Page 14 of Shattered Veil
Eira nods, a glint in her eye.“Of course. It’s fascinating, really. A chance to study such rare magic up close.”
I frown.“This isn’t some academic exercise. Rory’s life is at stake.”
“I’m aware,” she says softly.“But knowledge is power. The more we understand, the better our chances of saving him.”
I can’t argue with that logic, but something still feels off.
I nod slowly.“Alright. Let me know if you find anything else.”
“Of course,” Eira says, already distracted and moving back towards the books.“I’ll keep digging. This is—intriguing.”
We part ways, Eira disappearing back into the stacks. I linger, watching her go. Something about her enthusiasm unsettles me. Like Rory’s life is just an interesting puzzle to solve.
I shake it off and leave the library. The corridors are empty as I walk back to my room. I pass a painting of another long-gone dean, his eyes seeming to follow me. Judging.
I can’t stop thinking about what Eira said. How long has it been for Rory? Minutes stretching into eternities? Or lifetimes compressed into heartbeats? I think of his easy smile. The warmth of his hand on my arm that first day. The way his brown eyes crinkled when he laughed.
He always made me feel better, and this is his reward. Everyone who gets close to me suffers, just like everyone always thought. My birth parents, my adoptive parents. Now my destined mate. I’m an albatross—a curse.
I reach the last turn before my room, lost in thought. The weight of Rory’s fate presses down on me like a physical thing. I can’t leave him there. Not for another second.
Fuck what the others think. I’ll go to Tiernan again. Make him see reason. He’s the most logical one. We need Marius, whether we like it or not. For Rory’s sake.
I round the corner, ready to throw open my door and start planning. Then freeze.
Fiona stands there. Waiting.
Chapter Seven
Brigid
Fiona stands in front of my door, a kaleidoscope of colors and jangling metal. My chest tightens.
She grins.“Hello, girl.”
I keep walking. Don’t engage.
“No hello for an old friend?”
I try to brush past her to unlock my door.
Fiona’s hand shoots out, blocking my path. The familiar scent of her perfume hits me, dredging up memories I’d rather forget.
I meet her gaze. Her eyes dance with amusement.
I take a deep breath.“I have nothing to say to you.”
“Nothing?” Fiona puts her arm down.“After all these years, and everything we shared.”
My fingers curl into fists. The rage I’ve been suppressing threatens to explode.
“Fuck off, Fiona.”
She laughs, the sound grating on my nerves.“I’ve missed you.”
I turn to face her fully.“You don’t get to miss anything about me.”
Fiona’s smile falters for a split second."Brigid, I know you’re angry—"
