Page 107 of Shattered Veil
A crash echoes through the chamber, followed by shouts and the clash of metal on metal. My heart leaps into my throat.
“Brigid!” Lochan’s voice rings out, desperate.
I crane my neck, catching glimpses of the chaos erupting at the far end of the room. Lochan’s tall form stands out, his movements a deadly dance as he carves through the guards. Rory’s snarls mix with the sounds of combat, primal and fierce. I renew my efforts to get up.“I have to help them.”
Fiona’s hand presses against my shoulder.“You can’t. The ritual’s already started.”
Rage flares hot in my chest.“Like hell it has.”
I focus inward, reaching for that deep well of shadow magic. It pulses just out of reach, teasing me with its potential.
Another shout draws my attention. Tiernan’s there too, his usually calm face twists in fury as he unleashes a blast of druidic magic. Guards go flying, but as quickly as they do, they’re replaced by more.
“They’re going to get themselves killed,” I whisper
The chanting intensifies, pressing down on me. My body feels heavy, unresponsive. Panic claws at my throat.
“What did you do to me?” I demand, glaring at Fiona.
Her eyes widen.“I-I didn’t—”
“Brigid!” Callen’s voice breaks through.“Hold on, we’re coming!”
I can see him now, fighting alongside the others. Blood streaks his face, but his eyes burn with determination. My chest aches at the sight.
“Get me out of here,” I plead, desperation coloring my voice.“Please, Fiona.”
She shakes her head, tears glimmering in her eyes.“I can’t. I’m so sorry.”
The magic pulses around us, growing stronger with each passing second. I can feel it worming its way into my body, foreign and familiar all at once. Fiona’s hand darts out, quick as a viper. Her fingers dig into my jaw, forcing my mouth open. Before I can react, she’s pressing a vial to my lips.
“Drink,” she hisses, her eyes locked on mine.
I try to jerk away, but my body won’t respond. The liquid burns as it slides down my throat, bitter and stinging. I choke, gasping for air.
“What the hell?” I splutter, coughing.
Fiona’s already moving, her hands a blur as she tucks the vial away. Her face smooths over, all traces of guilt vanishing like they were never there.
“Breathe, Brigid,” she says, her voice soothing.“It’ll help, I promise.”
I want to scream, to lash out, but the potion’s already taking effect. My limbs feel heavy, my thoughts sluggish. The chaos around us fades to a dull roar.
“You bitch,” I slur.“What did you do to me?”
Fiona leans in close, her lips barely moving.“Saved your life,” she whispers.“I can’t stop the ritual. But I can stop her from erasing you completely. Now play along.”
Her, my mind repeats. The Morrigan.
The hooded figures close in, their chanting low and guttural. It’s like a physical force, pressing against my skin, slithering into my ears. I try to shut it out, but it seeps through every crack in my defenses.
“Fuck off,” I growl, struggling against invisible bonds.“Get out of my head!”
One of the figures steps forward, placing a gnarled hand on my forehead. Ice spreads from their touch, numbing my thoughts.
“Embrace it, child,” they rasp.“Let the power flow.”
I grit my teeth, fighting the urge to scream.“I don’t want your fucking power!”
