Page 104 of Shattered Veil
“Shadow rebels?” Eira asks.“How do we know we can trust them?”
“We don’t,” I admit.“But right now, they’re our best shot at staying ahead of the Council.”
Rory nods, his massive frame tense with anticipation.“It’s risky, but staying here is suicide.”
“Agreed,” Tiernan says.
Eira clears her throat, her large eyes darting nervously between us.“There’s something you all need to know.” She hesitates, wringing her hands.“I’ve been doing some research on that ritual chamber you told me about. The one with the, uh, murals.”
Brigid’s eyes widen.“What did you learn, Eira?”
Eira draws a deep breath.“It’s not just a chamber. It’s the chamber. The focal point of the Morrigan’s power on this plane. Those murals? They’re not just art. They’re a key.”
“A key to what?” I ask, leaning forward.
“To unlocking the full potential of the ritual,” Eira explains, her voice hushed.“The Council needs that specific chamber for their plans to work. The erotic energy depicted in those murals? It’s not just for show. It’s a crucial component of the magic.”
Lochan swears quietly.“So that’s why they’ve been so focused on Grimstone Academy. It’s not just about Brigid. It’s about the location.”
Eira nods.
Brigid’s blushes, but her eyes are hard.“So what, they need to recreate the scenes?”
“Not exactly,” Eira says.“According to the lore, the chamber was built on a ley line crossing, making it an extremely potent source of magic. It was used by a cult that once worshipped the Morrigan. They believed that performing certain... rituals... within those walls could unlock a major level of power, one that even the Council couldn’t control.” Eira’s cheeks flushed as she explained.
“But we’re pretty sure the Council has no idea where the chamber is.” Lochan starts pacing.“If they did, Brigid wouldn’t still be here.”
“Maybe that’s why they haven’t tried anything yet. Maybe they’re still looking for it.”
“We need to get Brigid out of here. Now,” Lochan growls.
The room erupts into a flurry of activity. Lochan starts grabbing weapons, while Rory begins stuffing supplies into a bag. Eira’s muttering something under her breath? Odd girl.
I turn to Brigid, who’s still standing frozen.“Hey,” I say softly, touching her arm.“You okay?”
She blinks, coming back to herself.“Yeah, I’m fine. I’ll go tell Marius what’s happening. I’ll meet you near Tiernan’s grove, okay? Twenty minutes.”
Before I can respond, she’s out the door. I fight the urge to follow her. But there’s no time.
“Everyone, listen up,” I call out.“We meet at the edge of the forest. Grab only what you absolutely need. If anyone’s not there, we leave without them. Understood?”
Eira stands in the middle of our flurry of activity, looking bewildered and out of place. I see Tiernan take her arm and escort her to the door.“You should go back to your room, Eira. Pretend you were never here, okay?” She nods once and leaves, her feet barely touching the ground as she flits away fast.
Chapter Forty-Four
Callen
The forest edge rises up in front of us, a wall of dense leaves and tall trunks. I scan the treeline, searching for any sign of Brigid.
“Where the fuck is she?” Lochan growls, his fists clenched at his sides.
“She’s fifteen minutes late.” Not good. No sign of Marius either.
“Maybe she got held up,” Rory offers, but the worry in his eyes betrays his optimism.
Tiernan closes his eyes, his brow furrowed in concentration.“I can’t sense her nearby,” he murmurs.“Something’s wrong.”
Ice runs through my veins.“We need to go back.”
