Page 20 of Shadowed Fate

I glance up, surprised by the soft-spoken druid's intervention. Callen, however, seems unbothered.

"Oh, come now, tree hugger," Callen retorts with a smirk. "Just because you prefer the company of squirrels and mushrooms doesn't mean the rest of us can't have a little fun. Or is it that you're jealous I offered first?"

Before Tiernan can respond, another yawn escapes me, and I suddenly feel like I can’t keep my eyes open.

Rory notices immediately. "I think it's time we get Brigid to bed," he says.

"Excellent idea," Callen agrees, his eyes gleaming. "I'd be happy to keep you company, darling. I promise you, I'd be the best you've ever had."

I can't help it. "That's not exactly a high bar," I mutter before I can stop myself.

Rory's eyebrow shoots up, and I swear I see Tiernan blush.

We stand, preparing to leave, when the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. Someone's watching me.

I turn, my attention drawn to a figure leaning against the far wall. He's all sharp angles and darkness—black hair, black eyes, pale skin stretched over high cheekbones. His lean, muscular frame is clad entirely in black, making him look like a shadow come to life.

Our eyes lock, and a chill runs through me. There's something... hungry in his gaze.

I blink, and he's gone, leaving me to wonder if my exhausted mind is playing tricks on me.

"Brigid?" Rory's voice pulls me back. "Everything okay?"

I shake my head, trying to clear it. "Yeah, I just.... It's nothing.”

Chapter 10

Brigid

My eyes snap open, heart thundering against my ribs.

Shadows climb the unfamiliar walls of my new room, like living smoke. They respond to the frantic beat of my pulse, to the fear clawing up my throat. They take the shape of ravens, their beating wings creating swirling gust of wind inside the room.

I force air into my lungs, willing my breathing to slow. "It's just a dream," I whisper, but the words ring hollow.

Swinging my legs over the edge of the bed, I plant my feet on the icy floor. The chill shoots up through my bones, grounding me in the present moment. I curl my toes against the stone, focusing on the sensation as I survey the restless shadows.

Tendrils of darkness reach for me, only to shy away at the last second. It's as if they can sense my turmoil, my inner chaos made manifest.

Is this me?

I rake a hand through my tangled hair, grimacing at the feel of cold sweat on my scalp. My oversized t-shirt clings to my skin, damp and uncomfortable. I push myself to stand. The room sways for a moment, and I brace a hand against the wall to steady myself.

The shadows retreat at my touch, sliding and swirling around my wrists and up my arms. It’s like they’re leaving, going home. This... this is new.

I wrap my arms around myself, suddenly feeling very small and very alone in this strange place.

I take a shaky step towards the window, needing to see something beyond these suffocating stone walls. The forest stretches out before me, a sea of darkness under the fading stars. It's beautiful, in a haunting sort of way.

A raven's cry pierces the pre-dawn silence, making me flinch. I scan the treeline, searching for the source, but see nothing. Just shadows and more shadows.

My hands tremble as I grab my sketchbook, the familiar weight grounding me. I sink to the floor, back against the wall, and flip to a blank page.

"Just get it out," I mutter.

The first stroke is hesitant, but then it's like a dam breaks. My hand moves with frenzied urgency, each line a desperate attempt to capture the haunting vision before it fades. Ravens take shape on the page – dozens of them.

I lose myself in the drawing, barely aware of my surroundings. Time passes in a blur. I’m so tired, but my mind won't quiet. The absence of my usual post-vision headache is a small mercy, but it's also... strange.

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