Page 52 of Shadowed Fate

I raise an eyebrow. "Speaking from experience?"

He grins. "Maybe. Let's just say there are some stories better left untold."

Tiernan chuckles, selecting a different glass. "Try this. It's safer."

I take a sip, and the taste explodes on my tongue—sweet, tart, familiar. "It tastes like... blackberry jam," I say, memories of my cottage flooding back.

"Do you like it?" Rory asks, concern in his eyes.

I nod. "Yeah. Just... remembering home."

As I savor the drink, I realize something strange. Despite all the uncertainty, the unanswered questions, the bizarre circumstances that brought me here... I'm starting to feel comfortable at Grimstone. Almost like I belong.

A chuckle escapes me. Imagine that.

The feeling is short-lived.

A bristling sensation on the back of my neck makes me turn. Across the room, Laria and her group are watching me, their eyes full of undisguised contempt. The hostility in their glares could curdle milk.

"Ignore them," Tiernan says.

“That lot is nothing for you to concern yourself with,” Rory says.

Easier said than done.

Suddenly, a hush falls over the nearby dancers.

A tall figure in a black mask approaches, his movements fluid like a cat. He extends a hand to me, not speaking.

I hesitate, curiosity warring with apprehension. Beside me, I feel Rory and Tiernan stiffen. Callen materializes from the crowd, his eyes narrowed.

Rory growls.

But something compels me. I place my hand on the masked stranger's, allowing him to lead me onto the dance floor.

As we begin to move, his gloved fingers lightly touch my bare back. It's not entirely unpleasant, but there's an edge to it that sets my nerves on fire.

"Who are you?" I whisper, trying to peer behind the mask.

His lips curve into a smile. "I knew you’d look stunning in that dress."

I know that voice.

Marius.

He’s the one who gave me the clothes?

We glide across the floor, his movements unpredictable and I feel off balance, but his arms are strong and I follow his lead as best I can. At one point, I don’t even think he’s letting my feet touch the floor anymore. I can feel the eyes of everyone on us, especially Rory, Callen, Tiernan, and even Lochan. Their protective stances are visible from here.

"They seem quite concerned for you," Marius murmurs, his breath hot against my ear.

I swallow hard. "They're my friends."

He chuckles, the sound dark and rich. "Are they now? How interesting. Perhaps we should be friends, too."

His hand slides lower on my back, and I stiffen. It's intimate, too intimate.

But I can't bring myself to pull away.

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