Page 28 of Desecrated Reign

Peering over her shoulder, Saoirse does a quick scan of the kitchen and living room. “Where is everyone?”

“Elouise and Avie headed back west early this morning, and Aodhán and Beibhinn already left for Killybegs. Éanna and Fiadh should be back soon though, they’re gone for a swim down at the docks.”

Cup in hand, Saoirse turns to face us both. “You didn’t go with them?”

“Knew you’d be up soon. Wanted to chat with yea before you left.” His concern is evident as he scans his daughter from head to toe, reading her like an open book. “How’re yea feelin’ after last night, doll?”

Saoirse’s shoulders drop as a breath rushes past her lips. “Honestly, I’m surprisingly at peace. Which is frightening in itself.”

“Understandable. You know if you ever—”

“Dad,” she cuts him off. “I’m fine. I promise.”

He nods, lifting his coffee to his lips, hiding the small smile tugging at his lips after Saoirse called him dad. “Fine. I won’t push.”

Rolling her eyes, she diverts the conversation. “So, now the devil spawn is no longer a problem, what do we do about Gabriel?” Saoirse leans back against the countertop, lifting her cup of steaming hot chocolate to her lips.

“There’s not much we can do,” Lorcan answers. “The syndicate has him in custody, and from what Seamus said when I spoke with him on the phone, they’re keeping him there until after the second trial.”

My brow furrows, not liking this outcome one bit. “Do we trust him?”

“There are very few people I trust, kid.” He cocks his head, silently implying I should know better than to ask stupid questions. “Seamus Murphy ain’t one of them.”

“So what?” I fold my arms across my chest. “We just carry on and hope the cunt doesn’t pull any stunts?”

“Aye.” Lorcan nods. “We need them to think we’re relaxing back into normal life. But don’t worry, I have eyes on Kill Castle 24-7. If Gabriel so much as sneezes in the wrong direction, we’ll know about it. The best thing you can do is return to Killybegs and sit your state exams.” He stands from his stool on the opposite side of the kitchen island and walks towards the dishwasher before placing his now empty cup inside. Peering over his shoulder, his gaze lands on Saoirse before flicking towards me. “Take this time to lay low and prepare yourself for the end of the month. The second trial is tough, mentally and physically. Rest up and eat well. Forgot about Gabriel for a few weeks. Your ma and I will look after him on our end.”

17

SAOIRSE

I push forward, my feet pounding against the asphalt, marching to the steady pace of my heart. Ignoring the burning sensation in my lungs, I stride along the trail, skin soaked with sweat but nowhere near ready to turn back around.

It’s been seventeen days since we left the cabins and life has been… somewhat normal. Well, as normal as life can get when you spend all your time waiting for the other shoe to drop.

There haven’t been any developments, and like my dad said they would, the syndicate seems to have put a hold on things until after the trial. Even so, Lorcan still has some of his most trusted men watching over Gabriel and Oliver in case things take a turn.

In the meantime, Rohan and I have spent the majority of our time either studying for our exams, which ran from the 8th to the 18th, thankfully, we finished yesterday, or training for the second trial that’s happening tomorrow.

Other than a brief text message stating to pack a bag and met at the port at 6 a.m., we have no information on what the fuck is happening, and that makes me nervous.

Needing to gather myself before tomorrow, I laced up my running shoes and took off without a destination. It wasn’t until I was halfway down the mountain I realised that I had run this route before, with Liam beside me, spurring me on with every stride.

Earphones in and Dermot Kennedy on full blast, I propel forward, allowing myself to get lost in the memories rattling around my mind.

“You doing okay back there?”

How does he look so at ease? Three miles of torture, and he hasn’t broken a sweat. “G-good. I’m goo-good!”

“Are you sure, Free Bird? You’re looking a bit flushed.”

“My insides are bleeding.”

A deep laugh rumbles from the depths of his chest. “Bit dramatic, don’t you think?” Cranking my neck, I tilt my head up, searching out his eyes, skewering him with a don’t-push-me glare. “Come on , Free Bird. We’ll walk the rest of the way. Give you a second to catch your breath.”

“Fuck you, Liam.” Our eyes engage as his lips cock into a sexy sloped smile.

“I’m free later if you’re willing.” His wink shoots through my core, setting a billion butterflies free.

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