Page 152 of Veiled

“I could go for a little adrenaline boost,” I say, before repositioning my grip.

While my magic might be taking longer to get the hang of than I'd like—whether that's my own fault for not making more time to be with Tyr or because it's more powerful than others—Lorenson was definitely right that bonding earlier would give me an advantage flying.

Since we have been able to take trips outside of class, Tyr has been able to teach me a lot of flight maneuvers and tricks to keep me steady mid-flight that the unbonded recruits won't learn for months still.

Lowering myself towards his chest, I take a deep breath.

“Let's have some fun.”

“You look a million times better than you did two nights ago!” Sasha’s voice calls into my bathroom while I finish braiding my hair in the mirror.

“I looked like the walking dead, so anything is better than that, but thanks!”

“Okay, true. But you actually look good today. I brought over a few beauty tonics, but your eyes aren’t even puffy!”

That catches my attention. “Wait, there are spelled tonics for beauty?”

“Technically, yes. For the super-rich and obscenely powerful,” she says, rolling her eyes. “But I’ve learned to work smarter. A lot of common medical tonics have overlapping effects if you know what to look for. Like this one,” She lifts a small, clear vial and gives it a shake. “This one reduces swelling wherever it’s applied—perfect for puffy eyes, inflammation, and bruising. I swear by it.”

Then she switches hands, presenting a larger amber bottle. “And this one is for dehydration, but if you drink a capful, it’ll boost circulation, skin regeneration, and make you look like you got the best night of sleep in your life.”

I blink. “You’re telling me there are potions that erase emotional devastation?”

She smirks. “Not the actual devastation. But the evidence of it? Absolutely.”

“Oh, good, so then you don’t need this?” Matt asks, waving two coffees.

“Definitely still do!” I say, snatching the one with my name on it from his hands and giving him a side hug after Sasha grabs hers.

We’re almost to the bottom of the steps outside our barracks when I look up and accidentally meet Aiden’s eyes, well, eye. His second eye is swollen mostly shut with bruising to match his other cheek and busted lip. My heart aches for him, and I want nothing more than to rush to him to take care of his wounds, but Sasha interlocks her fingers with mine, holding me in place.

He slows for just a second, maybe waiting for me to do just that, or maybe just because it’s a habit that’ll take time to break, but then he shakes his head and jogs off down the path to the Parade Grounds.

I watch him until he’s out of sight, then my head whips to Matt, who isn’t even trying to hide his grin.

“Care to explain?” I ask, not really intending for it to be a question.

“Nothing to explain.”

“Are you fucking kidding? You got into a fight, Mattey! It isn’t worth the punishment they could give you!”

“It wasn’t a fight, and it was worth it. I told him if he hurt you, then I’d hurt him. He knew it was coming and didn’t even try to defend himself.”

Exasperated, I throw my hands up and start walking again. “I don’t have words right now.”

“You don’t need any. It was between us, and now it’s done.”

Chapter fifty-five

Annalise

“That’s it, get your workout gear on,” Matt says, crossing the room and pulling me up off my bed.

“Where are we going?”

“You’ve been moping around all day, but not tonight.”

“Matt, I’m totally fine. I’m just tired.”