main campus.
As I travel, my mind contrasts MistHallow with my home in the Dark Fae Kingdom. The endless corridors of the obsidian palace, the whispers and plots of the court, the weight of the world on my shoulders. It’s a world so different from MistHallow, yet in many ways, the same. The rules, the discipline, the focus. It’s an emotional drain when all I want to do is cause havoc and forget about what I am and just be who I am.
It’s a freedom I cherish, even as I know it’s temporary.
I emerge from the shadows near the library, my eyes immediately drawn to the window on the top floor again.
For a moment, I’m tempted to use my powers to observe her closely without her knowledge. A simple illusion could make me invisible, allowing me to sit next to her without her knowing. But something holds me back. Maybe it’s the lingering influence of my father’s lessons on honour and restraint. Or maybe it’s just the thrill of the unknown, the anticipation of unravelling her mysteries slowly, piece by tantalising piece.
Instead, I turn away, heading towards my room in the East Wing. As I walk, I can feel the eyes of other students on me. Some filled with fear, others with admiration, still others with poorly disguised hatred. I ignore them all, used to the attention my status brings.
Classes will begin next week, and the games will be in full force. I intend to be at the centre of it all, pulling strings, weaving plots, and seeing just how far I can push before something—or someone—pushes back.
As I reach my room, I pause, my hand on the golden doorknob. Poor little Adelaide thrust into this world of supernatural politics and ancient grudges under the guise of a friendly learning institution. She’s going to need allies, friends she can trust in this den of monsters.
With that thought, I enter my room, already planning my first move in this delicious new game. “Watch out, Little Dollie. Your light is about to meet the darkest shadows MistHallow has to offer.”
