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I make sure to catch the eyes of every supe in the room as I make my point clear. I then turn to the spindly man one final time, my disdain and contempt for him etched across my darkened features, a warning in the glare I give him.
Addressing the entire group, I clear my throat and raise my voice.
“Before you arrived here and the communication artifacts were blown.I had just finished speaking to a member of the Council, Barius, who was aware of the attacks.”Murmurs and sighs ring out across the room.
“He had already sent out reinforcements, though there may have been delays due to the other attacks.”
Noises of relief and a calmness spread through most of the group, but some start to question my words; murmurs seeking more information become more vocal. Before the onslaught of questions about the when’s and whys, I place my hand in the air and shake my head.
“I have no new information yet. We have to trust they are on their way but not relysolelyon them. We will protect the Library and everyone here. No one will get in and past me and my people.” At this, I look to Isaac and Mirin, both giving me a knowing nod.
I know I can’t completely convince them, but at least they can be slightly calmer knowing help will come and that we will do all we can here.
I look to the windows, the night stars shining in on us, telling us it’s late and time to rest. I turn to the chattering group before me.
“We have spare blankets in the storeroom. Unfortunately, we’ll have to make do with what’s here for the night.”
I look around the room and grimace. The majority of the chairs are writing tables with only a couple of comfortable spots by the arched windows to use for resting. But I didn’t feel comfortable allowing these unknown people into the rest of the building and my home. If the lanky ass was any indication, then not all these people were trustworthy or deserving of such faith.
I feel a light tug on my hand, pulling me from my thoughts, completely forgetting Jace by my side, his warm hand a soothing reassurance.
Isaac notices his hand on mine. His eyes widen and then furrow as they quickly flicker between Jace and me, giving me a questioning look. Mirin turns toward me as well, noticing Isaac's gaze, and I quickly release Jace’s hand before it draws her attention.
I didn’t need her jumping to her own assumptions and start asking questions about him, why we came here together, why he was touching me, or her jumping swiftly to sex questions and positions,loudlyand in front of the whole Library.
Not to mention that this was all new to me, and Jace and I hadn’t done more than hold hands yet.
But looking at Jace, I realize maybe I reacted too quickly and coldly. His eyes are downcast, a slight slump in his shoulders and a frown on his lips as his eyes seek mine. A little twinge tugging at my chest as I stare at his sad and questioning gaze.
Wanting to reassure him in some way, I mouth ‘Later,’channeling through my eyes an apology for pushing him away and hoping maybe I can explain and talk another time together about everything. There was just so much going on today, and I was already exhausted from it all.
He gives me a small smile and nods, his eyes a little brighter.
I see movement over near the door and notice Cole leaving to head up the stairs. His expression dark and eyes furrowed.
“What's wrong with Cole?” I ask just as Ilyric makes his way over to us.
A dark figure further behind him drags my attention away for a brief moment. Lucien stands off to the side, his darkened eyes turning languid as he turns them to me. A slight tilt to his full lips before slowly returning his dark gaze back to the group in the room.
“He’s going to check the perimeter around the Library again.” Isaac sighs and looks at my querying stare.“He’s a Guard, Rhys. His Library was attacked, and his Librarian is injured and unconscious.”
“He's overcompensating,” says Ilyric as he reaches us.“Trying to protect here what he failed to protect there.”
“It's not his fault,” I grumble.
“No, but it's hisduty.And he failed to complete what he was trained to do,” answers Ilyric, his brows pinched together as he stares toward the doors. “We all have duties that we are tied to.”
With this, he looks at my wrists, a knowing and slightly softer look in his eyes as he gazes toward me briefly.
“He has his own burdens to bear, and his failure to uphold them will haunt him.”He looks to his own wrist, a somber look on his face, as his brows perch low.
“Let him do what he has to…to feel like he’s making up for it.”
I nod. I guess the arrogant Fae had more to him than just his haughty attitude.
“I’ll take the first watch of the night,” says Isaac, pulling me from my thoughts.
“If you don’t mind the help, I’ll take the second,” volunteers Jace.
