Sigils of Blood and Shadow

AURYNThere’s a wrong way to touch a woman.The drunk bastard finds out the hard way.One second, his hand is on Mia’s ass. The next, I’ve got his arm twisted behind his back, and a sharp kick to his leg sends him crashing to the ground. He’s howling, clutching his arm like it will start working again if he holds it tight enough. He stares up at me, now sober and stunned, like I haven't just done him a favour by teaching him some damn manners.Although I have a smug smile on my face, I promise I didn't mean to twist his hand that hard.Call it… training.Where I’m from, mercy is a myth. You strike first, then apologize never, and god help you if you ever forgot that because the reminder hurts. Still… I loved every brutal moment.Mia clutches my arm, eyes wide with shock and mouth agape. It's then I notice the stares trained on my back. I turn back to see my new coworkers frozen on the sidewalk, gawking like I just grew fangs.Sweat trickles down my back. I open my mouth to speak, but

“Be careful at night, Auryn. It's dangerous out here.” Mia's words ring in my ears, and I swallow, my body on high-alert, but I keep my pace steady, turning at the next corner I see. The moment I'm out of sight, I stop, press myself against the wall and wait. Seconds later, footsteps round the corner, and I strike, grabbing the stalker’s wrist and twisting it as I shove them against the wall. “It-It’s me.” The voice is familiar. I take a closer look and release my grip when I see it's Liam, but I don't drop my guard. He turns to face me, an embarrassed look on his face as he massages his arm. “You’re following me? What the hell?” He rubs his neck nervously. “I just… wanted to make sure you get home safe.” “Then you could have asked?” “You seem really strong. And since you refused Jessica's offer, I didn't think you'd see the need to have me accompany you,” He lowers his head. “I'm sorry.” He’s not wrong. If I get attacked, I'll probably be the one defending him. But most impor

Jessica turns to me with a relieved smile. “Auryn,” She approaches me, her steps brisk. “I rushed over as soon as I heard about your attack.” She pulls me in for a hug. I force a smile as she steps back, her eyes scanning my body. Then, she snaps her head in Killian's direction. “You shouldn't have let her out of your sight!” She snaps. He rubs the back of his neck, a sheepish smile on his face. “I didn't expect it—” She cuts him off with a raised finger, before turning to me again. “You should stay here in the meantime. I'm sure you must be confused by all that has happened tonight, but I'll explain everything to you tomorrow. Alright?” Her eyes flicks to my shoulder. “Although the healer restored your shoulder and got rid of the marks, you still need to rest.” If kindness was a person, it'd be Jessica. But she's a Duskbane. For that reason, I can't trust her, nor Killian. And I absolutely can't stay with them. “I wouldn't want to interrupt you both. You've already helped me

KILLIANI don’t knock.I march straight through the iron-framed doors, my steps echoing against the marbled floors of the estate. A couple of staff members scramble to get out of the way, offering startled greetings I don’t return.The scent of roasted lamb and sugared wine hits me before the laughter does.Of course. A fucking Clan gathering the one I come home.Voices rise from the garden courtyard, familiar and distant all at once. I spot my grandmother first, white curls tucked into a golden scarf, a glass of something I don't want to know in her hand. She takes the strangest things.Her face lights up when she sees me.“Killian, darling!” she calls, smiling as if this isn’t the first time she’s seen me in years. “You came!” Giving the rest of the family a pointed look, she adds. “I told them you’d show.”One of my younger cousins waves excitedly, jumping to her feet. “Big bro!” She looks like she's thinking about hugging me, but it's a good thing she doesn't because it wouldn't e