The Veil Read Online Free Page B

a large number of visitors these days, so the staff will keep you well attended. Anything you need, simply ask.” He turned to Iralia, who was winking at the three Asrai while fixing her hair. The Asrai gave nervous smiles in return. “As much as it pains me to say this, Guardian Desquien, I cannot permit you to stay here with your fellow Guardians.”
    Iralia’s eyes widened in confusion. Gabriella frowned at Aegis. “I don’t understand. You just said that you don’t get many visitors. Are you short of space?”
    “We aren’t, no.” He cleared his throat. “Huntmaster De Luca, as much as I would like to, I am terribly afraid that I cannot permit Guardian Desquien to walk freely on the streets of Fenodara.” As soon as he had spoken the words, his guards started to fall in around the Succubus. There were a series of indignant sounds from the team, including me.
    “Now now, boys, one at a time,” Iralia said with a mischievous grin, but it was obvious she was unnerved.
    A cloud passed over Gabriella’s face and her friendly attitude vanished in an instant. “This is absolutely unacceptable, Highwarden. Iralia is a trusted Guardian of the Alliance!”
    “She is also an Umbra,” said Aegis flatly. “In case you had forgotten, Huntmaster, we are at war with the Umbra. It would not be good for the citizens to see one of them wandering around a Luminar city unattended on a night designed for celebration, regardless of her allegiances. And no doubt it would not be good for her either.”
    Gabriella’s jaw clenched together, and I watched her hands coil into fists.
    She’s pissed.
    “Highwarden, I am part Succubus. Are you going to restrict my liberties too?” she said through clenched teeth.
    Aegis awkwardly cleared his throat. “I…wasn’t aware of that.” He paused for a moment. “No, that shan’t be necessary. You are the Huntmaster of this group and your appearance is that of a human. Only Iralia need come with us.”
    His words fell away and were met with thick silence. Gabriella glared at him, her jaw set and eyes narrowed. The tension in the air was palpable – it was amazing how quickly we had gone from pleasantries to hostility. Aegis placed his helmet back over his head, almost as if it could deflect the atmosphere. “Please do not worry, Huntmaster. I promise that Guardian Desquien will be kept safe in her guarded quarters, as well as being afforded every luxury we can spare.”
    “Except her freedom,” I muttered.
    Aegis stiffened at my comment. Gabriella went to say something else, but Iralia raised a placating hand.
    “Guys, don’t worry, it’s okay. Besides I’m quite tired. Who knew that travelling across worlds could be so knackering?” She gave an unconvincing smile. “I’ll just go with these nice chaps and probably turn in for the evening. I’ll catch up with you all tomorrow.”
    Gabriella flicked her head around. “Iralia, you are a Guardian of the Alliance. You don’t have to go anywhere.”
    “It’s fine, I don’t mind. Really.”
    “Iralia…”
    “Gabriella, It’s fine .”
    Her stalwart expression faltered. “Are you sure?”
    “I’m positive.”
    Gabriella seemed to consider things for a moment, and then she gave a slow nod. “All right.” She turned to face the Highwarden. “But if I discover anything has happened to my Guardian under your care, I will be holding you personally responsible. Do I make myself clear?”
    “Abundantly.” The Highwarden gestured towards the waiting Asrai. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must prepare for this evening’s festival. Your Homesteads are ready and waiting for the rest of you. As I said, feel free to explore the city once you have settled.” He averted his gaze. “Do you still wish to dine with me this evening?”
    There was a bloated pause. “We will see you there, Highwarden,” Gabriella said finally, her voice absent of all warmth.
    Guess we’re back off first name terms then, I thought.
    He gave a