Page 96 of Shadowed Fate

She challenges me with an unwavering glare. Her jaw is set in a stubborn line, the muscles twitching with conflict. I can almost see the gears turning in that clever mind of hers, weighing her options, calculating risks and rewards.

Finally, she speaks. "What's your price?"

My smirk widens. "Let's discuss that after we get you out of here."

Brigid's eyes widen in surprise as the lock on the cell door clicks open. She takes a hesitant step forward.

"Why are you helping me?"

I push off from the wall. "Let's just say I have my own reasons."

Her eyes narrow. "And what would they be?"

I shrug. "We have a common goal, you and I."

She studies me for another long moment. "We absolutely do not."

Holding her gaze with my own, I move my hands in a pattern in front of me.

Brigid’s eyes widen as her own magic surges back. "How did you—"

"Magic, my dear. The same magic that the Council fears so much."

She studies me with renewed interest, her gaze lingering on the intricate black tattoos that adorn my arms.

"Questions later. We need to go." I reach out my hand to her.

She hesitates, then moves forward towards me, almost close enough to touch. Her magic is palpable, the shadows dancing at her feet. Fuck, she's intoxicating like this.

"You should have taken my offer earlier," I murmur. "Could've avoided all this unpleasantness."

She scowls. "I don't make deals with devils."

I laugh softly. "Oh, little bird. You have no idea what I am, but it’s not that.”

Our eyes lock. For a moment, I see her. The rage. The raw power barely contained.

A door slams in the distance. Brigid tenses. "Let's get out of here.”

I nod, fighting the urge to pull her closer. To claim her. Not yet. Soon.

Footsteps echo down the corridor, growing louder.

Brigid's magic coils around her like a protective cloak. I turn towards the sound, positioning myself between her and whatever is coming.

Four figures burst around the corner, instantly recognizable—the Council's loyal lapdog Lochan, with his self-righteous scowl, and Callen, the feckless prince, with their mutt friend barreling close behind. The bloody druid is with them too, as silent and creepy as ever.

"Get the fuck away from her," Callen snarls, magic sparking at his fingertips.

I smile, relishing the fury in his eyes. "Or what, little boy? You'll run and tattle to your daddy?"

Lochan steps forward, his voice tight. "We're here to rescue Brigid. Stand aside."

"Rescue?" I laugh. “From what, exactly? The Council's twisted version of justice? You’re the Council’s bitch, Lochan. Brigid’s not safe anywhere near you."

Brigid's hand brushes against my arm, her touch electric. "Marius," she whispers, warning me.

I ignore her, my focus on the idiots in front of me. "Tell me, do you even know why she was imprisoned? Or do you just follow orders like good little puppets?"

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