21. Adelaide

21

ADELAIDE

The Sanctuary is completely different to the chaos we just left behind at MistHallow. The air here is cool and crisp, filled with the scent of pine and wildflowers. Under different circumstances, it might have been peaceful. But the fear and confusion from the gathered students and staff members keep any sense of tranquillity at bay.

I scan the crowd, searching for familiar faces. Corvus is still by my side, his hand gripping mine tightly. I spot Zephyr leading Athens House into our new surroundings. But there's no sign of Ignatius or Zaiah.

"Where are the others?" I ask Corvus, unable to keep the worry from my voice.

He shakes his head, his jaw clenched tight. "Ignatius was leading Rome House, but Zaiah... I lost track of him when the shadows first attacked."

A cold fear grips my heart.

Don't fret, sister. If they're as strong as fate believes them to be, they'll find their way to us.

For once, I hope she's right.

"Me," I correct her under my breath.

Professor Blackthorn's voice cuts through the confused chatter. "Everyone, please remain calm. We are safe here for the moment. House Captains, please gather your students and perform a headcount. Any injured should report to Professor Thornridge immediately."

As Corvus moves to gather the Carthage students, I feel a hand on my waist. I turn to find Zephyr, his face etched with concern.

"Are you okay?" he asks, his eyes searching mine.

I nod, though okay feels like a stretch. "I'm not hurt. Go to your House. They need you more than I do."

He nods and brushes his lips over mine, throwing Corvus a look that screams blue murder will happen if anything happens to me.

He moves away, and I turn to Corvus. He is watching me intently.

"What do you know?" he asks.

I hesitate, unsure of how much to reveal. Corvus's piercing gaze seems to see right through me, and I know I can't lie to him. Not now, not after everything we've been through.

"It's complicated," I finally whisper. "Corvus, I know why all of this is happening."

His brow furrows, concern etched on his face. "Go on."

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. Crimson stirs in the back of my mind, her presence more tangible than ever before. Don't tell him. Not yet.

But before I can answer, a commotion near the edge of the clearing catches our attention. Students are gathering around something, their voices rising.

"What's going on?" I ask, standing on my tiptoes to try and see over the crowd.

Corvus, with his superior height, manages to catch a glimpse. His face pales. "It's Zaiah," he says, already moving towards the crowd. "Come on!"

We push our way through the crowd of students, my heart pounding in my chest. When we finally break through, I feel my breath catch in my throat.

Zaiah is lying on the ground, his white eyes wide and unfocused. But it's not just his appearance that's shocking - it's what's happening around him. Shadows seem to be dancing around his prone form, writhing and twisting in unnatural ways.

"Zaiah!" I cry out, moving to rush to his side. But Corvus's hand on my arm stops me.

"Wait," he says, his voice tense. "Look."

I follow his gaze and feel my heart stop. Because there, emerging from the shadows surrounding Zaiah, is one of those creatures that attacked me. Without any hesitation, I move forward, even though Corvus has a strong grip on my arm.

"Addy, no."

"Wait!" I say and use that unfamiliar vampiric strength to yank my arm away from him. "My pet!"

All eyes turn to me as the shadow creature stops trying to possess Zaiah, or whatever the fuck he is doing, and he looks at me.

Oooh, little bitch, stepping up. Show me what you've got, sis.

"Fuck right off," I snarl under my breath and move forward, hands out so everyone can see that I'm not armed. Well, except with the book that appears to be stuck to my hand. I quickly shove it in the back of my leggings and show my hand again. "My pet," I say again, quieter this time. "Come to me."

It hovers for a second as the Sanctuary holds its breath. Blackthorn is creeping closer, but I hear Corvus tell him to stop.

"I know you're wary," I say. "I hurt your friend. But I didn't realise he meant no harm to me. I was scared. I'm sorry."

The gasps around me are shocked, and hushed whispers follow.

The shadow creature seems to consider my words, its form flickering like a candle flame caught in the wind. Slowly, it begins to drift towards me, leaving Zaiah's still figure behind. The students around us back away, creating a clear path between the creature and myself.

Corvus's voice is low and urgent next to me. "What the hell are you doing, Addy?"

I don't look at him, keeping my gaze fixed on the advancing shadow. "Trying something," I mutter, hoping my plan isn't as insane as it currently looks.

As the creature reaches me, I hold my breath, half expecting it to strike. Instead, it circles me once before settling at my feet like some dark and twisted pet. I can hear the murmuring of the crowd around us, but I keep my attention focused on the shadow.

"What now?" Zephyr mutters behind me.

I kneel down slowly beside Zaiah, who looks barely conscious. With one hand on his chest and another extended towards the creature, I speak directly to it. "Now you're going to help him. Whichever one of you possessed him can leave his body now."

There's a collective intake of breath from the crowd as they watch in amazement.

The shadow vibrates for a moment before extending what might be considered an appendage towards Zaiah. It touches him lightly, and instantly, his body starts convulsing.

"Addy!" Corvus exclaims, stepping forward as if to pull me away from whatever I've started.

But before he can reach me, Zaiah's eyes snap open, and the shadowy form withdraws from Zaiah's body and merges with the shadow at my feet.

"What is she doing?" Corvus whispers to Zephyr.

"Controlling the shadows…" he croaks. "The shadows are her servants."

"What?" Corvus snaps.

"Fucking hell," Zephyr breathes out as he kneels next to me and takes my hand.

I smile at him, and he returns it, but it's shaky.

Turning my attention back to Zaiah, I pull my hand from Zephyr's and lay it on the djinn's chest. "You okay?"

"Yeah," he rasps. "But I wasn't in danger. It used me to get to you."

His eyes bore into mine and I nod, understanding. "I know. I'm sorry."

"Addy, what is going on?" Ignatius says, crouching next to me.

I stand up and help Zaiah to his feet, pulling him to me for a hug before I let him go and look at the men surrounding me.

You tell ‘em, sis.

"I'm accepting my destiny."