Page 75 of A Beautifully Crafted Lie

Odhran’s gaze rakes over my body. My breathing hitches as I remember his hands on my skin. I’ve overheard them plan and prepare for tonight every evening since we returned from the meeting with King Brogan. I know that the alliances between courts are fragile, and that everyone needs to pledge new oaths to the new king of Samhradh, King Eamon. Tonight is pivotal for Odhran and his friends to gain their freedom from Samhradh. They won’t pledge their oaths tonight or any other night. Instead, Odhran plans to use his alliance with Fómhar to recapture the kingdom of Geimhreadh. A kingdom abandoned and forgotten after Samhradh’s victory over its king. A kingdom awaiting a new ruler. I know all these things and shared select information with two other parties. Tonight, I hope my betrayal pays off.

“We will meet you out front.” Odhran’s eyes never leave mine as he addresses his friends, a muscle feathering along his jaw. He reaches me before they reach the door. Sloan’s teasing whistle has no effect on him or me as my eyes remain locked on those of light grey. I will gain my freedom tonight, and so will my sister.

“Are you ready? I know you want to see your sister, but you can stay here, we can stay here, together,” Odhran breathes, pressing a rough palm against my cheek. I lean into him. He may look like a polished prince in his suit, but his rough hands wear the evidence of hard work.

“I need to go.” I swallow, knowing that it isn’t only the coronation I’ll be going to. If our plan fails, I’ll be going to Fómhar as Brogan’s bloodmaid to pay off our bargain.

There’s a pause of silence between us, where all I hear is the beating of my heart. The room turns black, sealing every window and door with his shadows. “Bryn,” Odhran speaks into my mind. I have to blink twice just to be sure. “Mo Stóirín, let me in.”

“What the hell…”

“I told you there’s no turning back.” The ghost of a smirk plays upon his features. “We share a bond. Now close your eyes. Imagine my hand right in front of you. All you need to do is take it.”

My mind is flooded with questions, each one louder and more urgent than the first. I do as he says, but instead of reaching for his hand, I search for something else, someone else. “Aed! What do I do?”

“What do you want to do?” His presence is quiet. “Do you want to be bound to the dark prince? Do you want him to see everything you usually hide?”

“What if I don’t know what I want?” My heart beats like a drum in my ears. A tingling sensation runs down my spine. “What if…”

“What if he reaches for you and finds me instead?” Aed’s claws dig into me, sharp and brutal. His words are a hiss as warm as fire. Everything about him should scare me, but it doesn’t. Not anymore.

“Yes.” My chest tightens.

“Bryn?” Odhran’s thumb caresses my cheek, and I squeeze my eyes closed.

“You must not trust him. He only wants to use you,” Aed hisses.

“Alright.” My heart climbs up my throat.

“Picture someplace safe. Imagine you’re there now,” Odhran whispers.

I concentrate on him, the warmth of his palm on my cheek, breathing him in. Suddenly, I see myself back in my mother’s Great Room, seated on the bench behind her pianoforte, and there, between the open doors, is this tall and handsome man reaching out to me. A soft smile hides his growing concern as he silently begs me to welcome him in so he can hear me, too. I’ve been afraid of many things in my life. I know the tightening in my chest all too well, but as I look up into his piercing grey eyes, I know I’m not scared of him. Without further hesitation, I walk to him and place my hand in his, watching his smile grow. Selfishly, I lead him in, knowing I’ll leave him soon. Knowing he may hate me soon, too.

“Hello,” I say, standing so close that our chests almost touch.

“Hello,” he repeats back to me, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear.

“Odhran, it’s time for you to meet Aed.” I swallow, but the lump in my throat grows. He frowns at me in confusion, looking over my head and searching the room around us, my safe space.

“Aed, be nice,” I say firmly to the scaled beast lingering in the depths of my mind.

“I am always nice.” He stirs, scales grazing my skin. My mother’s Great Room turns dark as massive membranous wings block out the light. Wind pounds in the air around us, hurting my ears, but I don’t cover them. I don’t flinch. Heavy footsteps hit against the tiled floor, vibrating up my legs and shattering the polished stone under his immense frame. Odhran doesn’t let go of my hand, only holds on tighter. His confusion fades, apprehension taking its place. I can feel the increased tempo of his heart.

“I am Odhran…” He starts to introduce himself, stepping forward with my fingers laced through his.

“Cian Delaney,” Aed completes his sentence with a growl, using the names only I am privileged to know. A muscle feathers in Odhran’s jaw. “I know who you are. I have seen everything she has seen. Heard everything she has heard. Tread lightly, immortal bastard.”

“What interest do you have in my mate?” Odhran demands. The room trembles around me as shadows rise at our feet. The glass panes shudder. The tea set clinks as it vibrates on its tray. Odhran looks directly into the sky, into Aed’s eyes, which I see for the first time. They’re the same mix of colours as mine, only harsh and threatening, rimmed with scaled lids in the darkest night mixed with sky blue.

Aed’s lip curls, flashing a set of razor-sharp teeth, then he pushes into the sky with a mighty force. My hair whips across my face, my dress twirling around my legs.

When I let go of Odhran’s hand behind my closed lids, the Great Room vanishes along with him. I open my eyes to see him standing in front of me in his living room, wearing an expression I’ve never seen on him before. Confusion, anguish, anger, and stubbornness all mixed into one fuck with me and die look.

“That went well.” I exhale, rolling my head back to look aimlessly at the ceiling. It certainly could have gone better.

“Could have gone worse too,” Aed chips in

“You’ve done enough,” I snap at him, closing my eyes upon a deep inhale.