Page 71 of Shadowed Fate

"I don't bite," Callen adds, then grins wickedly. "Unless you ask nicely."

My cheeks burn. "You're incorrigible."

"Another compliment! You're on a roll today, darling."

I perch on the edge of the bed, excessively aware of his proximity.

"Now," Callen says, his voice sends a pleasant shiver over me. "Why don't you tell me what's bothering you?"

I shift uneasily, avoiding his sharp gaze. "Nothing's bothering me."

"Bullshit darling," Callen says. "You've been skipping meals, avoiding people.Avoiding me." As he says the last part he arches an eyebrow accusingly.

My stomach chooses that moment to growl loudly, betraying me. I look at Callen, a smug smile playing on his lips.

"Fine," I mutter. "I've been distracted."

Callen leans in, his mouth close to my ear. "Then allow me to redirect your attention."

He snaps his fingers, and suddenly the room is filled with mouthwatering aromas. I blink in surprise as an elaborate spread materializes on a table in the middle of the room—roasted meats, fresh bread, vibrant fruits, and decadent desserts.

"How did you—“

"Eat," Callen commands, his voice brooking no argument. He guides me to the chair, his hand on the small of my back sending sparks through my body.

I sink into the seat, overwhelmed by the feast before me. "This is too much. I’d be fine with a granola bar."

Callen leans against the desk, arms crossed. "Nothing's too much for you, lovely. Now eat. You need your strength for the Harrowing. Also, granola bars are revolting.”

I pick up a fork. "Why do you care?"

“Who says I do?” Callen tosses a red berry into his mouth.

I stop, a piece of fruit halfway to my mouth. “Why are you like this?” I can’t help rolling my eyes.

Callen ignores me and continues picking at the fruit. “You know, it’s not personal.”

"What do you mean?"

Callen’s eyes find mine. "Lochan. He's lost people. To shadow magic."

"Who?" I ask, hunger forgotten.

He shakes his head. "It's not my story to tell. But it's why he's so... extreme… about it all. About you."

I frown, frustrated by the half-explanations. "Is that why you’re here? To plead Lochan’s case?"

Callen's smile is brittle. "Maybe I just enjoy your company."

"Or maybe you want something from me," I challenge.

His laugh is bold. "Oh, I definitely want something from you, Brigid. But for now, I'll settle for watching you eat."

I narrow my eyes but take another bite of the venison, roasted with a crust of juniper berries and thyme. It’s extra delicious after a few days of subsisting on basically whatever I could carry back to my room without attracting attention.

Callen reaches behind him, producing a bottle of opaline liquid.

"Only if you want to," he says, uncorking it. The scent hits me—wild berries and something else that I can’t name.

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