Page 17 of Shattered Veil
The bell rings, signaling the end of class. Students begin to gather their belongings and file out of the room, a constant buzz of chatter filling the air. I wait, bracing myself for what’s coming next as I see Laria lingering in the hall.
Eira gives my hand a reassuring squeeze before gathering her things and heading towards the door. I linger for a few minutes, waiting for the hall to clear first, keeping my head down and avoiding eye contact as everyone else leaves the room. Professor Azareon leaves and I’m alone in the class room. I inhale deeply and walk out into the corridor.
Laria steps out in front of me.
“Where are all your men, Brigid? Haven’t seem them around you lately,” Laria sneers, her eyes cold and calculating.“Did they finally realize you’re not worth their time? Or maybe they’ve just had their fill of the chubby charity case spreading her legs for every guy who looks twice at her. It was only a matter of time before Callen got tired of slumming it with you.”
My hands clench. Anger bubbles up, hot and fierce. She’s not worth it, I tell myself.
Laria’s eyes glitter with malice as she steps closer, her voice dripping with venom.“What’s wrong, Brigid? Cat got your tongue? Or are you too busy thinking about all the cocks you’ve had in your mouth?” She laughs, high and cruel.
My cheeks burn with humiliation as other students stop to watch, snickering behind their hands.
“You’re nothing but a pathetic little slut, desperate for any scrap of attention. You’re not even fit to lick the dirt off Callen’s boots.”
She circles me like a shark, her words cutting deep.“I bet you drop to your knees for every guy who so much as glances your way. It’s the only way someone like you could ever hope to get any action. But even then, they probably have to close their eyes and pretend you’re someone else just to get it up.”
Other students titter, listening in.
“You’re a stain on this academy’s reputation. A fucking joke.”
“Fuck off, Laria.”
Her eyes widen. Then narrow dangerously.
“What did you just say to me?”
“You heard me.” My voice is steady, surprising even myself.
Power thrums through my veins. I could end her right now. The shadows beat in time with my racing heart, begging to be set free. I imagine wrapping them around Laria’s pale throat, squeezing until those cold eyes bulge and her smug smile fades. It would be so easy.
It would feel so good.
The urge is so strong I can taste it, metallic and cold on my tongue.
“You think you can talk to me like that?” She steps closer, fangs flashing.“I’ll make you regret ever coming to this school.”
I smile sweetly as my fingertips tingle, wisps of shadow magic leaking out. The temperature drops and I know Laria sees the shadows on the walls as they begin to slide down towards me.
Laria’s smug expression falters. For the first time, I see a flicker of fear in those cold eyes.
A familiar figure strides down the hall. Lochan steps in between us, his presence a wall of ice.
“Back off, Laria.” He crosses his arms.“Now.”
She hesitates, pride warring with self-preservation.
Finally, she retreats, shooting me a venomous glare.“Stay out of my way.”
“Don’t worry, Laria. I wouldn’t dream of getting in your way. After all, it takes a lot of space to fit that massive ego of yours. I’d hate to puncture it and deflate your whole personality.”
Laria’s face twists, marring her beautiful facade.
“You little shadow bitch,” she hisses.“You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”
I laugh.“Oh, I think I do. A spoiled, insecure little girl who’s so terrified of not being number one that she has to tear others down to feel important. It’s pathetic, really.”
Laria lunges forward, but Lochan’s arm shoots out, blocking her path.
