"Ana," he said solemnly. "Whatchasee?"
"Everything," she said, laughed.
"You made a joke," I said then stood and busied myself brushing bracken off my jumper, refusing to meet the curious stares. It was just that Breandan didn't seem the kind to crack a joke, and the fact he was doing it with her and not me was irritating.
Beaming up at him, Ana swung her arms and smiled coyly. I was getting a definite crush vibe from her. He dropped his hold on her and extended his hand to me. I stepped forward to clasp it, felt contentment. He didn't ask about my missing glamour or make reference to my changed form, and I was grateful. His eyes rested for a long while on my wings then my tail. Heat crept up my neck and spilled into my cheeks. I ducked my head down so my hair covered my face.
I peeked up, and Breandan's face was set, but glowing.
Ana rolled her eyes and ran her hand through her hair. "I'll see you soon, Rae. Try to remember it's pointless to run from yourself." She paused as the lightening above struck again. Taking a last look at my face, she shook her head. "Be safe," she called and made her way into the gloom of the trees.
I barely heard or acknowledged her. The clouds darkened and the air hummed with electricity. The panicky, manic urge to run made my breath come in shallow pants. I loved storms; already I could feel my skin prickling.
Conall's face was turned to the sky. "Rae," said and he looked at me. His eyes sparkled and cheeks glowed with two spots of colour. "I still have much to show and tell you, but now is not the time. I will see you soon and we'll frolic. Enjoy the storm."
He winked at me then the pale soles of his boots flashed through the trees, ponytail streaming until he was lost to sight. Man, he was fast.
It was hard to concentrate with the ruckus overhead. My palms began to sweat. My wings twitched madly, and my tail thrashed so quickly it almost vibrated. I concentrated hard on a single action before turning to face Breandan. I brought my fist hurtling forward and encountered air. His face creased with amusement as he moved with the fluidity of water. My punch missed him by a mile and in a move to fast for me to defend against Breandan spun to my front, grabbed my leg and opposite arm to hold me taut above his head. I wriggled and writhed unable to break his hold. The first fat drops of rain landed on my cheeks and neck.
"You have not been taught to fight well," he said calmly despite my tail thumping his face.
"I cannot believe you didn't tell me you arrogant, stupid sonofa-"
"Oh, you're mad," he said and dropped me.
I landed lightly on my feet, wings jack-knifing out to beat hard beside me. Straightening in a flash I got in his face. "Stop throwing me about."
"You are not a weakling. To treat you as such would be an insult."
As if channeling my anger lightening flashed. Thunder crashed behind it and the rain started to fall harder. The trees began to sway in the wind, boughs bowed steeply.
"You moron," I said and seethed with anger.
His face flickered with hurt before falling blank. "What exactly are you upset about?"
"I looked like a fool. I didn't even know there were rebels or amulets that could sway the balance of power into the hands of evil," I sucked in a breath. "You told me nothing. Nothing." Regulating my voice to conversation level, I thrust my hands into my pockets and pulled my wings back, embarrassed. The fire to fight left me and I felt an urge for the comfort of four walls. Rain plastered my hair to my head, dripped from my nose and fingertips. I closed my eyes and breathed in the scent of the wet soil beneath me. "I'm the guardian of one third of the key, aren't I? That's what this thing is hanging around my neck. But why didn't Ana know and why do you, Conall and Devlin know?" My voice was barely a whisper. "I feel lost."
Breandan drew me into him and his chest heaved with a sigh. His hand met the skin at my shoulder blades, between my pinions, and he started there. He stroked my wings in long, sweeping movement. I relaxed and let his touch soothe my body and mind. I was too stressed to deny myself this pain relief. No matter how twisted a message it gave.
"We should be enjoying the storm," he said gently.
I looked into his face and unsuccessfully tried to hide my shock. "We like storms?"
