Page 18 of Shattered Veil
“I said back off,” he growls.
“Trust me, Laria. I’d rather tongue-kiss the Umbrilith than come within a hundred feet of your toxic ass.”
Laria’s face flushes an ugly shade of red. She opens her mouth, but I cut her off.
“Save it. We’re done here.” I glance down at my hands where the shadows have now curled around my fingers and wrists, like delicate, ephemeral onyx rings and bracelets.
Laria’s eyes follow mine. She glares at Lochan, then back at me.“Keep your shadow bitch on a leash, Lochan.”
I watch her storm off, trailed by her stunned lackeys.
Lochan turns to me, expression unreadable. I struggle to find words.
“Thanks for stepping in, but I can handle myself,” I say, meeting Lochan’s intense gaze.
His eyes bore into mine.
“It wasn’t you I was worried about,” Lochan says, his deep voice gravelly.“It was Laria.”
I blink, stunned. The shadows around my fingers dissipate as my concentration breaks.
“What?”
Lochan’s jaw sets.“You have no idea what you’re capable of, do you?”
The hallway suddenly feels too small, too close.“I...” The words die in my throat.
Lochan takes a step closer. I can see the gold ring at the center of his eyes, feel the heat from his body.
He studies me at length, his gaze intense. Then he abruptly turns and strides away, leaving me standing there.
I stare after him, confused and frustrated. What the hell was that about? One minute he’s defending me, the next he’s acting like I’m some dirt under his shoe again.
The shadows at my feet move restlessly, feeding off my turbulent emotions. I breathe, trying to center myself, willing them to calm. A few students hurry past, giving me a wide berth.
Great.
Chapter Nine
Callen
I slip through Grimstone’s winding corridors. My glamour magic shifts, blurring my features into an unremarkable face. Just another student, nothing to see here. I have zero desire to explain to anyone where I’m going. And I know my father—and therefore the Council—has eyes everywhere.
I round a corner and freeze. Shit. The dean’s at the end of the hall, talking to Laria. I hang back, lingering where I’m sure I’m out of sight. I see Laria tilt her head and look in my direction, but then she focuses her attention back on whatever the dean is saying. I wait until they walk away, each in a different direction, neither heading my way.
If I could have used my magic and portalled to my destination I would have, but the wards around the academy detect any kind of magic being used to get in or out, and the last thing I want to do is draw attention to where I’m going and who I’m about to meet.
The chill night air hits me like a slap as I slip out a side door. Damp mist clings to my skin, seeping through my clothes. I shiver, pulling my jacket tighter.
Fuck, it’s cold.
The grounds are unnervingly quiet. I keep to the edges, avoiding the main paths. Can’t risk being seen.
My boots crunch on frosted ground as I near the edge of the academy’s warded property. Just beyond, a small cottage comes into view. Light flickers behind curtained windows.
This better be worth it.
I approach cautiously, eyes scanning for any movement. Nothing. I raise my hand to knock, then hesitate. If I’m wrong about this...
