Page 10 of The Fractured Veil

Chapter4

Thalia’s POV

The next morning, my head was pounding, and my mouth felt like a desert.What the hell was in those drinks?I'd had my fair share of alcohol before—like any normal twenty-three-year-old—but this hangover was something else entirely. I dragged myself out of bed, cursing my internal clock for always waking me up at the crack of dawn, even on a Saturday. The room spun a little as I stumbled towards the bathroom— it's tiny, but I was grateful for the privacy.

After a long, hot shower, the steam worked its magic, and I felt almost human again. My head still throbbed with a dull ache, but at least the room had stopped swaying. Throwing on a pair of leggings and my trusty Nyvorthia High sweatshirt, I decided to head to the cafeteria for some much-needed food. It was Saturday morning, so I figured most students would either be sleeping off the effects of the party or off campus, enjoying their weekend freedom.

As I made my way down the cobblestone path, my eyes drifted towards the tree line. The image of those unsettling green eyes from the night before flashed through my mind.What else is out there lurking in those shadows?The weight of unanswered questions pressing against my already aching head.

Lost in thought, I collided with what felt like a solid wall. I stumbled backward, my heart skipping a beat, before a pair of strong hands reached out, encircling my waist and steadying me.

A low, amused sound reached my ears. I looked up, my breath catching as I met Zarek's eyes. This close, I could see the flecks of gold swimming in those amber irises. A lazy smirk played on his lips, radiating a confidence that bordered on arrogance. He knew exactly the effect he had on me, and he seemed to revel in it. His dark hair, slightly tousled, framed a face that was both handsome and intimidating. He was about the same height as Nox—why were all the Shadow Brothers so damn tall?Even at five foot nine, I still had to crane my neck to meet his gaze, which did little to help my already flustered composure.

"Careful there, Firefly," he drawled, his voice smooth like velvet, laced with a playful tease. "I didn't think you'd be this eager to run into me this morning." He looked down at me, a hint of challenge in their depths.

I blinked, still trying to fully register that I'd literally collided with him. His hands lingered on my waist for a heartbeat too long, sending a fresh wave of tingles through me. I quickly stepped back, heat creeping up my neck despite the cool morning air.What is wrong with me?

"Eager? More like distracted," I retorted, rolling my eyes, hoping he wouldn't notice the slight tremor in my voice.

Zarek's lips curled into a grin that made my stomach do a flip. "Distracted, huh?" His eyes gleamed with mischief. "And what could possibly have you so lost in thought?"

"Uh, nothing—just... stuff," I mumbled, cursing my inability to form a coherent sentence in his presence.Great answer, Thalia, real smooth.Why did he have to stand so close? And why did my brain suddenly feel like it was misfiring?

He tilted his head, watching me with that same curious, almost predatory intensity that seemed to be a trademark of the Shadow Brothers. I crossed my arms defensively, trying to regain some semblance of composure.

"You're the one who's built like a damn brick wall," I shot back, my cheeks burning.

He raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Ah, so it's my fault, is it?"

"I'm just saying, a warning sign wouldn't hurt," I replied, finally finding my footing.

Zarek chuckled, a low, rumbling sound that sent shivers down my spine. "Noted. Next time, I'll hang a sign around my neck just for you, Firefly." He winked, and I felt my heart skip a beat.

Rolling my eyes, I tried to ignore the way his teasing sent my pulse racing. "I'm late for breakfast," I muttered, attempting to step around him, but he shifted slightly, effectively blocking my path.

"Late for breakfast, huh?" His tone was casual, but the way his eyes locked onto mine sent a wave of heat through me. "Or are you just trying to avoid me?"

I swallowed, unsure how to answer that. The truth was, avoiding Zarek and his brothers had been my strategy since I arrived. But there was something about him standing here now—so close, so undeniably captivating.

He seemed to notice my hesitation, and his smirk softened—just a fraction. "Relax, Thalia. I'm not here to cause trouble." He stepped aside, giving me a clear path. "But maybe I'll see you later?"

His words hung in the air, heavy with unspoken possibilities. I quickly brushed past him, grateful to escape the intensity of his gaze. But as I hurried towards the cafeteria, I couldn't resist glancing back over my shoulder.

Zarek was still watching me, his smirk firmly in place, eyes glinting with that same unreadable expression that left me feeling more flustered than ever.

Sitting alone at my usual spot in the cafeteria, my stomach growled in anticipation of the feast before me. Just as I lifted a spoonful of fluffy eggs to my mouth, a voice shattered the peaceful quiet.

"Where did you go last night?" El’s tone was sharp enough to cut through butter. I froze, spoon midway to my mouth, completely caught off guard by her sudden appearance.

She plopped down across from me, arms crossed, her usually vibrant eyes narrowed with suspicion. Her normally flowing hair was pulled back into a messy bun, and despite the casual look, her expression screamed anything but relaxed. If looks could kill, I'd be six feet under. She was definitely pissed.

"I—" I started, but the look on her face made it clear she wasn't in the mood for excuses. "I went for a walk," I said carefully, setting the spoon down and trying to appear nonchalant.

"A walk?" El repeated, her voice dripping with disbelief. "By yourself? In the woods? At night?" Each word was punctuated with a glare that could have melted steel.

"Well, yeah," I mumbled, trying not to sound defensive. "I just needed some air. You were in the middle of your epic saga about accidentally setting your neighbor's prize-winning petunias on fire, and I figured I wouldn't be gone long."

El's eyes narrowed further, her fingers tapping a staccato rhythm on the table. "You know how dangerous that is, right? The wards only go so far, and the woods… Well, let's just say things can get nasty out there. Not to mention you disappeared without telling anyone." Her voice softened slightly, but her frustration was still palpable.

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