Page 37 of Shadowed Fate

Ordinary. What does that word even mean in anymore? No, it was not anything even remotely related to the concept ofordinary. It was exhilarating and terrifying and felt more right than anything I've ever experienced.

"I'm sorry." I’m not sure what else to say.

He sighs, rubbing his temple. "Brigid, you have immense potential. But power like that... it's dangerous. For everyone."

I nod, shame burning hot in my chest as Professor Azaeron leaves

***

Lochan is standing on the edge of the field, glaring at me, as usual.

I try to walk by him, but he stops me. “I'd suggest you keep your distance from the others for a while. For their safety."

The words hit like a physical blow.

Alone again. I am always alone.

I whirl back to face him, anger flaring hot and bright. "Keep my distance? Are you fucking kidding me?"

Lochan's eyes widen, clearly not expecting my outburst. Good. Let him be surprised.

"I didn't ask for this," I spit, gesturing wildly. "I didn't ask to be different, to be feared. And now you want me to isolate myself even more?"

My voice cracks on the last word, betraying the hurt beneath the anger. Lochan's expression doesn’t change.

"You think I don't know how dangerous this is? I live with it every damn day. But pushing me away, treating me like a ticking time bomb—that’s not going to help anyone."

I'm trembling now, shadows flickering at the edges of my vision. I need to calm down.

Lochan takes a step towards me.

I put my hand up. "You have no idea what it's like."

He falls silent, studying me. I hate how he makes me feel, seen and exposed all at once.

"You're right," he finally says. “I don’t know what it’s like for you. But I do know I’m going to protect this academy and the people in it from anything that threatens it.” His voice is low. “And that includes you, Brigid.”

I bite back a retort, my jaw clenching. The shadows recede, but the anger simmers just beneath the surface. Lochan's words sting, even as a part of me understands his position. I'm a threat. A liability.

"Fine," I mutter, turning away.

I don't wait around for his response.

Chapter 18

Brigid

My footsteps are too loud as I wind my way through Grimstone's devious corridors. I try to step more lightly.

I need answers. I feel like I’m going crazy. I’m afraid to ask anyone about my possible connection to the Raven King, and no one can tell me what I am, or why I have shadow magic, something that was supposed to be wiped out.

A staircase shifts beneath my feet, nearly sending me tumbling. I grab the railing and wait for the steps to settle into a new configuration, as if satisfied with almost throwing me off balance.

"Thanks for that," I mutter.

I finally spot the entrance of the library and slip inside. It’s just as magnificent as I remember from Rory’s tour.

Floor to ceiling bookshelves stretch as far as I can see, filled with ancient tomes and scrolls. Dust floats in air that is heavy with the musty scent of old paper and ink.

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