Ophelia Moore never knew magic was real until her shadow magic exploded out of her, shattering her life in one terrifying moment.
Now, she's been thrust into the mysterious and gothic Hallowgate Academy, where students master dangerous powers, and...
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I step out of the shower, feeling the steam curl around me. It clings to my skin in a way that makes me feel suffocated. The mirror's fogged over, and the cold tiles beneath my feet do nothing to anchor me to reality.
I grab a towel, drying my long, black hair before tossing it aside and heading into my room. The deep crimson walls seem to close in on me, but it's better than the oppressive stone of the rest of the academy.
I pull on a loose, oversized sweater—one that hangs just off my shoulder—and a pair of shorts that barely peek out beneath the hem of the sweater. No bra. What's the point? It's not like anyone's going to see me, and even if they did, I doubt anyone at Hallowgate gives a damn about propriety.
This place isn't exactly known for its warmth or comfort. No one's going to be knocking on my door for tea and small talk. Other than when my shadows exploded, I don't think anyone's even noticed I exist.
Sitting on the edge of my bed, I let out a sigh. My first full day at Hallowgate Academy... Could've gone worse, I guess. Could've gone better, too. I'm still here, aren't I?
I glance at the window. The dark sky outside looks heavy, like it's about to swallow the academy whole. I wonder if anyone would notice if I just left. Slipped out into the night, disappeared without a trace.
But where the hell would I even go? I have nowhere. No one. Back to my parents? The ones who didn't even bother to hug me goodbye before shipping me off to this place like I was a problem to be solved? No thanks. They wouldn't care if I came back. Hell, they'd probably be relieved. I shake my head, trying to push the bitterness away, but it sticks like a thorn under my skin.
Besides, I couldn't survive out there on my own. I have no money, no plan, no idea what I'm even supposed to be anymore. And the whole magic thing? Yeah, that's not exactly something you can just walk away from.
I sigh again, feeling the familiar swirl of shadows under my skin. They're quieter now, kept in check by the runic ring Professor Gale gave me, but I can still feel them. Waiting. Watching. They haven't had another outburst, not since I put on the ring, but I know better than to think they're gone.
My schedule says we're supposed to work on our affinities after lunch with an assigned professor. Ha. What a joke. Turns out, there isn't even a professor for shadow magic. Figures. Apparently, there are only a handful of us on campus with this affinity. Draven being one of them. Lucky me.
It's safe to say we didn't form a study group.
I stare at the ring, the dull glow of the rune catching the dim light from the candle on my bedside table. My fingers move almost on their own, slowly slipping it off. The second it leaves my skin, I feel the change. The shadows stir, immediately pushing at the edges of my control, eager to be set free.
I slide the ring back on before they can escape, my heart pounding.
Will I ever control them? Or are they controlling me? I don't know anymore.
