Page 39 of Shattered Veil
“I’ll be in the dining hall with Brigid, if you three spanners come to your senses.”
The slam of the door shutting as I leave reverberates through the corridor.
Chapter Seventeen
Brigid
The scent of roasted meat and herbs wafts through the dining hall as Rory tears into his meal with even more exuberance than he usually has when it comes to food. His messy golden blond hair falls over his forehead, obscuring those beautiful brown eyes I thought I might never see again. My chest tightens with relief, and I’m just so thankful to have him here again.
“Slow down, you animal,” I tease.“The food’s not going anywhere.”
Rory grins, sauce smeared on his chin.“Can’t help it. Got a lot of eating to make up for.”
I laugh, the sound catching in my throat. I’m so glad he’s okay. The memory of that swirling vortex of darkness, of Rory being swallowed whole... I shove it away.
He’s here. He’s safe.
That’s what matters.
The scrape of chair legs against the floor interrupts my thoughts. I look up to see Callen, Lochan, and Tiernan approaching, and my stomach clenches.
Callen’s usually cocky stride falters as he nears. His light eyes dart away from mine, his exquisitely shaped full lips pressed into a thin line. Tiernan hunches his broad shoulders and fiddles with the bracelets on his arm. Even Lochan’s trademark scowl seems tinged with discomfort.
“Mind if we join you?” Callen asks, his voice lacking its usual confidence.
I shrug, aiming for nonchalance.
They settle into the empty chairs, an awkward silence descending. The distance between us feels vast, despite the close quarters. I hate it. I hate how much it hurts to be this close to them and to feel like they’re so far away.
Lochan’s jaw ticks as he glares at my hands. I realize I’ve been unconsciously toying with wisps of shadow, small little threads curling around my fingers. I clench my fist, snuffing them out.
“That new?” he growls.
“Loch,” Callen warns, but I’m already on edge.
“Worried I’ll go full dark side?” I roll my eyes at him.
Lochan’s hazel eyes narrow.“Maybe. The company you’ve been keeping leaves a lot to be desired.”
“Oh, fuck off with that holier-than-thou bullshit.” So he knows about Marius. Fine. They should all be thanking him for getting Rory back.
Rory’s hand covers mine.
I glance up at Tiernan, who offers me a small smile. I cross my arms and look away.HimI expected more from. I feel Callen’s eyes on me. But I should have learned my lesson about trusting a fae.
Rory swallows the steak he was chewing.“Well, this is a lot of fun, boys. But I think it’s time we let Brigid in on your little scheme, don’t you?”
“Keep your voice down,” Lochan hisses, scanning the crowded dining hall.“The last thing we need is for the wrong ears to catch wind of this.”
“Scheme? What scheme?” I look at Rory for an explanation.
“Rory,” Callen warns.
Tiernan shifts in his seat and looks like he wishes he was anywhere else.
Rory grins, clearly reveling in their discomfort.“Oh, just a bit of bait and switch involving everyone’s favorite mean girl. Dear, gentle, sweet Laria.”
“For fuck’s sake,” Lochan mutters, pinching the bridge of his nose.
