“SEE? YOU MAKE ME SICK!”
Kyron turned a shade of red so deep it could rival the autumn leaves. Sorcha, on the other hand, lost all composure, doubling over with laughter.
“I’m sorry, Kyron—” she gasped between wheezes, clutching her stomach. “It’s Cat!”
Kyron groaned, rubbing a hand over his flushed face while Cat smugly licked his paw, looking far too pleased with himself.
Still grinning, Sorcha took a deep breath, finally regaining control. “I accept your apology, Kyron. Now, let’s eat.”
They sat to eat, giving Cat his own small mound of food of his choosing, before diving into a discussion about Commander Nethran, the Circle, and everything Sorcha needed to know before entering the Veil. The conversation was heavy, but Cat kept it from becoming too serious with his snarky remarks and ever growing confidence in giving unsolicited advice. Eventually, their talk boiled down to three key points:
Sorcha needed to gain better control of her power, working with someone who could teach her how to harness and manipulate it properly.
They needed to convince some of her friends to follow her to Samhain, she would need protection during their descent into the Veil.
They had to prepare to survive in the Otherworld… somehow
Once they finished eating, they all filed out the door and made their way to Commander Nethran’s office at the Druid School. Nethran looked fatigued, deep shadows bruising the skin beneath his eyes, exhaustion etched into every line of his face. It was clear he hadn’t slept. He hovered over stacks of books and scrolls, looking older than the building itself. His bloodshot gaze lifted when Sorcha entered, and he leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples before exhaling heavily.
“Glad to see your encounter hasn’t slowed you down,” he said, his eyes flickering briefly to her side before returning to her face. “I know we need to talk, but I need coffee and some food.” He stood abruptly, already heading for the door. “Wait here. Read through these scrolls. I’ll beback soon.” Without another word, he shut the door behind him.
Sorcha turned to Kyron. “That was weird, right?” Kyron nodded, his gaze drifting over the disaster that was Nethran’s desk. Papers were scattered everywhere, as if a small tornado had torn through the room.
“I’m not sure what that was about,” Kyron muttered, stepping closer to the mess, “but it looks like he was doing some serious research… maybe he found something.”
Sorcha and Cat lingered by the door, watching as Kyron sifted through the documents. Then, something caught Cat’s attention. In the corner of Nethran’s desk lay an ornate scroll, its edges gold and green, covered in a script Sorcha didn’t recognize. But Kyron and Cat did. With incredible grace, Cat leaped onto the desk, landing as softly as a feather, not disturbing a single page. He walked over delicately, his silver eyes flickering as he pawed at the scroll, rolling out the parchment. His gaze widened. Thesilver in his irises churned violently as he read. He suddenly stopped and looked at Sorcha.
“I have a good idea why he needed a break.” Kyron and Sorcha exchanged glances before turning back to Cat, who seemed… tense. “This,” Cat continued, his voice unusually serious, “is a recorded account of the Veil. A detailed list of creatures, gods, the Tuatha Dé Danann, even a map.” He flicked his tail, his eyes scanning the words again. “And this was written by a Fae.”
Sorcha stiffened.
“This is Fae script. It’s old. And this was not shared easily…” Cat’s voice dropped lower, the weight of his words settling into the room. “There isn’t a creature in existence that would willingly give up this information… unless…” His silver eyes darkened, his expression distant, lost in thought. “Unless it was trapped.” A cold prickle ran down Sorcha’s spine. “It would have taken someone very clever to bind a Fae,” Cat murmured. “By bargain, iron.“ His voice faltered. His eyes darted to Sorcha. “Or by name.”
“There are many secrets to trapping the Fae,” Cat continued. “Luckily, this doesn’t list all of them. But it gives you enough, Sorcha. Enough to know what we’re up against. Enough to guide you.”
He pawed the scroll completely open, revealing a parchment inscribed with a map generalized, yet marked with specific locations to avoid. It also detailed how to fight the wraiths, witches, and fairies they would encounter.
Cat read aloud the materials they would need for protection: “Iron, holy water, blessed objects, rowan wood, red thread, salt, and fire.”
His voice was clear and deliberate, Sorcha wasted no time scribbling it all down. She then took another piece of parchment, tracing the map while carefully. noting every detail, name, and area of importance.
Once done, Cat gently rolled the scroll back up and set it precisely where it had been. Just as if he had planned it, Commander Nethran returned. Sorcha turned, prepared to ask him about the scroll, but before she could, he abruptly cut her off, speaking loudly.
“That is an ancient text, not meant for anyone other than the Elder Druids or the High Council. I’m not sure how it ended up here, but I’m certain it was an accident. I will be returning it to the library archives immediately.”
His gaze darting between them. A slow, careful nod followed, his expression telling them everything they needed to know they were being watched.
