Veil Of The Undying

Chapter 22

Aria

We took in a father, his pregnant daughter, and their neighbor. I've never felt more accomplished; my training has been worth it.

Since there were no more rooms, I asked Jenna, the neighbor, and Daria, the pregnant girl, to take my room. Liam offered the old man, John, to stay in his room. I decided to sleep in the living room; the sofas are quite comfortable. Liam also chose to sleep here, keeping me company, which I appreciate.

Just as I was about to drift off, I saw Ronan approaching me. "Come to my room, we need to talk." Liam shot a suspicious glance at him, but I followed Ronan without hesitation.

Once inside, Ronan locked the door behind me. "Could you not lock the door?" I asked, pointing at it. He looked at me as though I'd physically hurt him. "No offense, I just don't like confined spaces," I explained.

"Sure," he muttered.

"I want to talk about your love for saving people," Ronan said, folding his hands together. I looked at him, puzzled, prompting him to continue. "You took in four people today. Four. We have food that will last us only two months because of your kindness."

"Four? I only took in three," I corrected.

"And a baby that's due any minute now," he added.

"Did you expect me to leave them out there?" I raised an eyebrow.

"Yes. But since you failed my expectations and continue making decisions that affect everyone without consulting us, I've decided to let you know in advance: they will stay only tonight. I want them gone by tomorrow," he declared.

"So let me get this straight: you want me to agree to throw out a pregnant girl and two old people with no defense whatsoever? You're sounding just like Ava," I said, incredulous.

"Ava only thinks of herself. I'm thinking of the group. That's my final decision. Get out." His stern tone made it clear that the conversation was over.

I left his room, he made up his, well, so did I.

By morning, Ronan had already informed our guests that they needed to leave. He provided them with some food and a single gun. What the fuck could they possibly do with just one gun?

When I came downstairs, everyone's eyes were on me, focused on my bag. "I'm not going to enjoy a warm bed and food while a pregnant woman roams outside. I'm going with them. I'll take my gun and some food. Don't it's not much," I said, determined.

Ronan's face turned a shade of anger I hadn't seen before. "Stop being dramatic. Go put your bag back."

"Ronan, I'm grateful for everything you've done from day one, but I am my own person, and I will make my own choices. Thank you for everything," I said, heading toward the group of outcasts.

Ronan got up and began pacing the living room, then turned his attention back to me. He stormed over and grabbed my bag, pulling it forcefully from my hands. "You want them to stay? Fine. But from now on, every two weeks, you will go out to bring back food. You'll be responsible for their portion of everything. Do you understand?"

I hadn't expected him to relent, and his offer was a relief. "I understand," I said, my determination unwavering.