A Dangerous Confession
The corridors of Nightshade Academy were cloaked in shadows as Eryon made his way to a secluded alcove. The cold stone walls seemed to press in on him, amplifying the weight of what he was about to do. Every instinct screamed at him to turn back, to keep his secret locked away, but he knew Misery wouldn’t let this go.
When he arrived, she was already there. Misery leaned against the wall with her usual casual confidence, her arms crossed and a sly smirk tugging at her lips. The dim torchlight cast flickering shadows across her sharp features, making her look every bit the predator she was.
“You’re punctual,” she said, her tone playful but edged with steel.
Eryon didn’t reply immediately. Instead, he scanned the hallway behind him, ensuring no one had followed. Satisfied they were alone, he stepped closer. “If I tell you the truth,” he said, his voice low and urgent, “you have to swear you’ll keep it to yourself. No one else can know.”
Misery tilted her head, the amusement in her eyes giving way to curiosity. “Swear? That’s a lot of trust you’re asking for, darling. What makes you think I won’t use it against you?”
Eryon’s wolf stirred uneasily, but he forced himself to stay calm. “Because if you don’t, it’s not just me you’ll destroy. It’s my sister too.”
Misery’s expression shifted at the mention of Lyra. Her smirk faltered for a brief moment before returning, though softer this time. “Fine,” she said, her tone serious now. “I swear. So, spill it.”
Eryon hesitated, the weight of his secret pressing down on him like a stone. He had spent his entire life hiding what he was, crafting a careful façade to survive in a world that would kill him on sight. But now, faced with Misery’s relentless curiosity, he had no choice.
“I’m not human,” he began, his voice tight.
Misery’s brow arched, but she said nothing, waiting for him to continue.
“And I’m not a vampire,” he added, his amber eyes meeting hers. In the dim light, his irises flickered with a faint golden glow.
Her expression shifted, her smirk fading completely. “Go on,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Eryon took a deep breath, his hands curling into fists at his sides. “I’m a werewolf.”
The words hung in the air between them, heavy and raw. Misery’s crimson eyes widened slightly, but to his surprise, she didn’t recoil or lash out. Instead, she studied him, her sharp gaze searching his face.
“Well,” she said after a long moment, a small smile tugging at her lips. “That explains a lot.”
Eryon frowned, his wolf bristling at her nonchalance. “This isn’t a joke, Misery. If the King finds out—”
“I know,” she interrupted, her tone uncharacteristically soft. “You don’t need to tell me how dangerous this is. But don’t worry, darling. Your secret’s safe with me.”
“Why?” Eryon demanded, his voice sharp. “Why would you help me?”
Her smirk returned, though it was tempered by something softer. She stepped closer, her presence overwhelming as she leaned in. “Because I like you, Eryon,” she said, her voice low. “You’re different. Interesting. And, let’s face it, this academy is terribly dull without a little danger.”
Eryon’s eyes narrowed. “That’s not a reason.”
Her breath brushed against his ear as she whispered, “Oh, but it is. And besides, you’re going to owe me for this. And I always collect.”
Her words sent a chill down his spine, but Eryon knew there was no turning back now.
