La_mora_que_ame

//chapters every Thursday//
Evan Solene’s arrival at the Veiled Academy is supposed to mark the beginning of his prestigious education in the magical arts. But instead, it quickly becomes a descent into a world of secrets, power struggles, and forbidden magic. Beneath the academy's prestigious reputation lies a hidden truth: its true purpose is far more sinister than anyone knows.

In the midst of this shadowy realm, Evan finds himself drawn to Selene Arkwright, a mysterious and compelling student with a lineage that connects her to the academy’s darkest history. As their bond grows, Evan discovers Selene’s crucial role in a centuries-old conflict that threatens to tear the academy—and the magical world—apart.

The more Evan uncovers about the academy’s true purpose, the more he realizes that his arrival is no accident. The academy isn't just a place of learning; it's a breeding ground for the next generation of dark mages, and the students are nothing more than pawns in a deadly game. With powerful forces aligned against them, Evan and Selene must navigate a web of lies, betrayal, and temptation that threatens not only their love but their very lives.

At the heart of this treacherous institution stands Mira Solene, a teacher with a brutal reputation, who harbors her own dark ambitions. As Evan and Selene uncover Mira's role in the academy’s corrupt leadership, they must decide how far they’re willing to go to expose the truth and free themselves from the academy’s deadly grip.

Crown of Ruins/Garden of the Exiles

Chapter 26: The Witch's Grin

The explosion of marble dust hung in the air like fog, coating Evan's tongue with the taste of crushed stone and old magic. He rolled onto his side, spitting blood as his fingers closed around the hilt of his new dagger. The metal pulsed against his palm—not with heat, but with something deeper, as though the blade itself had a heartbeat.

Lucian took another step forward, his polished boots leaving no imprint in the disturbed earth. Moonlight slid off him like water off oiled leather, failing to illuminate the hollows beneath his cheekbones or the depths of his eyes. He moved wrong—not quite gliding, but with a fluidity that made Evan's stomach lurch, as if his body forgot to account for gravity between steps.

"Really, Selene," Lucian sighed, examining his flawless nails. "An oathbinding? With a stormcaller?" His voice dripped with mock disappointment. "Mother would be—"

Selene's dagger found his throat in a silver blur.

Lucian caught her wrist an inch from his skin, his fingers tightening until bones creaked. Selene didn't cry out, but the tendons in her neck stood taut as wires.

"Predictable." Lucian tutted, his free hand brushing a strand of hair from her face with grotesque tenderness. "Always so emotional when family's involved."

Storm magic surged through his scar, down his arm, into the blade—but instead of the usual lightning, something darker answered. The dagger's edge trailed black smoke as it arced toward Lucian's ribs.

For the first time, surprise flickered across Lucian's face. He released Selene to sidestep, but not fast enough. The blade grazed his side, parting fabric and flesh with unnatural ease.

No blood welled from the wound. Only shadows, thick and swirling, like ink poured from an unseen vial.

Lucian glanced at the injury, then at Evan. His smile returned, wider now. "Oh. Interesting."

Vines lashed from the darkness, thorns glistening with venom. Lucian melted backward into the shadows as Selene tackled Evan aside. A barbed tendril ripped through his sleeve, scoring flesh. The pain came late—a hot, sickening burn that spread up his arm like liquid fire.

"Run," Selene gasped, hauling him upright.

They crashed through the hedges as the garden came alive behind them. Roots erupted from the earth; branches twisted into clawed hands. Evan's vision blurred at the edges, the venom turning his blood to molten lead.

Somehow, they reached the dormitory tunnels. Selene barricaded the door with a slash of her hand, silver light welding the hinges shut. The metal screamed in protest as something heavy slammed against it from outside.

Evan collapsed against the wall, his dagger clattering to the stones. His arm had swollen to twice its size, the skin mottled black and green. "He's... not bound," he gritted out.

Selene ripped his sleeve open, her fingers trembling as she examined the wound. "Not completely. But not free either." She pressed her palm to the injury, her silver magic flaring. "That blade shouldn't have touched him at all."

The pain receded slightly, enough for Evan to focus. He gestured weakly to the dagger. "It's like the oath. Felt... different."

Selene's eyes flicked to the weapon, then back to his face. A silent understanding passed between them—whatever power they'd invoked tonight had changed more than just their loyalties.

The barricade shuddered under another impact. Dust rained from the ceiling.

Selene helped him stand, her arm around his waist. "We need to warn the others."

As they stumbled down the corridor, Evan glanced back. Through the cracks in the door, something watched them—not Lucian's darkness, but dozens of pinprick lights, clustered like spider's eyes.

Then the torchlight shifted, and they were gone.