Page 2 of Property of Crypt Keeper

Obviously, the powder I’d applied over the bruise on my cheek wasn’t doing its job well. If I’d had a couple more days, I would’ve been fine.

“It’s nothing. I took a fall at the coast. It’s a long story I’d rather not get into because my embarrassment over my clumsiness is astronomical.” I rolled my eyes and forced a little laugh.

“Jesus,” she muttered as we walked to our first class. “You need to be more careful. You look like you took a right hook to the face.”

Yeah, pretty much.

That would only be the first of many bruises. I learned to buy better makeup and be thankful for my genetics.

“Why are you doing this?” Rafael asked after our fifth month. We were in the middle of a fencing duel and were close with locked blades. It was so cliché that I almost laughed. “This isn’t just about self-defense as your uncle insisted.”

I knew he was one of us, but it was hard to trust someone with my inner thoughts. Especially one of us. As myth would go, we were never to be trusted. “It is what I told you,” I haughtily murmured before detangling and stepping back.

“You lie.”

“I don’t,” I shot back as I lifted off my fencing mask and spun on my heel to return my foil to the holder. Sweat clung to my brow and my hair was damp with it.

“I did not say we were done,” Rafael said as he grabbed my shoulder and spun me around. He looked irritated and far too snotty, and it rubbed me the wrong way. That was the first time I truly felt like I lost control.

Fire burned through my veins and licked at my fingertips. I lunged at him and drove him to the ground. Whether I had tapped into some deep power or had simply taken him off guard, he hit hard. I leaned down to place my face closer to his.

For a split second, surprise registered in his dark gaze.

“Do not question me. You are here to train me. You’re being paid well for it. That is all you need to know,” I ground out as I seethed. I barely recognized my own voice.

Slowly, he lifted a hand and with one finger, turned my face to the mirror. I was shocked at what I saw. Staring back at me was a dark-haired, vicious-looking monster. My usually icy blue eyes were now so deep a blue, they appeared black. But my teeth were the most frightening. Each one appeared to be filed sharp.

Scrambling backward, I watched as I transformed back to my usual self.

“I-I-Is that what I look like inside?” I whispered in horror.

Over my shoulder, I watched Rafael’s reflection get to its feet. He leaned over and held out a hand to help me up.

“Is it?” I asked, my tone stronger.

He shrugged, and I looked away. “Who knows. Some of us can take on the appearance of essentially whatever we want. Whether that’s your inner self or simply the manifestation of your anger? I do not know. But that response proves my theory. So I ask again… young Katalina, why are you training?”

I gulped before I looked at him again. Finally, shoulders square, back stick-straight, I told him.

“I am going to kill every werewolf I find until I find the one responsible for the death of my parents.”

“How will you know which one killed them?” he asked with a calculated gleam in his eyes.

I stared at him without flinching as I told him, “Because they will be a werewolf.”

A wicked grin curved his mouth. “I knew there was a reason your uncle insisted it be me.”

“What are you talking about?”

“That is what my faction does. We hunt what was supposed to be instinct.”

My jaw fell. My uncle insisted?

“Welcome to the fold, Katalina.”

“Kat, I’m going to miss you so much! But university… oh, my friend, I’m so proud of you. Do you know that? I only wish I’d been able to go, and then we would’ve still been together. At least we’ll see each other over the summers.” Missy hugged me tightly, and I held onto her as well. She pulled back but held my arms. She looked so sad. There would be no university studies for her as her parents had arranged a marriage to the son of some big banker. Her future held children, galas, and parties for the rich.

A tight smile was all I could manage because this would likely be the last time I saw her. “Of course.”