Celeste had never felt fear like this before—not the kind that creeps into your bones and whispers, Something is wrong, and you're the only one who sees it.
And for the first time, it wasn't about monsters or curses or midnight duels.
It was about Violet.
---
The Forbidden Section
The library was silent, the kind of silence that made your ears ring. Celeste stood at the iron gate that led to the forbidden wing. The protective charm in her hand throbbed gently with warmth—Daemon's magic woven into it.
She whispered, "Open."
The lock clicked. The door creaked open.
Dust floated in golden shafts of moonlight. Shelves groaned under the weight of tomes too old and dangerous to touch.
Celeste had one goal: find anything on mind manipulation, dark enchantments, or the stolen book Violet had been seen near.
She lit a soft blue flame in her palm.
And she started searching.
---
Meanwhile – Hope, Isolated
Hope Everhart sat on the steps outside the central building, watching her breath cloud in the cold air. Students passed her—some with quick glances, some whispering, some outright avoiding her.
She was no longer "Hope, the brave tribrid."
She was "Hope, the cursed one."
"She doesn't belong."
"She's too dangerous."
"Trouble magnet."
London sat down beside her without a word. He didn't have to say anything. She leaned into him slowly, and he let her.
"Do you believe them?" she asked finally, voice soft.
"No," he said firmly. "I believe you."
She looked up at him, their eyes locking. The moment stretched—honest, raw, aching. But Hope pulled away with a sigh.
"I just don't know how much more I can take…"
"You've already taken more than most would survive," London said. "You're still standing."
---
Celeste Finds a Clue
Back in the forbidden wing, Celeste's flame dimmed. Her fingers trembled as she turned the pages of a ragged book with stitched leather binding.
And there it was.
The Spell of Obedience Through Shadows.
She scanned the ancient writing: A forbidden charm passed through witches of the black line, capable of overriding will through fear and trauma. Often used to turn trusted allies into weapons against their own kin.
Her heart dropped.
This is what Violet is using…
A sudden crash behind her made her spin—books tumbled from a shelf.
But no one was there.
She wasn't alone.
Celeste clutched Daemon's charm tighter. "Not now," she whispered, and ran out.
---
Students Turn
By morning, things had worsened.
During spellcasting class, a pair of witches refused to partner with Hope.
"Don't want your tribrid magic tainting mine," one said loudly.
In combat training, Raphael nearly lost his temper when another werewolf pushed Hope and said, "You're the reason our people keep dying."
Raphael shoved him so hard the student flew into a training dummy.
"Say that again. I dare you."
London held him back. "They're being controlled," he said through clenched teeth.
Stephen leaned against a wall, arms crossed. "Or this school's been infected by a fungus of stupidity."
---
Jessa Confronts Violet (Almost)
Later that evening, Jessa cornered Violet outside the observatory.
"I heard you were in the library last night. The restricted wing," Jessa said, eyes narrowed.
Violet blinked innocently. "Was I? That's news to me."
"You've changed. Everyone feels it."
"Maybe you've changed, Jessa. Hanging out with monsters tends to rot the heart."
Before Jessa could respond, Violet was already walking away, a smirk on her lips.
---
Hope Breaks
That night, Hope broke.
She stood in the garden again, the place where the first werewolf attack happened. The wind blew hard, ruffling her coat. She clenched her fists.
"I didn't ask for this," she whispered to the night. "I didn't ask to be made like this. I didn't ask to be feared."
And behind her, someone spoke gently.
"No. But you were chosen. And that makes people afraid."
It was Daemon.
Hope turned, surprised.
He rarely offered comfort. But tonight, something had softened him.
"Being different means you see the world from a higher peak. But the air's colder up there, and fewer people can breathe it."
She stared at him for a long moment. "Did you just say something poetic?"
He smirked faintly. "Don't get used to it."
---
Celeste Reveals the Truth (to Jessa)
Celeste burst into Jessa's room just after midnight.
"I know what she's doing!"
Jessa sat up groggily. "What? Who?"
"Violet! She's using an ancient obedience spell to control them—students, werewolves, vampires—she's making them attack Hope."
Jessa blinked, then stood. "Are you sure?"
"Yes. I saw it. I found the spell. She has the book."
The sisters exchanged a look.
One of dread.
One of determination.