Chapter 1

CHAPTER1

Sera

The wind whippedmy hair as the carriage rattled along the cobblestones towards Blackthorn Academy. I shivered, though not just from the chill night air. Apprehension coursed through me at the thought of returning to this place that harbored such bitter memories. The ghosts of last year’s grief and betrayal still haunted these halls.

All too soon, the imposing wrought-iron gates appeared, enclosing the ancient school like the jaws of some great stone beast. I hesitated, clutching my cloak tight against the darkness beyond. Could I bear to reenter that den of secrets and heartbreak?

With a violent jolt, the carriage halted.

My breath fogged before me as I gazed up at the academy’s imposing entrance. The oxen-type creatures that pulled the coach snorted impatiently, their breath misting in the air. Heaving a deep sigh, I clambered down from the travel coach, the cool evening breeze stinging my cheeks.

Icy metal hinges creaked beneath my touch as the gates swung open, revealing the darkened path that led towards knowledge and the unknown.

“Welcome back, Miss Silvermist,” a voice echoed through the courtyard.

“Headmistress Blackthorn,” I uttered, turning to face the stern woman who stood at the top of the steps leading to the castle. Her black hair, streaked with silver, was pulled tightly into a bun, framing her piercing eyes that seemed to see right through me.

I clasped my hands, wringing them tightly.

“Your second year at Blackthorn Academy will not be without its challenges,” she continued, her voice as cold and crisp as the surrounding air. “But I trust you will find the strength to rise above them.” Her eyes locked on mine in a meaningful stare.

Fuck. She knew. She knew everything. How could she not know? It was right before the holidays that I’d caught Drazhan kissing Gloria Redmoon in this very courtyard—I’d cried and screamed at them, my heart torn and bleeding for all eyes to see. He was my boyfriend… and I thought Gloria was my friend.

“Yes, Headmistress,” I whispered, unable to meet her stern gaze.

“Very well, Miss Silvermist,” the Headmistress said. “Proceed to your dormitory and prepare for the term ahead. The academy awaits.”

Squaring my shoulders, I continued past the courtyard and into the gloomy interior, the scent of dust and candle wax swiftly enveloping me. The shadows here ran deep. This was not only a place of ancient knowledge, but the preternatural arena of merciless power struggles—a battle I feared I was destined to lose.

Brief relief came the minute I closed the door to my dorm room. Releasing a long exhalation, I leaned against the dense slab of iron-nailed wood. I gazed around the familiar space, taking in the carved furnishings awaiting me. But my eyes were drawn to the empty bed on the left side of the room. It had been meant for Gloria originally. Before her betrayal, we’d vowed to stick together through the years.

I’d started worrying I’d have to share quarters with Drazhan’s new girlfriend, and the notion filled me with dread. But now it seemed that side of the dorm would remain vacant. A small mercy perhaps, though the glaring emptiness echoed with ghosts of what could have been. With a melancholy sigh, I turned away from those faded dreams and began unpacking my things. This term marked a new start, and I would greet it unburdened by things beyond changing.

BOOM! The door burst open with such force that I stumbled and landed on the ground.

“Seraphina! You’re back!” a familiar voice said. I looked up to see my classmate, Lily, weaving her way through the throng of hurried students that crammed the hallway.

Her eyes sparkled with warmth and concern, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that there was something she wasn’t telling me. As Lily’s bright cornflower eyes searched my face, a strange shadow flickered through them—there one instant, vanished the next. I blinked uncertainly. For a moment, it seemed something cold peered out of my gentle friend’s gaze. But then, she waved her hand reassuringly, once again all warmth and compassionate concern.

At once, her sweet countenance slipped into a scowl. “Sera?” she asked in the sweetest tone, laden with innocence. “What are you doing on the floor?”

I scrambled my limbs back into place and sat up, sluggishly. “Hey, Lily…” I managed, forcing a smile onto my face. “How was your summer?”

“Good, thanks,” she replied, settling down beside me on the wood-tiled floor. “How about yours?”

“Fine…” I lied, my fingers twisting together nervously on my lap. I wanted to confide in her, to share the burden of my pain; but after my breakup with Drazhan, trust did not come easily to me.

“Seraphina,” Lily said softly, big dreamy eyes searching my own. “I know you’re hurting. And I’m here for you, okay? Whatever you need.” Her delicate hand folded over mine.

“Thanks,” I whispered. I knew she meant well, but the thought of opening up to someone—of making myself vulnerable—sent a shiver of fear down my spine.

The door swung open. “Hey, you two!” a boisterous voice interrupted.

We glanced up to see a group of our friends approaching. Shapeshifters. Wolves. “School doesn’t start until tomorrow… You up for a pint at Buckie’s?” Jasper teased, hazel eyes alight with mischief. He was the pack’s alpha, and he was also too cute to refuse.

“You know it!” Lily replied, her spirits lifted by their arrival. She turned to me, her hand on my arm reassuring. “What do you say, Sera?”

I hesitated for a moment, torn between my desire to move forward and the lingering pain from last year. But as I looked at my friends’ expectant faces, I knew I couldn’t let Drazhan’s betrayal hold me back.

“I’m in,” I said firmly, determination flaring within me like a newly kindled flame.

“Sweet!” Jasper said. A flash of a handsome grin followed—just enough for me to glimpse his keen fangs. “How about we get you ladies off the floor first?” He grabbed my hand and pulled. But when he reached down to do the same for Lily, Jasper hesitated before freezing solid, eyes gawping at her.

Lily’s mouth barely opened, but no sound came through. She blushed, widened eyes fixed on his.

“Gods!” I muttered under my breath, snatching Lily’s hand and hauling her to her feet. My stare bounced between Jas and her. It was no secret that these two had a massive crush on each other, but neither of them would make the first move.

Jasper uttered a nervous laugh, raking his fingers through his mane of chestnut hair. “I’ll catch you later, guys,” he told his pack, and the group swiftly scattered in the hallway.

We dipped into the crowded corridor and eased our way to the quieter staircase. Then, swinging his head towards us, Jasper asked, “Coach or mirror, ladies, what’ll it be?”

“I’ve recently discovered mirror traveling makes me sneeze,” Lily mumbled with a shrug. “No idea why.”

Jasper’s fierce eyes softened as they lazily roved her face. “Then coach it is,” he purred, the corner of his lips curling up in the warmest smile.

“I’m fine with it too…” I said, but the words went unheard. In spite of myself, I choked a laugh.

Within minutes, we were aboard a sleek black barouche, one of the academy’s driverless coaches. Jasper, Lily, and I snuggled into the plush cab as it rattled down the tree-lined road, their laughter and stories of summer adventures filling the night air.

I gazed out at the moon hanging low over the shadowy forest, the eerie glow heightening the mystical atmosphere surrounding Blackthorn’s grounds. A chill raised goosebumps on my arms as our coach rolled up to the carved wooden sign for Buckingham’s Pub & Billiards.

Stepping inside the warmly lit pub, I rubbed my chilly hands together in relief. Jasper offered to grab drinks while Lily tagged along. I smirked knowingly at her eagerness—those two just needed a nudge before dating bliss could be theirs.

I sat and sulked in the pub’s warmth. All in all, I was grateful for the nearby fireplace. Trying to clear my mind, I focused on the tough road ahead. If I wanted to succeed at Blackthorn, I had to push past this heartache.

As the first Silvermist to attend Blackthorn Academy, the weight of expectation lay heavy on my shoulders. My family’s hope for legitimacy and acceptance in an elite magical society depended on my success here. Failure was unthinkable—I could not let generations of struggle be in vain. This term had to mark the turning point against prejudices still shadowing our name.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath, summoning my strength. But a snarling voice shattered my concentration.

“All alone, Silvermist?”

My eyes snapped open to find Cassius Nightshade, his cold blue eyes boring into me with malicious delight. Of course, Drazhan’s loyal lackey would relish the opportunity to torment me.

“Poor abandoned thing,” he mocked, flashing sharp vampire fangs. “But I guess you’re used to it by now?”

My fists clenched tight under the table. “Get lost, Cassius,” I spat.

But his malicious grin only widened. Slipping a hand on the table, Cassius leaned closer and rumbled, “Ready yourself, little witch. This will be your worst year yet. I’ll make sure of it.” He let out an ominous laugh as he straightened, then vanished into the crowd.

Gods, what an insufferable bastard. My chest tightened with anger and unease. Cassius’ threats rattled me more than I cared to admit.

Jasper and Lily arrived then, concern in their eyes. “Was that creep bothering you?” he asked.

I shrugged it off, not wanting them to worry. But Cassius’ taunts lingered, stoking doubt inside me. If I faltered now, he would destroy me… Reluctantly, the warmth of forthcoming tears rose to my eyes.

Lily wrapped a supportive arm around me. “Oh… Don’t let him get to you, love,” she said soothingly. “You can’t let him win.”

Taking a deep breath, I steeled my nerves. “You’re right,” I said, blinking back the tears. “I’m not worried. I’ll be ready for him.”

But I was worried. Somehow, I had to find the strength to survive whatever darkness awaited me this year. And something told me it would prove more challenging than I first imagined.