Page 47 of Shattered Veil
I don’t know how long I stand there. But eventually, I force myself to move, making my way back to my bedroom.
Chapter Twenty
Brigid
The flagstones are loud beneath my shoed feet as I walk the academy grounds, and a chill wind carries the scent of snow and smoke, a reminder of the season. It’s not like back in Newton, where it was so frigid on winter days when the wind blew that your face froze in a few minutes of outdoor exposure.
Winter here is almost too perfect. When it snows, it only stays for a short time, long enough to make everything pretty and sparkling. It gets cold, but it’s the kind of cold that makes you want to wear a warm sweater, not the bone-chilling temperatures of January in the north.
I came outside to get some fresh air, and to clear my thoughts, but the lingering soreness between my legs is an unwanted reminder of my encounter with Lochan—and his rejection. I just want to be left alone and not be bothered, but of course, that’s too much to ask.
“Oh look, it’s the shadow whore.”
Laria’s voice is like fingernails on a chalkboard. I stiffen, turning to face her. She slinks towards me, all slithering grace and cold, predatory glances. Her pale eyes gleam with cruel amusement. If I didn’t already know she was a vampire, I’d assume she was a snake shifter.
“What do you want, Laria?” I say, sighing.
“You know, I almost feel sorry for you,” she continues, her voice dripping with false sympathy.“It must be so embarrassing, throwing yourself at Callen only to have him toss you aside like yesterday’s garbage. Lochan can’t even be in the same room as you. Face it, Brigid. You’re nothing but trash to them.”
My cheeks burn.
Laria leans in close.“Did you really think they’d want damaged goods like you? You’re nothing but a whore witch playing at being special.”
I try to step away, but she blocks my path.
“It’s pathetic, really. You think you’re special because you’ve got a bit of shadow magic? Please. The most remarkable thing about you is how quickly people get sick of being around you.”
“Shut up,” I growl, but Laria just laughs, a high, tinkling sound that grates on my nerves.
“Oh, did I hit a nerve?”
“At least I’m not so desperate for attention that I have to resort to mean girl bullying to feel important,” I snap.“Tell me, Laria, does it make you feel better about yourself to tear others down? Or are you just so insecure that you can’t stand the thought of someone else being special?”
Shadows curl at my wrists.
Laria’s eyes widen, an almost imperceptible flicker of wariness crossing her face before she masks it with disdain. But I’ve seen it now, and it emboldens me. I take a step forward, my own predatory instincts rising to the surface.
“You call me damaged goods, but at least I’m not rotting from the inside out like you,” I continue, my words laced with venom.“Your soul is so ugly, Laria, that not even your pretty face can hide it. No wonder you’re so obsessed with me. You’re terrified that everyone will see what a pathetic, empty shell you really are.”
Laria’s face contorts with rage, her fangs visible as she snarls.“You think you’re something, don’t you? Let me remind you that you’re nothing.”
She circles me like a shark, her words as sharp as knives.“No parents, no family, no one who gives a shit about you. You’re nothing but a charity case. A stray dog the academy took pity on. Do you really think anyone here actually wants you around?”
The words hit like physical blows, each one finding its mark with unerring precision. Laria’s eyes glitter with malicious glee as she continues her assault.
“Do you not see how people look at you when you walk by? The disgust, the pity, the repulsion? They whisper behind your back, you know. Poor little Brigid, so desperate for attention, she’ll spread her legs for anyone who looks at her twice.”
I try not to let them, but her words hurt. They tap into my deepest insecurities, the trauma of being an outcast and all that comes with it. Rage and pain swirl within me, my shadow magic responding to the turmoil of my emotions. My shadows hum with barely contained fury. They want out.
Laria’s smirk widens.“Think about it, Brigid. When was the last time someone actually wanted you around? You’re nothing but a freak, a joke, a—”
The shadows explode outward, whipping around us like living ropes of darkness. Laria stumbles back, her eyes wide with genuine fear now. I can feel my magic surging, stronger than ever before, threatening to overwhelm me.
I struggle to rein in the wild, beating energy. It’s like trying to hold back a crumbling tower of bricks with my bare hands. My heart pounds, each beat sending another push of power through my veins.
“What’s wrong, freak? Can’t control your little party trick?” Laria says, trying for disdain, but I catch the tremor in her voice.
I close my eyes, focusing inward.
