Page 146 of Where Darkness Falls

Sometimes,her voice murmurs.

Brilliant, Igrumble.

“Where do you go when you’re far away in that mind of yours?” Laisren asks. His prodding eyes make me feel like a small pixie under his scrutiny.

“I’m sorry to have worried all of you,” I say lightheartedly. “I’m fine… just processing everything.”

Laisren quirks an eyebrow. “Your expressions were quite intense,” he reasons. “Like you were having a conversation with someone.”

How in all Celestae did he come to that conclusion?

I laugh nervously, hoping the others in the group join me, but they don’t. Instead, they wait patiently for me to reply.

“That,” my voice pitches higher than normal, so I clear my throat. “That’s preposterous. Who could I possibly be speaking to?”

They don’t look appeased by my answer.

Bloody Celestae.

What do I do now?I ask Saoirse.

Laisren eyes bear into mine as his jaw ticks. “I don’t know,” Laisren snarls. “I’m not the one with a voice in my head.”

Saoirse growls, but I don’t break eye contact with the Laisren.

Deny it for now. The time is near when I’ll be revealed, but not yet,she replies.

“Rosey?” Emyr inquires.

“No,” I say tersely. “As I’ve already said, I was pondering today’s events, and nothing more.”

Laisren growls. “I’m sure,” he answers. “That was quite a strange interaction with that Minotaur, don’t you think?”

Riordan steps in between us. “Perhaps we sh?—”

“Meaning what, Second Commander?” I retort. “Speak your mind.”

“Who are you really?” Laisren blurts out. “Why are they willing to pledge their allegiance toyou?”

My mouth opens and closes, uncertain of what to say. In truth, I don’t know the motivation as to why they pledged such loyalty to me. I’m about to say as much when Laisren scoffs. “I’ll admit there’s something enigmatic about you that draws everyone to you, but that isn’t the whole story, is it?”

Riordan slowly maneuvers Laisren away. “Back off of it, mate,” Riordan placates. “You’re coming off the high of the beast. You’re testy. Now isn’t the time for quarrels.”

“Are you on her side now?” Laisren growls, his voice changing once more.

Emyr steps in front of me, the temperature around us cooling significantly. “Time to take a walk, Laisy,” he orders.

Laisren scowls, shaking his head. “Not until she answers me,” he sneers. “I need to know who in bloody Celestae she is and why I’m risking my life forher. Emyr, aren’t you the least bit curious?”

“No, because I trust her,” Emyr deadpans. “As you should, Second Commander.”

“You’re a fool, then,” he seethes.

I step around my protectors until I’m face to face with Laisren. In the several months I’ve been in his company, I’ve never seen the Galrosan so unkempt and malicious. “You desire a response, Laisy?” I inquire.

“Yes,” he growls.

“Fine,” I retort. “I’m Maeva Cale, and I’m chosen by Siorai to awaken the Na Fíréin,as you’re already aware. Beyond that, I don’t recall my life before Aurelius…as you know.I’m not here to join a cause or a war. I’m here to fulfill my purpose,same as you. However, don’t you think for one moment I’d betray any of you. If you don’t wish to trust me… fine. I’ll do everything in my power to reassure you, but I won’t grovel for your fealty.”