28. Adelaide

28

ADELAIDE

I stand there in shock for several moments after Corvus leaves, my body still tingling from his touch. What the actual fuck just happened?

First that insanely vivid dream, or not-dream with Zaiah, and now this with Corvus? My head is spinning. I feel like I'm losing control, like I'm being pulled in multiple directions at once. And the scariest part is that I kind of like it.

I catch sight of myself in the mirror and barely recognise the woman staring back at me. My cheeks are flushed, my lips swollen, my eyes bright with a hunger I've never seen before. Is this what embracing my vampire side looks like? Because if so, then I definitely need to do more exploring.

But first I need to sort out the human side of me. I bend to pick up the tampon still in its packet and get to work.

After a quick shower, my legs are still a bit wobbly as I pull on a fresh pair of pjs. These two otherworldly men have made me feel things today that I have never experienced before, and I want more.

Peering into the mist of the early morning, my stomach grumbles and I turn away from the window to the dresser where the flask of human blood awaits. I haven't tried it yet. I chickened out several times during the night, but I need to do this because Professor Blackthorn is expecting me to have drunk this entire flask and he said in small and frequent doses.

With a shaking hand, I pick it up and unscrew the lid. The scent hits me and I growl quietly. My fangs drop, slicing into my tongue and lips. It's an automatic thing. I have no control over them.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. The scent of blood is overwhelming, making my head spin. But I need to do this. I need to embrace who I am.

Slowly, I raise the flask to my lips. The first taste is indescribable. Rich, metallic, potent. My body hums with energy as I swallow, feeling the blood slide down my throat.

"Fuck," I whisper, licking my lips.

I take another sip, larger this time. The effect is instant. My senses sharpen, colours become more vivid. I can hear the rustling of leaves outside my window with crystal clarity.

My fangs ache, wanting more. It takes all my willpower not to down the entire flask in one go. But I remember Blackthorn's words about pacing myself. Reluctantly, I screw the cap back on and set the flask down.

My reflection catches my eye again. There's a wildness in my appearance, a predatory gleam that terrifies me. Is this who I truly am?

I shake my head, trying to clear it of the savage thoughts that descend. I want to hunt, to feed, to feel my fangs slice into a warm vein…

"Fuck it," I mutter and grab the flask again and open it. I take another sip, as slowly as I can, which turns into a gulp and another. With a gasp, I drag my mouth away from the top and force myself to recap it. Slamming it back to the dresser, I cross over to the other side of the room, needing to get away from it.

"Did you know this would happen?" I murmur, glaring at the flask. "Did you know I'd want to lose control?"

My trust in Blackthorn drops a notch or two. He must've known.

Shoving my hands into my hair, I crawl back into bed and pick up the book on Dark Fae to carry on reading about Zephyr. Next time we meet, I will have a better handle on what he is capable of. Not that I can do much about it, but at least I won't be caught off guard.

I try to focus on the words in front of me, but my mind keeps drifting back to Zaiah and Corvus. The intensity of those encounters has left me reeling. Part of me wants to chalk it up to some weird vampire mating instinct, but I know it's more than that. There's a connection forming between us, something I can't quite explain but is very real and very intense.

The book falls from my hands as another wave of hunger washes over me. My gaze darts to the flask on the dresser. Just one more sip...

No. I clench my fists, fighting the urge. I need to stay in control.

I get off the bed and take my pillow and book to the window where I curl up in the small patch of weak sunlight fighting to get through the misty morning. Instantly, I feel the lethargy hit me. It's like pulling a pair of curtains closed. I yawn and settle down to keep reading.

But the longer I sit there, the worse the tiredness becomes. Yawning again, I feel my eyes close.

I jolt awake, disoriented. The book has fallen to the floor and sunlight has moved away from the window, but it is still light outside. I must have dozed off for a while.

Groaning, I stretch and check the time. I've slept most of the day away, which I suppose is what I need to be doing to get on a full night schedule. The flask of blood catches my eye. Without thinking, I get up and grab it and take another long swig before I can talk myself out of it. The effect is immediate - a rush of energy and heightened senses.

"Fuck," I mutter, recapping the flask. I need to be more careful with this stuff. It's far too easy to lose control.

I set the flask down, trying to ignore the lingering taste of blood on my tongue. My mind is clearer now, the fog of sleep lifting. I need to get ready for my meeting with Professor Blackthorn. As I get dressed in jeans and a tee and gather my things, I can't help but think about Zaiah and Corvus. The intensity of those encounters still lingers, making my skin tingle at the memory.

But there's no time to dwell on that now. I have responsibilities, classes to attend, a whole new world of the supernatural to learn about. I can't let myself get distracted, no matter how tempting it might be. I need to stay focused. I have a lot to learn, and I'm determined to make the most of my time at MistHallow now that I'm here.

Orby appears by my side. He seems to be flitting in and out at the moment and I find that I miss him when he isn't there. "Come on then," I say to him. "Let's get this party started."

I grab the flask and shove it in my backpack, but then think better of it and take it out. Blackthorn said human blood wasn't allowed on campus. The vampires will be able to smell it a mile away.

As I descend the tower stairs, I steel myself for whatever the night might bring when I push open the tower door.

Startled, I come face to face with a burly creature, who I would say is a vampire, but I could be way off base. "Hey," I say as I close the door behind me.

He is not lurking as such, but he isn't exactly passing by either. "Hey, Adelaide, right? I'm Lucian."

"Hi, Lucian and yeah, Adelaide."

He grins, but there's something predatory in his gaze that sets me on edge. "Pleasure to finally meet you. We've all been so curious about the new third-year vampire on campus."

I force a smile, trying to keep my tone light. "Well, here I am. Nothing too exciting, I'm afraid."

Lucian takes a step closer, invading my personal space. "Oh, I wouldn't say that. A vampire coming in so late is pretty fascinating if you ask me."

My instincts are screaming at me to get away from him, but I stand my ground. "I guess. Look, I'm meeting Professor Blackthorn, I need to go."

"Of course," he says smoothly, but he doesn't move. "I just wanted to introduce myself. Maybe we could grab a drink sometime? I'd love to hear more about how you didn't know you were a vampire until recently."

"Who says I didn't?" I ask suspiciously.

That smile widens. "Word around campus."

"Well, thanks for the offer, but I'm pretty busy getting settled in," I reply, trying to sidestep him.

Lucian's hand shoots out, gripping my arm. It's not painful, but it's firm enough to stop me in my tracks and to give me the biggest ick of my entire life. My skin wants to shrivel up and crumble from his touch through my jacket. "Come on, don't be like that. We're all friends here at MistHallow."

I narrow my eyes, feeling a surge of anger. "Let go of me," I snap.

For a moment, Lucian looks like he is going to argue but then a blur of black and purple zooms past me and slams Lucian into the tower wall, ripping him away from me and making me stumble.

"Zephyr," I mutter as I see the Dark Fae snarling at the vampire he has in his grip.

"Don't ever touch her," Zephyr states, all coolness and calm while my heart is beating like a wild bird trying to escape my rib cage.

"We were just getting acquainted," Lucian snaps back.

"No," Zephyr says and flicks his fingers towards Lucian.

The Dark Fae magick, a black shadow of pure malevolence wraps around Lucian's throat, choking him. His eyes widen in panic as he claws at the invisible force.

Zephyr turns to me, his eyes glowing with an otherworldly light. For a moment, I see the true power of the Dark Fae, and it's disturbing. "Are you okay?"

Unable to speak, I simply nod, even though my arm feels bruised from the touch.

Zephyr turns back to Lucian, still choking away on the magick. "You dared to touch her," he growls, his tone like ice. "You need to learn your place, vampire."

Lucian's face is turning purple, his struggles growing weaker.

"Zephyr," I murmur but it's not to stop him. My vampire side is revelling in this darkness and it's an encouragement.

Zephyr ignores me though, his focus entirely on Lucian. "You think you can touch what's mine?" he states, waving his hand gently and sending gashes across Lucian's face that make him squeal with pain.

I'm captivated. There's a dark seduction to Zephyr's savagery, and a primal part of me responds to his brutality.

Lucian's eyes roll back, his body going limp. Zephyr releases him, letting him crumple to the ground. He turns to me, his eyes still glowing with that haunting light. "No one touches you," he states coldly.

There's a part of me that wants to rail against his possessiveness, to assert my independence. But there's another part, a darker part, that is aroused by his words.

Our gazes lock and the rest of the world fades around me.

Zephyr's eyes search mine, the glow fading slightly. "You're not afraid," he murmurs.

I shake my head. "No, I'm not."

He takes a step closer, his hand reaching out to cup my cheek. His touch is gentle. "You allow me to touch you. That makes you mine to protect," he murmurs, his thumb brushing against my skin.

Before I can respond, he leans in, his lips brushing against mine in a soft, fleeting kiss. It's over before I can react, leaving me stunned and breathless.

Zephyr pulls back, his gaze boring into mine. "Mine," he says, and then he's gone, disappearing into the shadows as quickly as he appeared.

I stand there for a moment, my fingers touching my lips where he kissed me. My mind is a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, trying to process what just happened.

A groan from Lucian brings me back to reality. I look down at him, still crumpled on the ground. He looks pathetic, all his earlier bravado gone.

"Get out of here," I snap, nudging him with my foot. "And if you ever come near me again, I'll let Zephyr finish what he started, after I'm done with you."

Lucian scrambles to his feet, giving me a wide berth as he stumbles away. I watch him go, a sense of satisfaction washing over me. I've never stood up for myself like that before, never had the power to back up my words. It feels good. I giggle and feel a weight lifting from my shoulders that I didn't know was crushing me.

Acceptance for who I really am.

I take a deep breath, as I walk towards Blackthorn's office. Zephyr is a contradiction, a puzzle I want to solve. His savagery, his possessiveness, his unexpected gentleness. And that kiss... fuck, it was barely anything, but it left me craving more.

I shake my head, trying to clear it. I need to focus. I have this meeting with Blackthorn, and I need to be on my game. But as Orby leads me to the room where Blackthorn and I met before, I can't shake the feeling that my world has just shifted, that I've taken a step down a dark path from which there's no turning back.

But I don't want to.

Blackthorn opens the door, his eyes scanning me from head to toe. "Miss Black," he greets, stepping aside to let me in. "You look different."

I raise an eyebrow as I enter his office. "Different how?"

He closes the door behind me, his gaze lingering on my face. "More alive," he says finally. "More you."

I smile, taking a seat in front of his desk. "I feel more me," I admit. "Like I'm finally waking up after a long sleep."

Blackthorn nods, taking his own seat. "Good. That means you're embracing your true nature. Now, tell me about your progress with the blood."

I shift in my seat. "It's intense," I say, choosing my words carefully. "I can feel the power in it, the energy. It is a craving, one I'm finding hard to resist." I lay it out there to see if I can tell if he knew this would happen to me.

Blackthorn leans forward, his eyes intense as he ignores my question. "And how does it make you feel? Physically, emotionally?"

I think back to the rush of energy, the heightened senses, the wild hunger. "Strong. Like I can do anything."

A slow smile spreads across Blackthorn's face. "Excellent. That's exactly how it should feel. These cravings, are you resisting them?"

I nod. "Yes, but it's hard. I want more, always. But I'm controlling it, not letting it control me."

"Good," Blackthorn says, leaning back in his chair. "Very good. Finish the flask and then switch to synthetic blood. You can drink as much of that as you like."

"Good to know," I murmur, already planning to swing by the dining hall to grab some after this.

Inside I'm a swirling mass of dark desires and newfound power.

"Now, Miss Black, it's time we discuss your unique abilities. As a Vesper, you possess powers that go beyond those of an ordinary vampire. One of these, as I mentioned before, is the ability to enhance the powers of others."

"How does that work exactly?"

"That's what we're here to find out," Blackthorn says, standing up. He moves to a cabinet and retrieves a small, ornate box. "This contains a magical artefact. On its own, it has a limited range of influence. I want you to hold it and focus on enhancing its power."

He places the box in front of me. It's made of dark wood, intricate carvings adorning its surface. I reach out hesitantly, my fingers brushing against the cool wood.

"Go on," Blackthorn encourages. "Pick it up and concentrate. Imagine its power growing, expanding."

I take a deep breath and lift the box. It's surprisingly light. I close my eyes, trying to sense the magick. At first, there's nothing. Then, slowly, I become aware of a faint pulsing, like a heartbeat.

"I can feel something," I murmur, my eyes still closed. "It's pulsing."

"Good," Blackthorn's voice comes from somewhere to my left. "Now, focus on that pulse. Will it to grow stronger, to expand."

I furrow my brow, concentrating hard. In my mind, I picture the pulse growing, spreading out from the box in waves. Suddenly, I feel a surge of energy. My eyes fly open.

The box in my hands is glowing, a soft blue light emanating from the carvings. Blackthorn is standing a few feet away, his eyes wide with excitement.

"Remarkable," he breathes. "The artefact's range has doubled."

I stare at the glowing box, awe and trepidation washing over me. "Is this normal?"

Blackthorn shakes his head. "No, Miss Black. This is extraordinary. Your ability to enhance is far more potent than I anticipated. With practice, who knows what you might be capable of?"

I set the box down carefully, watching as the glow fades. "What else can I do?"

Blackthorn's eyes gleam with excitement. "Let's find out, shall we? I have a few more tests prepared." He retrieves a small, iridescent stone from his desk drawer. "This is a basic protection charm," he explains, placing it in my palm. "Normally, it can shield the wearer from minor hexes within a radius of about three feet. Let's see if you can expand its range."

I close my eyes, focusing on the smooth surface of the stone. I imagine its power as a shimmering bubble, beating gently. Concentrating hard, I will the bubble to grow, to stretch outward. A tingling sensation spreads from my hand up my arm.

"Remarkable," Blackthorn murmurs. I open my eyes to see him pacing the edges of the room, waving a wand that emits sparks. "The charm is now protecting the entire office. You've increased its power tenfold."

Next, he produces a vial of swirling green liquid. "A simple healing potion," he says. "Typically, it can cure minor cuts and bruises. I want you to enhance its potency."

I cradle the vial in both hands, picturing the potion inside becoming brighter, more vibrant. The liquid begins to glow, its colour deepening to a rich emerald.

Blackthorn takes the vial, examining it closely. "Fascinating. This could now heal broken bones, possibly even severe internal injuries. The implications for magical medicine are staggering."

For the final test, Blackthorn stands before me, his expression serious. "I'm going to cast a simple illumination spell," he says. "I want you to try to enhance my magical output."

"Wait," I say. "You have magick? I thought you were a vampire?"

He smiles but doesn't answer my question which makes me even more wary about this creature now, but he is definitely helping me realise my potential. So, I push it aside and try to focus on the good.

As he begins to mutter the incantation, I imagine his power as a bright flame. I mentally stoke that flame, willing it to burn brighter and hotter.

Suddenly, the room is flooded with blinding light. I shield my eyes, spots dancing in my vision. When the glare fades, I see Blackthorn staring at his hands in awe.

"In all my years," he whispers, "I've never produced such powerful magick."

I'm drenched in sweat, my body trembling with exertion. The rush of power is intoxicating, but it's taken a toll. I collapse into my chair, breathing heavily.

"You've exceeded all expectations, Miss Black," Blackthorn says, looking both impressed and slightly concerned. "But remember, with great power comes great responsibility, and great risk."

I nod weakly, too drained to speak. Despite the exhaustion, there's a deep sense of satisfaction settling in my bones. For the first time, I feel like I'm touching the surface of my true potential. It's exhilarating but at the same time, it's scaring me beyond anything I've encountered here at MistHallow so far. "Thanks, I think. So, what happens now?"

Blackthorn sits back down behind his desk, his expression turning serious. "Now, we begin your real training. You need to learn to control these abilities, to use them effectively, and more importantly, you need to learn when not to use them."

I nod, understanding the gravity of his words. "I'm ready," I say, and I mean it. Despite the exhaustion, I feel more alive than ever before.

Blackthorn gives me a small smile. "I believe you are, but be careful. Power like yours... it can be intoxicating. Don't let it consume you."

As I leave Blackthorn's office, my mind is reeling. The extent of my abilities, the potential I possess, make me feel like I'm standing on the edge of something massive, something that could change everything.

But as I make my way to the dining hall, Orby bouncing along next to me, I touch my lips, remembering Zephyr's kiss, the dark thrill I felt watching him torture Lucian. I think about the rush of the blood, the power I felt enhancing those magical objects.

I'm walking a fine line, between control and chaos, between light and dark. Légère and Black.

I'm convinced that means something more than just two random names. I simply need to find out what.