Page 50 of Shadowed Fate

The music is unlike anything I've ever heard before and it fills the space, a haunting ballad that seems to vibrate in my bones. I can’t begin to guess what instruments are being played, and I don’t see a band. The melody almost seems to be coming from the stone of the academy itself.

Even for Grimstone Academy, this is something.

I scan the crowd, my heart hammering as I find what I’m looking for.

They stand near the fountain. I see Callen first, his golden mask glinting in the magical light. As our eyes meet, his lips part, like he’s about to say something, then stops.

Rory nearly drops his glass. Tiernan's usually contemplative face breaks into a rare, genuine smile. And Lochan...

Lochan's intense gaze gives me goosebumps. His eyes rake over me, lingering obviously on the curves the dress accentuates. For a moment, I forget how to breathe.

I try to reconcile this magical night with my old life. Just a short time ago, I was alone in my tiny house, eating toast and just wishing for a life without my visions, a life that was ordinary. Now I'm here, surrounded by magic, wearing a dress that’s more exquisite than anything I've ever seen in the movies or in magazines.

"It's like stepping into another world," I murmur, more to myself than to Eira. Of course, I really am in another world, so yeah, why wouldn’t it be?

She squeezes my hand with a giggle. "That’s Grimstone for you. The night's just beginning.”

Chapter 24

Brigid

Callen moves through the crowd. He's even more gorgeous than usual. The suit he's wearing—it’s a statement. Every thread screams royalty, from the intricate golden embroidery on the cuffs, to the way it is tailored for his hard frame.

He extends his hand, a smile playing on his lips. "May I have this dance, Brigid?"

I hesitate, heat rising to my cheeks. "I... I don't really know how. To dance, I mean.”

"Just follow my lead," he whispers, pulling me close. His hand settles on my waist, warm against my bare skin. Callen raises his eyebrows. “You’re just full of surprises, aren’t you, darling?”

As we begin to move, I can't help but think about how he's always there, always the first to approach me. It’s as unsettling as it is enticing.

"You clean up nice," I manage, trying to keep my voice steady.

Callen's laugh is rich. "And you, my dear, are a dream come to life. I almost didn't recognize you."

"Careful," I warn, a smile tugging at my lips. But his words echo exactly what I was feeling.

His fingers trace small circles on my back as we sway. "Caution is overrated."

I forget that Callen's royalty. But then I see the other dancers giving us a wide berth, the reverent looks thrown his way.

"Tell me," Callen murmurs, his lips brushing my ear. "What dark thoughts are swirling in that pretty head of yours?"

I shiver, torn between leaning in and pulling away. "Just... trying to figure you out."

His hand slides lower, dangerously close to being inappropriate in a room full of our fellow students. "I much prefer being an enigma."

The music swells, and he pulls me flush against his chest. My heart thuds and I'm sure he can feel it.

As the song ends, I step back from Callen, my skin tingling where he touched my bareness. Before I can take a breath, a familiar voice calls to us.

"Oi! My turn with the lady, Your Highness."

Rory bounds up, grinning from ear to ear. His massive shoulders strain at his jacket. His shaggy blond hair is barely tamed, and his bowtie is already crooked. I can't help but smile.

"Finally escaped your admirers?" I tease as he sweeps me into a lively dance. I’d noticed more than a few girls standing far too close to him as Callen and I danced.

"Ah, they'll survive without me," Rory winks. "Couldn't let you have all the fun, now could I?"

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