Venom

Chapter 24. Devonshire

I wake up the next morning with a heavy headache, probably from my pouring of tears constantly the night before.

Angus is quiet, asleep next to me. His arms hold me close against him around my waist. They strengthen when I try to pull out and his grip becomes tight. I stare at his face, exasperated. He looks so carefree when he's asleep and not contained and cool like he always is.

My gaze travel down his portrait. I realize, while studying him that his skin is incredibly soft and pale. He has smooth eyebrows and beautiful long lashes and full pink lips. He has a thick sharp jaw and his hair is falling quite attractively in his face. His fine-and I discovered, beautiful -face is flawless and hypnotic. I pull a hand out and slowly run my fingertips against his cheek. His forehead creases and I pull away.

Angus opens his eyes and stares at me. At first he looks confused as to why I'm laying on top of him, then he becomes rigid when he realize there's his arm on my waist.

"Good morning,"

He swiftly shifts away from me and sits up. "Hi."

I do the same as him, he looked at me again. "How's your arm?"

"Oh, it's fully healed... thank you." I smiled, genuinely grateful, and embarrassed because I was peering at his face. His lips lift up, though and I'm glad he's happy.

We stare at each other woodenly for a moment. I shift uncomfortably in my spot and he clears his throat. Thankfully, he speaks before I'm forced to. "I think we should get back to the castle. Others must be waiting for us there."

"Right"

I got out of the tent first and hastily went to search for a little water to freshen myself. Sure enough there was and plenty. There were dozens jerry cans in one of the few larger tents, packed together with sacks full of provisions. This camp is unmistakably well equipped. I serve myself happily.

I quickly cleaned my face, brushed my teeth and fixed my long dark hair in a long ponytail and pull out an apple from one of the sacks.

"Hey," Angus calls behind me. I whirl to face him and realize that his body is closer than I thought. He notices that too and step away, immediately.

"Just received a call from Anthony." he informs quietly, staring at my face in a way which gives me goosebumps.

I catch my breath. "What did he say?" I ask crossing fingers in my head.

"They know where he is."

"Is he okay?" I bite my lower lip, anxiously. Lord please, let him be fine.

"He's fine." Angus assured and I release my breath.

"We need to get going, though. Anthony says there's something urgent going on. He's waiting for us at Gloomspire."

My eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "Gloomspire? What is that place?"

Angus turned his back on me and walked to the big tent. I stayed close behind, waiting for his answer.

"Angus?"

"The territory of witches is decided in four cities or kingdoms-what ever you prefer-Frostmoor, Brinevault, Gloomspire and Sandfort. I thought you knew about those last two."

Oh.

Actually, the council had mentioned this to me but I was distracted by the fact that Angus counted as an old member of the group.

"I'm... going to get my stuff so we can leave now." I murmured, knowing well enough that he could hear me then went back to the tent. I picked up my bag and packed all my belongings.