Page 93 of Shadowed Fate

I nod.

“And Brigid?”

“What about her?”

“She’s at the center of this, like you said.”

“Yeah, and we don’t know if that’s good or bad.”

Callen gives me a look.

“Fine. Go get her. I’ll find Rory and Tiernan.”

As Callen leaves, I'm left alone with my thoughts. The room feels suffocating now. I move to the window, staring out at the grounds. I’ve been a perfect soldier for Grimstone, for the Council. I’ve followed every order and done my duty. For what?

How deep does the rot go?

One thing's for certain – I’ll tear this place apart, brick by fucking brick, to get to the truth.

Chapter 39

Brigid

I feel like I can see the shadows mimicking the agitation in my mind. Images of the attack flash before my eyes—screams cut off without air, dark tendrils snaking out and bodies crumpling to the ground.

I press my palms against my temples.

Eira's face appears and I see her, contorted in pain as shadow magic ripped through her. My friend, hurt by shadow magic, just like Lochan predicted. But not by me.

Without my shadows, how many would have died? I feel one wrap around my arm, sliding lightly over my skin, a reminder of its deadly potential—and its power to protect.

A sharp knock jolts me from my thoughts. Two stern-faced men loom in the doorway, their expressions hard.

"Brigid Ryan." The taller one's voice is as cold as his eyes. "By order of the Council, you are to be detained for questioning."

I feel my heart race and my blood run cold. "What? Why?"

"Come with us. Now."

They step forward in unison. I stumble back, my legs hitting the edge of the bed.

"Wait, I don't understand—“

If they lock me away, will I ever see daylight again?

Just as rough hands reach for my arms, a familiar figure appears in the hallway. Callen. My eyes lock with Callen's pale blue ones, and I silently beg for help. His expression remains unreadable.

"What's the meaning of this?" Callen's smooth voice carries an edge of authority.

The shorter guard turns. "Council's orders, Your Highness. The girl is to be detained."

"On what grounds?" Callen challenges, his form tensing.

"That's Council business," the taller one grunts.

The guards exchange a glance. "Move," the taller one orders, reaching for me again.

I jerk back, shadows instinctively coiling around my fingers. "Don't touch me."

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