Page 48 of Shattered Veil
Breathe.
Control.
I can do this. I have to do this. The shadows twist around me, resisting my attempts to pull them back.
“Careful, Brigid,” Laria taunts, taking a step back.“Wouldn’t want to hurt anyone, would you? Then again, maybe that’s exactly what you want. You’re not fit to be around anyone, are you? Your true colors are showing, shadow bitch.”
Her words sting, and a flash of Lochan’s cold expression as he left me there last night flashes through my mind, but I use the pain to fuel my concentration. Slowly, agonizingly, I feel the shadows begin to fade. It’s like trying to stuff an overfilled suitcase, every tentacle of darkness fighting against my will.
Finally, with a last push of effort, I manage to pull the shadows back, to calm them. I open my eyes, panting heavily, to see Laria staring at me with disgust.
“You’re a nightmare,” she spits.“And nightmares don’t belong here. Remember that when you’re alone in your bed tonight, wondering why no one can stand to be around you.”
As she walks away, I see a shadow snake out and swirl around her feet, tripping her. Laria stumbles but catches her step before she falls flat on her face. Swishing her blonde hair behind her, she straightens herself and stalks off.
I stare at Laria’s retreating form. How did that happen? I had my shadows under control, I’m sure of it. The tendrils had receded, curling back into me. Yet somehow, a rogue shadow had lashed out, almost as if it had a mind of its own, wrapping around Laria’s ankle and nearly sending her sprawling.
I’m still thinking about it when I sense a presence behind me. Then Marius steps out of the shadows.
“That wasn’t me,” I tell him.
“That was me,” he smirks.
I start walking away from him, in the other direction.
“You’re welcome,” he calls.
My middle finger flips up in reply. Marius jogs and catches up with me.
Marius falls into step beside me, his long strides easily keeping pace with my brisk walk.
“What do you want?” I snap, not wanting to deal with him right now. Not after Lochan.
“From you, little bird? Everything.”
“Oh, is that all?” I can’t win. Lochan won’t come near me, and Marius won’t stay away. And neither of them seem to give a shit about whatIwant.
Marius grabs my wrist. I try to shake him off, but his grip is strong.“What happened?” His eyes narrow and stare into mine.
I look away.“Nothing.”
“Did someone hurt you?” His voice is dangerously low.“Who was it? I’ll kill them.”
My laughter bubbles up like acid, bitter and hot.“That’s funny coming from you. Aren’t you the one who’s been playing mind games with me since I got here? Do you think that’s fun for me?”I yank my wrist free, glaring at him.“And for your information, the only person who hurt me was myself. I was stupid enough to think...” I trail off, shaking my head.“It doesn’t matter.”
Marius’s eyes darken, his jaw clenching.“It was Lochan, wasn’t it?”
I freeze, my heart skipping a beat. How does he know?
“I can smell him on you,” Marius growls, his nostrils flaring.“That self-righteous prick. What did he do?”
“Nothing I didn’t ask for,” I mutter, looking away.“Just drop it, Marius.
Marius steps closer, his eyes boring into mine.“Tell me what happened.”
“Why do you care?” I snap, taking a step back.“It’s none of your business.”
“Everything about you is my business,” he says, his voice low and intense.“You’re mine, Brigid. Whether you like it or not.”
