Chapter 6
Brigid
Just before everything goes black, a blinding light cuts through the night. Two figures materialize near the stand of birch trees, their outlines blurry. I can’t see who or what they are, and I fold into myself protectively.
"Well, well," a smooth, silky voice says. "What do we have here, Loch?"
"Trouble," comes the curt reply.
I see the two figures are men, tall and broad-shouldered. They move with confident strides, their posture imposing. Their features are sharp and striking, even in the dim light, and their dark clothing blends in with the shadows. With silent intentions, they draw near, each step deliberate.
The mass recoils from the newcomers, its attention divided. I feel some of the pressure on my throat ease, and I suck in a breath. “Who are you?” I rasp.
The man on the left, dark-haired and stern-faced, doesn't spare me a glance. His eyes are fixed on the writhing blob; his stance is taut. His muscles move under his clothing, and his sheer presence emanates strength and power.
His companion, however, flashes me a smile that’s far too dazzling for the situation. “Explanations later, darling. First, let's deal with our uninvited guest, shall we?”
Even in the situation I’m in, I find myself taking in a breath at how beautiful his face is. His eyes are the lightest shade of blue, with thick, dark eyelashes. And his lips are full and generous, contrasting against the sharpness of cheekbones that could cut glass.
I rub my eyes and try to stand. The silent guy—Loch, I assume—steps forward, his movements steady and precise. His eyes, a dark hazel, flick between me and the mass that is now dissolving into tendrils of charcoal shadows, his eyes narrowed and his mouth curled in an expression of distaste.
"She's tainted," he growls, his voice low and gravelly. "Shadow magic's latched onto her."
I bristle at his words. "I'm not—"
"Now, now," the other man interjects, his pale blue eyes glittering in the moonlight. "Let's not be hasty in our judgments, Lochan."
Lochan's jaw clenches. "Callen, this isn't a game. She's dangerous."
"Dangerous?" I spit out, anger flaring in my chest. "I was defending myself!"
Callen chuckles, a sound that unexpectedly makes me shiver. "Tell me, darling, have you always had such a flair for the dramatic?"
His words are light, playful even, but there's a sharp edge beneath them. I open my mouth to retort, but Lochan cuts me off.
"Enough," he snaps, his eyes never leaving the writhing darkness. "We need to contain this."
I watch, transfixed, as Lochan's hands begin to glow with a soft, golden light. The air around us frizzes with energy, and I feel my skin prickle.
The blob surges forward, strands reaching out like grasping fingers. My heart races, panic rising. But Lochan stands firm, his hands outstretched, golden light pulsing from his palms.
"Callen, now!" he barks.
The other man’s casual attitude vanishes in an instant. His eyes narrow, focused and intense. He raises his hands, and a shimmering silver mist swirls around his fingers.
"With pleasure," he replies, a smile playing on his lips.
The two men move with uncanny coordination, operating in unison. I stand frozen, rooted to the spot, mesmerized by the scene playing out in front of me.
A tendril of shadow lashes out, aiming for my throat. Without thinking, I thrust my hand forward. A burst of dark energy explodes from my palm, colliding with the tendril and disintegrating it.
Lochan's eyes widen, a mix of shock and wariness. "How did you—"
"Questions later," Callen interrupts, his voice strained. "Focus, Loch!"
They redouble their efforts. My newfound power pulses through me, dark and intoxicating. I push it outward, fascinated as it merges with their light, creating a swirling vortex that engulfs the shadowy mass.
With a final spiral, the blob retreats into nothing, leaving nothing but a faint wisp of smoke as it disappears.
Silence falls over the forest. The only sound is my heavy breathing. My legs feel weak, and I stumble backward, leaning against a tree for support.
"What...the hell was that?" I gasp, my heart still pounding against my ribs.
Lochan turns to me, his jaw clenched. "That's what I'd like to know," he says, voice low and dangerous. "What are you?"
I shake my head, my mind reeling. "I don't... I don't know. This has never happened before."
Callen steps closer, his eyes gleaming with curiosity. "Never? Not even a hint of shadow magic?"
"Magic?" I shake my head, then pause. My fingers twitch, and I feel the remnants of the dark energy coursing through me. It's terrifying, but also... exhilarating. "What's happening to me?"
Lochan and Callen exchange a loaded glance.
"We need to get out of here," Lochan says, his eyes scanning the forest. "This isn't over. That thing could come back."
I push off the tree, standing tall despite my shaking legs. "I'm not going anywhere with you. I don't even know who you are."
Callen steps closer, his smile disarming. "Come now, darling. Don’t you think you’ll be safer with us."
I clench my fists, feeling that strange power pulse beneath my skin. "I can take care of myself."
Lochan scoffs. "Clearly. That's why we just had to save your life."
"I didn't ask for your help," I snap, but even as I say it, I know it's not entirely true. I'm terrified, confused, and... curious.
A howl on the wind makes me tense. Lochan moves into a defensive stance, while Callen's easy smile never falters.
"Time's up, I'm afraid," Callen says, extending his hand to me. "What'll it be? Stay here and face whatever's coming next alone, or come with us and get some answers?"
I hesitate, my heart racing. "And how do I know I can trust you?"
Lochan sighs. "You don't. But I’m not giving you a choice."
I bristle at Lochan's words, but the forest suddenly feels oppressive, closing in around us. Something hums beneath my skin, eager for release, and it scares me more than these strangers.
"Fine," I mutter, reluctantly following them down the winding path leading me home. The two men remain silent, their eyes constantly scanning our surroundings.
As we approach my cottage, I feel a strange mix of relief and apprehension. It's my sanctuary, but bringing these men here feels like an invasion.
"Quaint," Callen remarks, eyeing the overgrown garden and weathered exterior.
I unlock the door, my hand trembling slightly. "You can leave now. I'm home safe."
Lochan pushes past me, entering without invitation. "Not happening."
Anger flares within me, along with that unsettling, strange energy. "You can't just—"
"We can, and we will," Callen interrupts, following Lochan inside. His charm has faded, replaced by a seriousness that unnerves me.
I step inside, closing the door behind me. The cottage feels smaller with them in it, suffocating. I lean against the wall, arms crossed. "Start talking then. Who are you and what the hell is going on?”