Page 15 of Shadowed Fate

Callen's fingers brush my arm as he passes me. "I'll see you soon, beautiful," he says, his words dripping with promise.

I swallow hard, pulse quickening. What have I gotten myself into? I watch Callen go back down the steps and disappear into a hedge maze to the right of the drive.

Rory's warm smile breaks through my thoughts. "Ready for the grand tour?"

I nod, grateful for how relaxed and open he is. Rory is a welcome relief after Lochan’s rude hostility, and his presence eases the anxiety knotted in my stomach.

Rory leads me through massive doors into the main hall. Again, I realize I’m holding my breath.I’m gonna need an oxygen mask if this keeps up. The cavernous space is lit by flickering candles, their flames casting uncanny shadows across stone walls that are adorned with large painted portraits in gold frames.

"Impressive, right?" Rory's voice echoes. He gestures to a row of stern-faced men and women. "Our illustrious headmasters. Cheery bunch."

I snort, surprised by his casual irreverence. "They look... intense."

"Oh, they were. Still are—if you believe the rumors."

I study the portraits, half-expecting one to turn his head.

As we walk, the candlelight seems to follow us, illuminating our path while plunging the areas behind into darkness. The shadows feel alive, watching, reaching. I resist the urge to look over my shoulder.

"You okay?" Rory asks, walking backwards to face me.

I force a smile. "Fine. Just... taking it all in."

We approach a grand staircase, its steps seeming to wave like water. I blink hard, certain I'm imagining things.

Rory grins. "Grimstone's got a mind of its own. Wait until you see the rooms that appear and disappear at will."

I stumble, caught off guard by something shifting beneath my feet. Rory's hand steadies me, solid and very warm.

"Thanks," I mumble, embarrassed. "So, um, people don't get lost?"

He laughs. "Oh, they do. All the time. You've got to know where you're going, or you might never find your way out."

My eyes widen. "You're joking."

"Maybe. Maybe not." He drops my hand, and for a minute I’m disappointed, but then he places it on my back, guiding me forward.

As we ascend, I feel like the building itself is alive, watching, evaluating. I try to focus on Rory's animated chatter. He talks to me like we’re old friends, even though we’ve just met. I think Fiona would like him. No, actually Fiona would like him a littletoomuch. Rory, Callen, and Lochan all look like book boyfriends come true.

As we reach the top of the stairs, I pause.

"You alright there, Brigid?" Rory asks, concern etching his features, "It's a lot to take in, isn't it? I remember my first day here."

I manage a weak smile. "How did you cope?"

He shrugs, his muscular frame moving beneath his shirt. "Found my people. Made it feel like home."

“Callen?” I ask.

He nods. “Lochan, too, and Tiernan. You’ll meet him soon enough. He’s out there somewhere communing with the garden spirits or whatever it is he does.” Rory laughs.

As we walk, I notice odd carvings on the walls. Creatures I've never seen before, twisting and writhing in frozen agony or ecstasy—I can't quite tell which.

"What are these?" I ask, reaching out to touch one.

Rory's hand seizes mine, his grip firm. "Wouldn't do that if I were you. Some of them bite."

I snatch my hand back, eyes wide. "You're kidding."

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