Grayson's Veil

Chapter 16

Phoebe had passed out with her head resting on Grayson's shoulder.

He could not blame her. Their night and morning were not pleasant. As badly as he hoped it would be their last bad night, he knew it was not possible.

The only good thing that came from those events, was the clarity. Like a part of him before was watching himself go through the motions of life, waiting for something to happen so it could be released. As Alice had said, the veil was lifting.

As he continued to guide Grace to the meeting spot, Grayson sipped his whiskey.

He inspected the label and frowned. It was basically the same stuff he always got, but he was barely tipsy, and half the bottle was already gone.

'We can't get drunk as easily anymore. We need virgin's blood for us to get intoxicated.'

Grayson could practically feel the wink the demon gave off after his explanation.

Sighing, Grayson poured what was left into his flask and threw the bottle. The sound of glass against a random tree made Phoebe jerk in her sleep.

Grayson hushed her and stroked her hair. He was not ready for her to wake up yet and he knew neither was she.

Holding Phoebe against him with one arm, Grayson steered Grace towards the edge of the forest where him and Alice agreed to meet.

His thoughts drifted towards Eleanor and where she could be. Hoping beyond hope she was safe and sending out a silent promise to whomever has her that they will suffer greatly at his hands.

After a while, when the sun nearly hit the middle of the sky, Grayson and Phoebe stopped at the forest line.

As gently as he could, Grayson cradled Phoebe and slid off the horse. Grace neighed and side stepped at the sudden weight change. Knowing Grace needed to graze, Grayson dropped her reigns and walked to the nearest tree.

Just as Grayson put Phoebe down, she opened her eyes. She looked up at Grayson before giving him a lazy smile.

"Whoops! I must have dozed off." She exclaimed while stretching her sore muscles and wincing slightly at her pounding head.

The lightheartedness in her voice made Grayson stare at her like she was insane.

Phoebe noticed. "What?"

There was no indication in her voice that she remembered what had happened several hours ago. Grayson bent down to be level with her eyes, trying to see if her little act would slip.

Phoebe pressed her back against the tree in response to his sudden intrusion of her space.

"Wha...Uh..." Phoebe stuttered, trying to understand what was going on.

"What happened a few hours ago?" Grayson asked as he continued to watch her reaction.

Phoebe opened her mouth then closed it, looking like a fish out of water.

"Well, the last thing I remember was getting my things so we could go look for Eleanor." She glanced down, looking slightly unsure. "Then I fell asleep on the way here?" Phoebe asked, sounding hopeful that that was what happened. She reached a hand to her head, preparing to itch it. She let out a sharp inhale when her fingers connected to the small wound, pulling her hand back immediately. She looked at it and frowned at the blood on her finger tips.

Running a frustrated hand through his hair, Grayson sat down across from Phoebe, pulling his sword out of its sheath and laying it across his lap.

Then, pointed to the cloak he had wrapped around her. "Did you put this on before leaving?"