Page 49 of Shadowed Fate

But it doesn’t feel wrong. It feels more right than anything I’ve ever known.

I shake my head, trying to clear the vivid images. But the excitement lingers, a low burn in my belly that refuses to be ignored.

Chapter 23

Brigid

I sit cross-legged on Eira's plush bed, piled high with fluffy blankets and pillows, surrounded by a whirlwind of glittering fabrics and shimmering jeweled dresses. My fingers trace the intricate beadwork on a sapphire gown as Eira emerges from her closet, another dress draped over her arm.

"What about this one?" she asks, holding up a crimson number that would make a vampire blush.

I can't help but grin. "You’ll definitely get noticed in that one."

Eira laughs. "Not entirely sure I’d like that."

As she twirls with the dress, I'm struck by how light on her feet she is, how her movements seem to defy gravity. It's moments like these when I'm reminded that Eira isn't just my first real friend at the academy—she’s something extraordinary.

"I still can't believe you're an owl shifter," I muse. "Do you ever, you know, get the urge to eat mice?" I clap my hand over my mouth. I’m such an idiot.

Eira's eyes widen in mock offense. "Brigid! I'll have you know owls have very sophisticated palates. We prefer snakes." She laughs at her own joke.

I'm struck by how natural this feels.

Growing up, I'd always imagined what it would be like to have a friend like Eira. To have someone to watch movies with and have sleepovers, and try on clothes together. There is a part of me that will always be a bit sad that I never had that, but right now I feel happy, and weirdly— normal?

How fitting it is, that the only time I’ve ever felt normal is when I’m in the strangest of places.

“Now, let's get you into that gorgeous gown of yours. I want to see jaws drop when we walk in."

As I slip into the elaborate dress, the nicest one of many that my mysterious benefactor left for me that day, I marvel at the way it fits me, like it was custom made.

I bite my lip; I’d been so sure that it was Callen who left me the new wardrobe. But he denied it, and as I’ve been told, the Fae can’t lie. Still not too sure that one isn’t just a myth.

My mind drifts to Lochan, and how weird he was when I thanked Callen for the clothes. I put the thought out of my head—Lochan has never given me any reason to think he feels anything about me except disgust. Though for someone who hates me, he sure is in my face an awful lot.

Eira helps me adjust the bodice. "You look absolutely stunning, Brigid."

I meet my reflection in the mirror, barely recognizing the woman staring back. The inky black gown hugs my curves in ways I’ve never seen before, making me feel both powerful and terrifyingly exposed. The neckline plunges halfway to indecent, and the back is entirely open. A pair of black satin shoes with a delicate heel completes the outfit.

Eira tilts her head, studying me. "What's wrong? You look like you've seen a ghost."

I take a deep breath and let out a laugh. "It's just overwhelming sometimes. This whole world is so different from anything I've ever known."

Eira nods understandingly. "I know what you mean. But you'll get used to it soon enough."

As she puts the finishing touches on her own outfit, I stare in the mirror, still not convinced that could possibly be me. I place a mask with glistening jet beads over my eyes and tie the ribbon behind my head, completing the transformation.

***

Eira and I step into the grand ballroom, and I'm instantly overwhelmed. The air shimmers with magic. Glittering lights dance overhead like a thousand fireflies. I peer closer—they actually are real fireflies.

Every corner of the room is adorned with floating, glowing orbs, resembling a night sky full of stars. The air is filled with soft music that seems to drift from every corner of the room, adding to the magical ambiance. The tinkling of glasses and murmurs of conversation create a gentle buzz in the background.

People in elaborate masks and gowns glide across the polished floors, the rustle of silk skirts and the swish of elegant dresses whispering as they walk. In the very center of the ballroom is a fountain, with water cascading down from tier to tier. The white marble gleams in the light, and golden accents sparkle at the edges. The water that pours out from the top and glimmers in the pool is iridescent and changes colors as it ripples.

"Wow," I breathe, my eyes wide behind my mask.

Eira giggles beside me. "Quite something, isn't it?"

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