Page 24 of Shadowed Fate

"Like you wouldn’t, " Callen scoffs. “I know you better than you think, Lochie-boy.”

"Trust me on this. Shadow magic? There's no way she’s just realizing she has it. I've seen what that kind of power can do."

I tense as I remember the darkness I've witnessed, the destruction shadow magic can cause. Brigid might look harmless, but I know better. That kind of power... it changes people. Corrupts them.

"She's dangerous," I say, more to myself than to Callen. "Whether she knows it yet or not."

Callen's eyes narrow, shifting to something more serious. "Well, regardless of your suspicions, we can't just leave her to fend for herself." He glances at his wrist, a golden filigree timepiece glinting in the light. "Shit. I've got to run. Business to attend to."

I arch an eyebrow. "Business?"

"Nothing for you to worry about," he says, waving a hand dismissively. "But I need you to make sure Brigid gets back to her room."

I whip my head around, narrowing my eyes. "What?"

He's already backing away, that infuriating smirk still plastered on his face. "Sorry, mate. Duty calls.

"Callen—" I start, but he's already turning the corner, the prick.

I take his place, leaning against the wall outside the office. The corridor seems to shift in my peripheral vision. It sets my teeth on edge, much like the task I've been handed.

Protect Brigid or protect everyone else from her?

The door creaks open, and Brigid emerges from Dean Charling's office. Her eyes widen as they land on me, surprise flickering across her face before her features harden into a guarded mask.

"Where's Callen?" she asks, her voice quiet but edged with suspicion.

I push off the wall, crossing my arms. "Busy. You're stuck with me."

Brigid's jaw tightens, her fingers toying with the hem of her sweater. "I don't need an escort."

"Not up for debate," I snap, my patience already wearing thin. "Let's go."

She doesn't move, those light gray eyes of hers flashing with defiance. "I said I don't need—"

"And I said it's not up for debate," I cut her off, taking a step closer.

Brigid's lips press into a thin line. "You don't intimidate me, Lochan."

I can't help the smirk that tugs at my lips. The look in her eyes says otherwise. That makes her a liar, but I already knew that. ”Never said I was trying to."

"Fine," she finally says, her voice dripping with disdain. "Lead the way, oh gallant protector."

I gesture for her to start walking, falling into step beside her. The silence between us is thick enough to cut with a knife.

As we navigate the shifting corridors, I watch the girl from the corner of my eye. Her posture is rigid, eyes darting to the shadows that seem to dance at the edges of our vision. I wonder if she's aware of how her own shadow stretches and sways unnaturally behind her.

"You know," I say, "these halls are the least of what Grimstone will throw at you."

Brigid's step falters for a moment, but she quickly regains her composure. "I can handle myself."

I snort. "Right. Because you've got such a great track record so far."

She whirls on me, eyes blazing. "Listen here, you arrogant prick. I didn't ask for your help, and I certainly don't need your condescension."

I cross my arms, meeting her glare head-on.

"Didn’t look like that to me last night."

---