The return to Blackmoon Academy was nothing short of a blur.
Lucian walked with a protective arm around Rayne’s waist, guiding her through the whispering shadows of the forest. Neither spoke much. She was too exhausted. He was too tense. Blood—his and hers—still clung to their torn clothes, and the forest’s dark magic felt like it still clung to their skin. The Trial of Shadows had taken more than just their strength.
It had unearthed secrets.
And now, they carried those secrets with every step.
When they crossed the boundary stone marking the edge of the Trial grounds, a magical flare lit up in the distance. The signal.
They had made it out alive.
Barely.
A pair of instructors appeared moments later, faces etched in surprise. Survivors were rare in the Trial of Shadows—especially n
