The King’s Shadow
The Vampire King’s restlessness had grown into a palpable force, his frustration infecting the entire academy. Whispers of his dissatisfaction spread like wildfire, and the sudden announcement of an inspection sent waves of fear through students and staff alike.
Seraphine’s warning echoed in Lyra and Eryon’s minds. “You must act as if nothing has changed,” she had said. “If he suspects you’re involved, he’ll destroy you both without hesitation.”
The inspection began at dawn, with the King’s knights storming the academy. Their black armor gleamed in the pale light, and their sharp voices carried through the halls as they interrogated students and searched their quarters.
Adrian was tasked with overseeing the inspection, a role that placed him dangerously close to Lyra and Eryon’s secret. He moved through the academy with precision, his sharp gaze scanning every room, every face. But as he approached the twins’ quarters, a strange tension filled the air.
Eryon’s wolf stirred uneasily as he felt a faint hum beneath the floorboards. The artifact’s energy was growing stronger, its pulsing glow threatening to seep through the cracks.
Adrian stepped into the room, his expression cold and calculating. His eyes swept over the furniture, the sparse decorations, the rug that covered the hidden compartment. “Something feels off,” he said, his tone clipped.
Lyra stood by the window, her heart pounding as she watched him move. She clenched her fists, willing herself to stay calm.
“What’s this?” Adrian asked suddenly, his gaze landing on the faint glow beneath the rug.
Thinking quickly, Lyra knocked over a nearby lamp, the crash drawing Adrian’s attention. “Sorry!” she said hastily, feigning embarrassment as she bent to pick up the pieces.
Eryon seized the moment to cover the glow, subtly pressing the artifact deeper into the hidden compartment.
Adrian straightened, his expression unreadable as he turned to Lyra. “You’re nervous,” he said quietly, his voice low and probing. “What aren’t you telling me?”
Lyra opened her mouth to respond, but a knock at the door interrupted them.
“Adrian,” Misery’s voice called from the hallway, sharp and impatient. “We need to talk. Now.”
Adrian hesitated, his crimson eyes lingering on Lyra for a moment longer before he turned and left.
As the door closed behind him, Lyra and Eryon exchanged a tense glance, their wolves growling softly in unison. They had barely escaped this time, but the King’s shadow was closing in fast.
