Page 147 of Revenant

“Did…did I do it?” I stammer. My stomach rolls instantly and I turn to my side, dry heaving over Elias’s leg. Nausea wasn’t stated as a side effect of the spell.

He brushes my hair away from my face, and I roll back over, resting my head in his lap. “I don’t know yet, kitten.”

“How long was I out for?”

“Only a few minutes, but you scared me.” Despite the raging headache, I chuckle. He lets me stay like that for another minute before slowly helping me sit up. The room spins, but rights itself quickly.

“The others still aren’t here?” I take Elias’s outstretched hand and let him help me stand.

He shakes his head. “I figured we would go see the damage, perhaps Pryce is already compelling people, and then…”

“Then we’ll see you guys take your first steps outside the school property line in…” My words trail off, hoping he’ll give me an exact number this time.

Before Elias answers, a feminine voice sings out, “A very long time.”

My body floods with different emotions. Panic, fear, confusion. They’re all present, fighting for domination. Elias’s grip tightens around my hand, pulling me behind him so he stands between me and the woman we all thought was a ghost.

“Now, Elias. Is that anyway to greet an old friend?” she coos, a smile spreading over her face—one that looks exactly like mine. But when it reaches her icy blue eyes, I notice something wicked lurking within her irises—something I hope mine don’t possess.

A growl rumbles deep within Elias’s chest. “Veil.”

I’ve seen Eryx’s sketches, heard the stories, but actually seeing her in the flesh, it’s like looking into a mirror. A demonic, crazy, evil mirror, but one nonetheless.

“Ah, yes. I’ve heard there’s been a fondness with my little lookalike.” Veil grimaces with disgust at the last insinuation. “How very predictable you lot have been.”

“She is nothing like you. Even without knowing her, you could even make that realization.”

“On the contrary, darling. I’ve spent loads of time with your precious witch.” My brows furrow, not understanding. “Albeit, not as much as I would’ve liked. Poor Eryx couldn’t help himself and ruined the whole roommate plan I had orchestrated.” Her coy smile is like a slap to the face. Now I finally see it. The dress. It’s the same one Reyna was wearing to the gala. Dark as midnight, and apparently…her soul.

“You…you’re Reyna?” Veil’s eyes lazily track to me, as if my presence is nothing but an inconvenience and I bore her.

“Quiet child, the adults are talking.”

I try to shake Elias off me, but he doesn’t budge, holding on so tight I’m sure if there was even another ounce of pressure, my hand would snap.

Ignoring her blatant disregard, I push further. “So you’ve been here? This entire time, trapped on the grounds like the guys?” My mind spins, trying to piece this all together. How long has Veil been posing as Reyna? Was there ever a real Reyna to begin with, or did Veil choose her specifically? I’m thrown back to the night of the bonfire, finding her lifeless body in the quad, convinced I’d just been dreaming. “What happened to the real Reyna?”

Veil releases a bored sigh. “I killed her. Obviously. You very nearly spoiled that particular secret,” she deadpans, acting as though I should’ve come to that conclusion on my own.

Subconsciously, I did. I just didn’t want to admit it.

“As far as your other questions.” She continues, acting as if maybe I deserve the answers to them. “Yes, I’ve been trapped here as well. I might’ve pushed the envelope a tad with the spell, even I can admit my faults.” She appears so nonchalant, like this is a casual conversation and somehow Elias and I are being the dramatic ones. “However, like I told the others, I always have a contingency plan.”

The others. As in…Panic. Sheer, gut wrenching, panic sets in. “What did you do to them?”

Elias goes unnervingly still, understanding that she got to them first. And that’s why they weren’t here…I knew something was wrong. But I never would’ve thought this.

“Don’t worry your pretty little head about them, Alicent, dear. I have use for them; however, you have much bigger problems than worrying about what my plans are for the boys.”

Veil pulls a dagger out from the back of her dress, holding it out like she’s already won.

My eyes widen despite myself, my voice barely holding its composure. “Why now?” I ask, my fingers digging into Elias’s arm.

She chuckles softly at my naivety. “I just had to wait for you to break the curse. And I’ve been patient, taking over different appearances over the centuries, bidding my time for my prayers to be answered. Little did I know, my sister was more powerful than I realized. Calder witch or not.” The admission hits me square in the chest. Because not only did I set the guys free.

I also let the real monster out of her cage.

“Since you’ve done your part, you’re of no use to me. Nothing but a loose end, and Alicent, I don’t share my toys.”