Page 138 of Unveiled

“Adrian, lad, please come back.”

Connor.

Adrian felt himself pulled toward warmth, toward breath, toward a heartbeat so loud and steady it anchored the entire world.

He forced his eyes open. Light stabbed them, and his head throbbed.

But Connor’s face, the raw, exhausted relief in those storm-grey eyes, pulled Adrian fully into the world again.

He didn’t know how he’d gotten to Connor’s bed with blankets piled on top of him, and Connor there, by his side.

“Connor,” Adrian whispered.

Connor’s inhale was ragged. He pressed Adrian’s forehead gently to his own, eyes squeezing shut. “Fuck, Adrian, I thought—”

Adrian lifted a hand, brushing Connor’s cheek. “Did we do it?”

Connor nodded, his voice shaking when he confirmed, “Aye. The anchor’s gone. You shattered it.”

Adrian managed a smile. “We shattered it.” He melted against him, cheek resting over Connor’s heart. The rhythmic beat soothed him, the only thing that didn’t hurt.

“Connor,” he grumbled. “Everything fucking aches.”

“I know.” Connor’s fingers threaded through Adrian’s hair. “You took the worst of it. You shouldn’t have, but you did.”

Adrian shifted, wincing. “Your arms are shaking.”

Connor’s grip froze.

Adrian opened his eyes. “Connor, are you crying?”

Connor stiffened. “No.”

Adrian grinned. “You’re terrible at lying.”

Connor exhaled sharply and dropped his forehead onto Adrian’s shoulder, his voice trembling. “You bloody disappeared in front of me. One moment you were there, warm, breathing, and then they took you. I thought I’d lost you.”

Adrian’s breath hitched at the raw pain in Connor’s voice. “I’m sorry,” he said.

“No.” Connor pulled back enough to cup Adrian’s face. “Don’t you ever apologise for nearly dying, even if you insist on doing it constantly.”

Adrian blinked. “I didn’t insist.”

“I know,” Connor murmured. He pressed his lips to Adrian’s temple. “But I tore that anchor apart until it shattered around you.”

Adrian shifted slightly and immediately regretted it. Pain lanced down his spine, hot and sharp. His breath hitched.

Connor’s grip tightened. “Adrian? Where does it hurt?”

“Everywhere,” Adrian groaned. “Inside my bones. Inside my head. Merdre. Just shoot me.”

Connor chuckled. “Not an option.”

Connor pulled him closer until their chests pressed together. Adrian steadied instantly, as if Connor’s warmth muted the pain.

Adrian frowned. “The resonance of the Veil changed.”

Connor frowned, brushing Adrian’s cheek with his thumb. “How?”