Chapter 10: The Price of Moonshade

Back at the academy, the moment I entered my room, I sensed someone inside. The walls were lined with old books, and the air smelled faintly of candle wax and dust.

I looked toward the corner. Outside the window, the night breeze was cool, the lamp flickered, and the candlelight danced. My heart raced, and my jaw clenched as I scanned the shadows.

Marcus sat at my desk, holding one of my favorite books. His posture was rigid, his knuckles white around the spine.

His eyes fixed on me, unreadable. The tension between us was palpable, every breath charged with old resentment.

“Why are you in my room?” My voice was sharp, colder than I intended.

Marcus stared at me for a long time, silent. His lips pressed into a straight line; he tossed the book onto the desk, his voice deep and cold. “Autumn, you’ve been gone too long this time.”

I froze, realizing that after half a year with Caleb, he probably thought I’d been out partying after finishing an assignment. The accusation stung, but I forced a bitter laugh. “Does Marcus have something wrong with his head?” I wondered. Who does he think he is—since when can he control my affairs?

“Your birthday’s in a few days, and the academy tournament’s coming up. Tessa suggested postponing your celebration.” Marcus’s eyes flickered, lowering his gaze to hide his feelings.

“I know you want me to celebrate with you, but this tournament is important—I can’t miss it. Autumn, be reasonable.” His words tumbled out, desperate and defensive.

I curled my lips, looking at him coldly. “But you can’t participate in the tournament.”

Marcus looked at me, our eyes meeting in midair. The tension snapped, and in the next moment, I flashed in front of him. Before he could react, my right hand reached into his core.

His pupils dilated, stunned, and he looked down. I deftly extracted the Moonshade potion, his shirt already soaked in warm blood. A few drops splattered on my book, like red maple leaves, stark against the pages.

“I didn’t even know where to find you to get the Moonshade flower back, but you came to me.” My voice was steady, my hands unflinching.

I felt no guilt at all. The resolve in my chest was ironclad.

“Autumn...” Blood trickled from Marcus’s mouth as he called my name, his brows full of disbelief. His gasp echoed in the small room, and his hand trembled as he reached for me.

I vaguely remembered the day I picked him up. He’d been dying then too. The Moonshade flower was given to him by me, his body nursed by me—and now I’m just taking back what’s mine.

Tessa is by his side now; she’ll find a way to save him again. I told myself this was not my burden anymore.

He clutched his stomach and slid to his knees, his eyes bloodshot, his trembling, bloodstained hand reaching for my hem. “Autumn.”

I dodged him in disgust, didn’t look back, and left the room. Caleb is still waiting for me.

As I stepped into the hallway, the old wood creaked beneath my feet, echoing my resolve. The distant sounds of the academy—laughter, shouts, the thrum of life—felt foreign, like a world I’d already left behind. I pressed my hand to my chest, feeling the Moonshade potion’s cool weight, and whispered a silent promise to Caleb: This time, I won’t let you down. Whatever awaits us, I’m ready.