Page 17 of Shadowed Fate

A girl nearby levitates a boulder twice her size. To our left, two guys duel with fireballs. And in the distance—

"Is that Callen?" I ask, squinting at a familiar figure.

Rory nods, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Yep, that's our resident prince. Probably practicing some fancy fae tricks."

As if on cue, Callen vanishes in a shimmer of light, reappearing seconds later.

I'm mesmerized. "This is... incredible. Are they all fae?"

Rory chuckles. "Nah, we've got all sorts here. Vampires, witches, shapeshifters... you name it, Grimstone's probably got it."

My mind reels. "And they're all...real? This isn't some elaborate joke?"

"As real as you and me," Rory says. "I know it's a lot to take in."

I nod mutely, watching a group of students transform into various animals. A question nags at me, one I'm almost afraid to voice.

"How do I—I mean, what am I doing here? I'm just normal."

Rory's eyebrows shoot up. "Normal? Brigid, I don't think—"

A thunderous explosion cuts him off. We whirl to see a plume of smoke rising from the far end of the grounds.

"Bloody hell," Rory mutters. "That'll be the elementals again.

I gulp, willing my heart rate to return to normal. "Is that common?"

Rory shrugs, his easy smile returning. "More than you'd think. C'mon, let's get you settled in."

We leave the chaotic training grounds behind, winding through stone corridors.

”Welcome to your new digs," he announces as he pushes open a door.

I step into the room, and I’m overwhelmed. Luxurious doesn't even begin to describe it.The room is huge, easily three times the size of my cramped little cottage.My jaw drops at the opulence that surrounds me, from the velvet drapes that pool elegantly on the floor to the golden chandelier casting a warm, inviting glow.

A fire flickers in the fireplace, its warmth spreading throughout the room. The flames crackle and hiss, and the light from it makes the polished wood furniture glow. In a corner, I see a sumptuous sitting area, with two plush armchairs and a table adorned with fresh fruits and fragrant flowers. A massive four-poster bed commands the space, draped in heavy burgundy curtains and the bedding looks as soft as a cloud, tempting me to sink into its comfort.

The events of the evening—has it really only been that long?—catch up with me and I am more than tired, I am existentially exhausted.The emotional rollercoaster of betrayal, confusion, and hope has drained me completely, leaving my mind numb and my body aching for rest.

"It's beautiful.” I turn back to Rory who is waiting in the doorway.

He’s leaning against the doorframe, one arm over his head, making his shirt ride up and revealing a fair-sized slice of toned abs. I catch myself staring and quickly look away, heat rising to my cheeks again.

Rory's grin widens. "I'll let you get settled. Be back in a bit to escort you to dinner, alright?"

“Dinner this late?”

“It’s barely midnight, love. The night’s just getting started.”

I nod, not trusting my voice. As soon as he's gone, I collapse onto the bed, my mind spinning.

What am I doing here? How can any of this be real?

I force myself up, drawn to the windows. I must be on the other side of the grounds. The forest is bathed in moonlight, casting long shadows across the green. A lone figure is out there—Lochan, striding purposefully across the lawn. He glances up, our eyes meeting for a brief, electric moment before he quickly looks away.

I jerk the curtains closed, my pulse pounding, head spinning. Turning, I get a glimpse of myself in the large standing mirror, and I groan.

I completely forgot I was still wearing my hardware store uniform.

---