Page 19 of Shadowed Fate

Great. I’ve been here less than a day, and someone already hates me. Someone other than Lochan, that is.

"Well, well, if it isn't our delectable new arrival." Callen says.

His words send a fresh wave of heat to my face. I duck my head. I feel like my cheeks will be permanently scarlet around Callen.

The thought barely forms before the quiet guy across from me mutters, "Don't give him any ideas."

I blink, startled. "Did you just—"

"Read your mind?" He winces, looking genuinely apologetic. "Sorry. I try not to, but sometimes thoughts... leak."

Rory clears his throat. "Brigid, this is Tiernan. He's a druid."

"A what, now?" I ask.

Tiernan’s light green eyes meet mine briefly before darting away. As expected, he’s preternaturally gorgeous, just like the others. His hair is longer, a light brown, and his face is serious, but not stern like Lochan’s is. More studious.

"Druids have certain... abilities," Tiernan explains softly. "Including telepathy."

I realize I’m still staring at Tiernan.

He's just so undeniably attractive, like everyone else in this place. I'd give anything to see someone ordinary in this place. A twinge of self-consciousness hits me as I realize I'm probably the most ordinary-looking person in the room.

A loud scraping noise makes me jump. Lochan, who has been glowering silently since we walked in, shoves his chair back, his mouth twisted. Without a word, he stalks away from the table, leaving his food untouched.

“Whatishis problem?" I mutter, watching him leave the hall.

Callen leans in, his light, pale blue eyes gleaming in the candlelight. "Don't worry your pretty little head about Lochan, darling. He's just a grumpy, old bear who hasn't had any honey for a long time."

I snort, caught off guard by the ridiculous analogy. "Does he always act like someone pissed in his cheerios?"Or is it just me.

"Only on days ending in 'y'," Callen quips, his full lips curving into a brazen smile. "But why focus on him when there are far more interesting people at this table?" He leans back and bites into an apple. "Namely, me."

I roll my eyes, but can't quite hide my smile. "Does that line actually work on anyone?"

Tiernan clears his throat softly, drawing my attention. He leans forward, his soft voice cutting through Callen's laughter. "So, Brigid, how did you come to the academy's attention?” His eyes are inquisitive, curious. I feel like I’m being studied.

I freeze, my fork halfway to my mouth. Setting it down, I meet his curious gaze. The events of the evening swirl in my mind, a scrambled mess I'm still trying to sort out. "I... I don't really know myself," I admit.

The silver cutlery clinks against fine china as I push my food around, trying to find the right words. "There were these shadows," I begin, my heart rate picking up at the memory. "They seemed to come from me, and they made me feel strong, but that's impossible, right?" I look up, searching their faces for answers. "And then the attack..."

My voice trails off as I watch Rory, Callen, and Tiernan exchange a weighted look. It's quick, barely a glance of their eyes, but I see it.

"What was that?" I demand, my gaze zeroing in on Callen. "That look. What do you know that you're not telling me?"

Callen's smile is easy, but his eyes are guarded. "Look, darling? I'm afraid I don't know what you mean. We're all just concerned about your well-being after such an eventful evening. It's not every day someone manifests such intriguing abilities."

His words are smooth, carefully crafted to reveal nothing while sounding like an answer. My fingers clench around my fork.

Rory leans forward, his warm brown eyes softening. "Brigid, you've had a really long day. All of this," he gestures vaguely, "it's a lot to process. It might be better to discuss everything with Dean Charling tomorrow when you meet with him."

I open my mouth to argue, but exhaustion suddenly hits me like a tidal wave. My shoulders slump. "Fine,"

Callen's eyes light up. "Speaking of tomorrow, I happen to be free. It would be my absolute pleasure to escort you to Dean Charling." His lips curl into a seductive smile that makes my heart skip a beat. "And afterward, I could give you a private tour of the academy. Show you all the secret hiding spots, the best places for a little intimate exploration."

My face blazes, heat rushing from my neck to the tips of my ears. I can't bring myself to look at any of them, suddenly finding the intricate patterns on my plate fascinating.

"Callen," Tiernan warns.

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