Page 51 of Crimson Shadows
“I know where to find you,” I finish for him, even though that’s not strictly true.
He nods and turns to the door. He opens it and transforms into a bat to fly off through the arrow slit.
That leaves just Zephyr. He’s been unnervingly quiet, his dark energy swirling around him like a cloak.
“I suppose you should also go,” I say, not sure if I want him to stay or leave.
Zephyr smiles, and it’s not a comforting expression. He takes a step closer, and I have to force myself not to back away. “What a shame,” he murmurs. “You fascinate me, Adelaide Black. I like to protect what fascinates me.”
“So, what does that mean, exactly?”
“It means you’re mine, Little Dollie.” His eyes are now completely black, and with that, he melts into the darkness, leaving no trace behind.
I’m left alone in my room, my heart pounding. The silence, after all the chaos, is almost deafening.
“Fuck’s sake,” I mutter. “This is ridiculous. Randall Black, you have a lot to answer for.”
I spot the book on Dark Fae magick that I’d thrown on the bed earlier. Well, at least the lockdown gives me a chance to catch up on some reading, and to get on a proper night schedule, finally.
As darkness falls outside my window, I settle in with the book. The words swim before my eyes at first, my mind still reeling from the day’s events. But gradually, I start to focus.
The book, “Introduction to Dark Fae Magick,” is far more comprehensive than I’d initially thought. It’s not just a dry textbook; it’s a window into a world I never knew existed. The pages are filled with intricate illustrations of Dark Fae in various forms, from hauntingly beautiful to terrifyingly grotesque. I can see both in Zephyr. As much as I hate to admit it, he fascinates me as well, and the thought of beinghisisn’t as unpleasant as it should be.
The first chapter delves into the origins of Dark Fae, tracing their lineage back to the primordial darkness that existed before light. It’s a poetic, almost mythological account, but the author insists it’s based on factual evidence.
As I read on, I find myself drawn into the complex hierarchy of Dark Fae society. There are courts and kingdoms, alliances and feuds that have lasted millennia with stakes higher than I can imagine. There is a coloured portrait of the Dark Fae King, who has been in power for centuries. He is regal and savage. I can tell from the cruel sneer on his face. I trace my finger over it lightly and see a familiarity that piques my interest.
“What are you hiding, Zephyr of the Dark Fae?”
The section on Dark Fae abilities is particularly fascinating. It talks about their power over shadows and darkness, their ability to manipulate emotions and dreams. Some Dark Fae, the book claims, can even bend reality itself to their will. I have seen Zephyr do that, so that raises even more questions about who he really is.
There’s a whole chapter dedicated to Dark Fae and their relationships with other supernatural beings. Vampires, werewolves, witches - each has their own complex history with the Dark Fae. I can’t help but wonder where Vesperidae like me fit into this intricate web.
As I delve deeper into the book, I find myself both terrified and oddly excited. This world of darkness and shadow, of power and ancient magick, is all so new, but it feels familiar somehow. Like a part of me has always known this existed, has always been waiting to discover it.
I’m so engrossed in my reading that when a knock sounds at my door, I nearly jump out of my skin.
Heart racing, I approach the door cautiously.
Peering through the peephole, I’m surprised to see Professor Blackthorn standing there, looking as calm and collected as ever.
“Professor?” I call out, not opening the door yet. “How did you get in here? I thought the tower was protected.”
I hear a chuckle from the other side of the door. “Ah, Miss Black. Always asking the right questions. I set the wards on this tower myself, my dear. They recognise me.”
Okay, well, that’s not suspect at all.
I hesitate, eyes narrowed, not convinced. “How do I know you’re really Professor Blackthorn?”
“Well,” comes the amused reply, “we did have quite an interesting conversation yesterday about your unique heritage. I left you in the library to do research.”
Knowing all of that is true, I’m still cautious, but I unlock the door and open it, stepping back to let him in.
Professor Blackthorn enters, his eyes quickly scanning the room before settling on me. “I trust you’re unharmed, Miss Black?”
I nod, closing the door behind him. “Yes. What were those things?” Might as well hear it from the Prof while he’s here.
“Strix. Supernatural assassins sent by only the strongest of masters.”
