Page 127 of Within the Veil

It is okay. We have your back, Angel.Grayson says softly.But push your worries aside and focus on the present.

I breathe deeply, nod, and pull myself to the present--game time.

* * *

I look aroundone final time and notice that Ryder isn't even smiling anymore, scary. The plan is that me, the boys, and Remi would go, and everyone else would hang back just beyond the Veil. King, Jensi, and Luca are to pass through and hang back for protection, and Xena will show up at will if I call her. But I think the plan has shifted. Xena isn't going anywhere, judging by the way she is glued to my side.

You are correct. The dragons have warned me, and I am staying close.

I sigh. We are as prepared as we can be. With light manipulation, concealment magic, and Oberon's shadow magic, no one would see us.

I shove a smile onto my face, and my magic sparks, allowing my body to push through the Veil. Although push isn't accurate. For a second, I am flowing through a thick gel that I cannot see, but I can damn sure feel, as it sticks to my skin until I'm finally through, and it pulls back. I blink as my eyes adjust to a world a lot less green and lush than I have grown used to.

Well, shit. After being within the veil, it honestly feels like I'm suddenly wearing thick sunglasses, and everything is brown and icky. We quickly shield ourselves, and before we move, King wraps his arms around me, kissing me soundly.

"I will guard your back and be here if you need me," he breathes against my lips.

I nip at his lower lip, "I know you'll always be here, I love you."

His eyes warm, and he softly caresses my face, his eyes drinking me in, and the weight of his gaze feels as real as his hand.

Yeah, Hi. Luca and I will be here too.Jensi rolls his eyes, and Luca shakes his head, his eyes moving around on full alert.

I ignore him, and we move forward.

There aren't people walking around, which makes it easier to navigate the campus. Although, considering they wouldn't be able to see us anyway, I guess it doesn't matter. I chuckle to myself as I imagine the reaction as a group of white-haired, leather-clad, pointy-eared beings suddenly appear. It would be worth it for that alone.

Following Xena's lead, we approach a domed building where a training class is being held. Standing to the side, we watch as a group of trainees are in a circle formation that triggers a brief memory of Delorean. Especially as the circle breaks slightly as a girl with purple hair is called forward to the center.Charlie.

I have to bite my lip from bursting out laughing when I hear her chuckle, and one of the instructors asks her what was so funny.

"I simply appreciate the compliment of going first. I like to show everyone how it's done," Charlie says, with a smirk.

Holy fuck, she really is you,Ryder says. Everyone nods in agreement, and we move forward to watch.

Charlie is fucking impressive. Her body flows like water as she sidesteps an offensive move and lands several strong hits before flipping backward to avoid being taken out.

I think I'm having double vision,Hunter says in awe as another instructor jumps in after minutes. Without breaking a sweat, she put them both down, weaving her elemental magic with her physical skills. She fucking blows them out of the water. Literally. Considering they just tried to encase her in a swirling hurricane of water, and she evaporates it all without a second thought.

Zane blows out a breath.If there were any doubt, even after seeing the fact that she looks exactly like you, those fucking fighting skills would fucking prove it wrong,he says, respect coloring his tone.

I smile. It looks like Charlie is indeed a badass.

* * *

I'm sitting on the floor, on my second sandwich, while we wait for them them finish. We couldn't stop the class, but I could tell my mates were antsy the longer they were outside of the Veil.

As soon as the cadets are dismissed, I stand to my feet as I watch Charlie and another girl hang back with the instructors, and then as four women reluctantly leave the room. I frown at them, not resisting the urge to have them trip on their way out.There are always a few,I think to myself, remembering Mackenzie or whatever her name is.

Do we reveal ourselves to all of them?I ask.

They are her mates,Xena confirms and we throw a shield around the space, binding the doors and removing our glamour.

"Hey, little sis," I say brightly as the guys fan out behind me, Remi by my side.

* * *

I had braced myself,expecting her to turn around and lose her shit, but she surprises me by simply turning around and observing me. Up close it is even more startling. Fuck, it really is like looking in a mirror. Holy shit.

---