There's a feeling you get when you know something's off. It's that sharp twist in your gut, like someone's watching you when they shouldn't be, or someone's lying just a little too well. It's that instinct that keeps you on edge, makes your hand slide closer to the hilt of your dagger without even thinking.
I couldn't shake that feeling today. It gnawed at me, tightening its grip as the day wore on. It didn't help that the entire academy seemed to be buzzing with some kind of unseen energy. The royal family had arrived, and everyone was scrambling to impress them. They were like sharks circling the water, looking for any opportunity to make a move.
And I... I was just trying to stay out of the way.
But that was the problem, wasn't it? I couldn't stay in the shadows forever. Not when everyone was suddenly watching me. Not when he was watching me.
Thorne.
Every time our eyes met, I felt like the world around me froze. I hated it. I hated how he made me feel so exposed. It was as if he could see right through me, could sense my hesitation, my fear. And yet, he didn't push. He just observed. And I couldn't figure out if that made him more dangerous—or if it made me more vulnerable.
I found myself at the edge of the courtyard, trying to disappear into the crowd. I should've been focused on the task at hand, not whatever game Thorne was playing. But as always, my thoughts circled back to him.
"Lady Alden."
I froze. His voice.
I didn't have to turn to know it was him. I could feel his presence, like a weight settling on my shoulders. A sense of inevitability.
I turned slowly, meeting his gaze with the same guarded expression I always wore. "Prince Thorne," I said, my voice tight, betraying none of the panic that was rising inside me.
He didn't speak right away, just studied me with that unnerving calm. "I see you've found your place among the shadows," he said, his tone casual, but there was something behind his words—something that made me feel like I was being measured, evaluated.
I couldn't tell him the truth—that I didn't choose the shadows. They were all that were left for me.
"I prefer it this way," I said, my words clipped. "Less attention, less trouble."
He raised an eyebrow, as if amused by my attempt at hiding. "You've never been one to shy away from trouble, Lady Alden. I wonder what would happen if you let yourself be seen for once."
I scoffed, folding my arms. "I've seen enough of what happens when you trust the wrong people."
Thorne's smile was brief, but it sent a chill through me. "Maybe. Or maybe it's time you trusted the right people."
I didn't respond. Instead, I turned and walked away, my heart pounding.
Trust? What a ridiculous thought. I couldn't afford to trust anyone—not in this place. Not after everything I'd already been through.
I couldn't help but wonder, though, as I walked through the courtyard—Was Thorne right?