A familiar scent wafts through the air like petrichor.
Tiernan.
I open my eyes to see him approaching, his usual serene expression marred by concern.
"That was quite a show," he says quietly, coming to stand beside me.
I smirk, though it feels forced. "Which part? The dramatics with Laria or the pissing contest with Lochan?"
Tiernan's lips twitch. "Both were rather impressive, I must say. Though I'm more concerned about the fallout."
I sigh. "Aren't we all?"
“Do you remember the premonition I had that night, when the dean sent you and Lochan to bring Brigid to Grimstone?”
I don’t recall what Tiernan had said that night. I hadn’t been paying much attention. “Something about growling trees?”
Tiernan shakes his head. “The premonition said that we don’t know what grows, but that it has deep roots.”
I shrug. I’ve never understood much of what Tiernan comes out with. “And?”
His face is serious. “I think it means that something is growing, something is coming.”
I raise an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "Coming? What's coming?"
Tiernan's eyes take on that distant look he gets when he's seeing beyond the present. "I'm not sure. But it's tied to Brigid, she's... pivotal somehow. A catalyst. And it’s connected to the four of us.She’sconnected to us.”
I push off the wall, suddenly restless. "Well, that's delightfully vague and ominous. Any other incomprehensible messages you'd like to share?"
Tiernan's gaze refocuses on me, his expression grave. "Just one. Be careful, Callen. The path you're walking is treacherous."
I scoff. "When has it ever not been?"
"I'm serious," Tiernan insists. "The choices you make now will have far-reaching consequences. For all of us."
My eyes narrow and I feel a touch of irritation. "I'm always careful." There are things I’ve kept to myself, and Tiernan knowing about them wasn’t part of the plan.
I wonder how much insight his gift has given him. It’s crucial that no one figures what I’m doing on the side.
"Are you?" Tiernan asks softly. "Because from where I'm standing, it looks like you're playing with fire. And not just your own."
His words take me by surprise. Tiernan’s aware of more than I thought. I’ll have to be more vigilant in the future.
I force a laugh, but it’s hollow even to my own ears. "You worry too much, druid. I have everything under control."
He meets my gaze steadily. "Playing both sides will come crashing down eventually."
His words raise my hackles, but I force a lazy smile. "You're seeing shapes where there are none, my friend.”
“Am I?” His eyes bore into mine, searching. "Then enlighten me, Callen. What are you really up to?"
I stare at Tiernan. "What exactly are you implying?"
He looks at me thoughtfully. "Don't insult my intelligence. Callen. We both know what you’re doing. And if Lochan finds out—”
I step closer, my voice low. "Careful, nature boy. You're treading on thin ice."
“Am I?” Tiernan asks, his voice calm and steady. “We’re your friends, Callen. I’m your friend. But no good will come from this.”