Page 106 of Protected in Darkness
“I’d like to request I go in the field,” Acadia said, speaking for the first time. “Asmia can remain here to serve you.”
Penelope noticed the Fae looked everywhere but at her.
“It’s not a bad idea,” Eclipse said.
“Which part?” Obsidian asked.
“All of it. Since Miklós has tracked myamsouelotto Telluride, I’ll remain in residence. They can take Stian, Ajax, and Cayden with them. Miklós and Magnar will remain back with me.”
Stygian spoke up, his voice lowered as he talked directly to Obsidian. “The sooner we locate them, the better off we’ll be.”
Penelope couldn’t do anything more than stare at the three warriors, waiting for them to come to a decision. It seemed the rest of the occupants of the table were doing the same.
Obsidian finally nodded. “But I want Acadia to remain back. With Ziana. Asmia and Elina can go out in the field.”
“May I ask why?” Taayin prompted, speaking up for the first time.
“Asmia’s aware of what Perfidious looks like. She can remain in the vicinity.”
“Then I’d prefer to go out as well,” Taayin said, pushing to his feet.
Penelope could feel the tension ratchet up in the room though she wasn’t sure what prompted it.
“No,” Obsidian stated firmly. “You’ll remain here.”
Based on the look on his face, Penelope expected Taayin to argue, but the man simply took a seat.
“Why don’t we reconvene in a few hours?” Eclipse suggested. “I’ll call Cimmerian and Shadow, get an update from them.”
“I’ll call Piceous,” Stygian added. “You can call Aphotic. Then we’ll chat.”
Obsidian nodded.
As everyone else dispersed, Penelope glanced down at her plate. She hadn’t eaten a single thing, but then again, neither had Obsidian.
“I’ll have something brought to our room,” Obsidian said, taking her hand and helping her to her feet.
She felt as though she needed to say something, but Penelope wasn’t sure what, so for now, she opted to keep her lips shut.
No sense in making the situation any worse.
Chapter Sixteen
Monday, July 29, 2019
NOONEEVERMENTIONEDTHEPAINTHATcame with loving someone. For Obsidian, the ache came from the fear, the uncertainty of what was around the corner.
In this case, it was the demons out to take Penelope away from him. He had no idea what they were doing, where they were, or when they would strike, and the not knowing was causing this uncomfortable anger to build within him, a rage that wouldn’t subside as he tried to come up with a plan to take Perfidious and his minions apart at the seams. Thanks to Oliver’s idiot move, the chances of that happening sooner rather than later had increased tenfold.
After taking hisamsouelotback to their private quarters, Obsidian told Penelope he needed to take care of a few things. She’d seemed somewhat grateful for the reprieve, and he couldn’t very well blame her after the disaster that had been disguised as the evening meal. What should’ve been a getting-to-know-her gathering with his family turned into a bitch fest choreographed by none other than her brother.
And now Obsidian needed an outlet for the frustration and anger that were continuing to intensify within him, so he sent a telepathic message to Stygian:Meet me in the sparring chamber. Ten minutes.
I think you’re reading my mind.
His brother’s acceptance eased some of the tension in his shoulders as he took the time to change into athletic shorts, stripping off the rest of his clothes and leaving them in the closet for his return.
Once Jeffrey delivered her meal, Obsidian kissed Penelope, then slipped out. He took the stairs down to the second floor, peeked into the library to find Gryffyth, Alden, Mordecai, and Magnar with their heads together, laptops open. That was a good sign, at least, even if Kid Rock was blasting through the speakers hidden in the bookcases.
