Ava gripped the edge of the wooden table, her knuckles white as she tried to steady herself. Damon's words from the night before still rang in her ears, each one heavier than the last.
"They'll come for you, Ava. And when they do, you have to be ready."
The silver charm he'd given her rested in her palm, its smooth surface deceptively calming. She didn't know what was worse—the looming threat of Nathaniel or the secrets Damon seemed intent on keeping.
"Are you just going to stand there all day?" Lucas's sharp voice cut through her thoughts.
Ava turned to see him leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, his golden eyes gleaming with impatience.
"I don't have time for your attitude, Lucas," she snapped, stuffing the charm into her pocket.
"And I don't have time to babysit someone who doesn't listen," he shot back, stepping into the room.
"I'm not a child," Ava retorted, meeting his gaze head-on.
Lucas smirked. "Could've fooled me."
Before she could respond, the faint sound of a horn echoed through the academy grounds. Both of them froze.
"That's the warning signal," Lucas muttered, his expression darkening.
---
The courtyard was in chaos when they arrived. Students and instructors alike were scrambling, their movements frantic as they prepared for what could only be an attack.
Ava's heart pounded as she scanned the crowd for Damon. She spotted him near the front gates, issuing orders with a calm authority that seemed out of place amidst the panic.
"You're late," Damon said as she approached, his tone clipped.
"What's happening?" Ava asked, ignoring his reprimand.
"Nathaniel's forces are on the move," Damon replied, his gaze fixed on the horizon. "They're testing our defenses."
Ava swallowed hard. "And if they get through?"
"They won't," Damon said firmly. "Not tonight."
Lucas appeared at her side, his usual smirk replaced by a rare look of seriousness. "Where do you need me?"
Damon hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Take the east perimeter. Make sure no one slips through."
Lucas gave a curt nod and turned to leave, but not before casting a glance at Ava. "Try not to get yourself killed."
Ava bristled but said nothing as he disappeared into the crowd.
---
Hours later, the tension in the air was palpable. Ava found herself stationed near the academy's northern wall, her every sense on high alert.
"You're trembling," Lila whispered, her voice barely audible over the distant sounds of movement.
"I'm fine," Ava lied, gripping the silver charm in her pocket like a lifeline.
Lila didn't look convinced, but she didn't press further. Instead, she handed Ava a small dagger, its blade gleaming in the moonlight.
"Just in case," Lila said softly.
Ava nodded, taking the weapon and tucking it into her belt. She didn't have time to second-guess herself; the first sign of trouble came moments later.
A low growl echoed through the trees, sending a shiver down her spine.
"Did you hear that?" Lila asked, her voice trembling.
Ava nodded, her hand tightening around the hilt of the dagger. "Stay close."
The growl came again, closer this time. Shadows shifted among the trees, and Ava's heart raced as she caught a glimpse of glowing red eyes.
"They're here," she whispered.
---
The attack came swiftly. Nathaniel's loyalists moved like shadows, their speed and precision overwhelming. Ava barely had time to react as one of them lunged at her, claws outstretched.
She ducked, narrowly avoiding the strike, and lashed out with the dagger. The blade caught the attacker's arm, and he snarled in pain before retreating into the darkness.
"Ava, behind you!" Lila shouted.
Ava turned just in time to see another figure closing in. She raised the dagger, but before she could strike, a powerful gust of wind knocked the attacker off his feet.
Damon appeared out of nowhere, his eyes glowing with an intensity that made Ava's breath catch.
"Get back to the main hall," he ordered, his voice leaving no room for argument.
"But—"
"Now!"
Ava hesitated for only a moment before grabbing Lila's hand and running toward the academy.
---
The main hall was a frenzy of activity. Students huddled together, their faces pale with fear, while instructors barked orders and reinforced the barricades.
Ava and Lila pushed their way through the crowd, their breaths coming in ragged gasps.
"What's happening out there?" one of the students asked, his voice shaking.
"Chaos," Ava replied, her tone grim.
Lila sank to the floor, her hands trembling as she clutched at her knees. Ava knelt beside her, placing a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"We'll get through this," Ava said, though she wasn't sure if she believed it herself.
Before Lila could respond, the sound of shattering glass filled the room.
All eyes turned to the large window at the far end of the hall. A figure stood silhouetted against the moonlight, his presence commanding and utterly terrifying.
Nathaniel.
Nathaniel stepped through the shattered glass, his gaze sweeping over the room like a predator sizing up its prey.
"Well," he said, his voice cold and mocking. "I was hoping for a challenge, but this will do."
Ava's blood ran cold as his eyes locked onto hers.
"You've been causing quite a bit of trouble, haven't you, Ava?"
Damon appeared beside her, his jaw tight and his fists clenched. "You won't touch her."
Nathaniel smiled, his fangs glinting in the dim light. "Oh, Damon. You should know by now—I always get what I want."