Page 51 of Shadowed Fate

We twirl across the floor, and I relax into Rory's easy warmth. It's a stark contrast to the intensity of dancing with Callen.

"Gods, you look gorgeous," Rory says, his eyes twinkling. "Might have to fight off half the lads here tonight."

I snort. "Yeah, right. I'm sure they're all lining up for the weird girl."

Rory's face softens. "Hey now, none of that. You're fucking amazing, Brigid. Don't let anyone tell you different.” He leans in close to whisper in my ear. “Remember—you’re ours, love. Anyone who comes near you will learn that right quick.”

His words catch me off guard, and I have to look away. That's when I spot Eira, twirling gracefully with a tall, lanky guy from our Elemental Studies class.

"Is that Finn dancing with Eira?" I ask, nodding in their direction.

Rory glances over. "Aye, the water boy finally worked up the nerve to ask her. Took him long enough."

I watch them for a moment. I’m happy for Eira.

"Good for her," I murmur.

Rory squeezes my hand. "And good for you, yeah? You're here, you're stunning, and you've got the best dance partner in the room, you lucky thing."

I laugh, grateful for his ability to lighten any mood. "You're ridiculous."

"You love it,” he laughs.

And I do.

As the song ends, I feel a tap on my shoulder. Tiernan stands there, looking elegant in a perfectly cut, deep midnight blue suit. I notice he still has his woven bracelets on, and he decided to forgo a tie. The buttons on his shirt are undone enough for me to see his chest and I swallow, remembering how it felt under my palm.

"May I cut in?" he asks.

Rory bows dramatically. "All yours, mate. Try not to step on her toes like I did."

I roll my eyes. "You didn't step on my toes once, Rory."

"Night's still young," he says, sauntering off.

Tiernan takes my hand, his touch gentle as we begin to sway. The music shifts to something slower, lingering and melancholy.

"You look beautiful tonight, Brigid," Tiernan murmurs. "Like starlight come to earth."

My cheeks warm. "Thank you. You look really nice too."

He smiles, and it transforms his usually serious face. "The night suits you. There's a magic in the air, isn't there?"

I nod, taking in the twinkling lights, the swirling couples, the sheer otherworldliness of it all. "It's... incredible. I never imagined anything like this existed outside of fairytales."

Tiernan's eyes reflect the light, and it makes them look greener than ever. "Sometimes fairytales come true."

As we dance, I notice Callen watching us, a look of approval on his face. My stomach does a little flip.

I feel Tiernan’s hand splayed across my back, the same as Callen and Rory before him, and yet his touch is distinctly different. It’s controlled. Precise. I find myself wanting to hear his praise.

The song ends, and I realize I'm parched. "I need a drink," I tell Tiernan.

He nods. "Follow me."

We make our way to the refreshment table, a dazzling array of glittering goblets and jewel-colored liquids. I reach for a glass of something close to me, but Rory's hand shoots out, grabbing my wrist.

"Whoa there, love. Not that one. fae wine'll have you dancing on tables and swinging your dress around your head faster than you can say 'tits up.'."

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