Page 119 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

A sharp crack splits the night. I whip my head up, heart lurching as the roof of the home gives way, sending sparks flying into the air.

I scan the street and balk when I find it empty. No one is here to help douse the flames, but there’s only ten feet between this blaze and the next building.

I bite my lip and look at Rian. “You didn’t start the fire, but can you extinguish it?”

The silver in his eyes is gone, replaced with his usual dark smoke. He studies me in silence, expression unreadable, before his gaze flicks toward Draven.

The surly Fae grunts then lifts his arms.

Shadows surge up from the dirt, crawling toward the inferno. I can only stare as the black tendrils coil higher, smothering flame after flame until the fire itself seems to recoil.

“You almost burned out.”

The words drag my gaze back to Rian. My pulse spikes when I realize how close his lips are to mine.

“Burned out?” I lean my head back and swallow. “What’s that?”

His eyes dip to my mouth, lingering. “Something that happens when too much magic is wielded at once. You need to train to prevent it from happening again.”

A huff escapes me, an attempt to hide the shiver that races down my spine. “Let me guess…you’re volunteering?”

His head lowers, and the faintest shadow of a challenge flickers. “Why is that funny?”

My pulse stutters. “Because you’re leaving in two days.”

“Only if you keep your end of our deal.”

I fist his tunic, the rough fabric anchoring me. “I will.”

I can’t fail… I refuse.

His stare sharpens.

Then he abruptly asks, “Why did you run into that building?”

“The natchling looked like a little boy. I thought he was trapped. I couldn’t stand by and not help.”

“No,” he murmurs, softer, but no less intense. “You couldn’t, could you, Sunshine?”

His lips twist with wry disdain. “Yet another one of your insufferable qualities.”

My lips twitch.

Then fatigue hits like a crashing wave.

My head grows heavy, and my neck muscles give out. My temple rests against Rian’s chest, right above my hand still gripping his shirt. His heartbeat drums wildly beneath my ear.

The next words tumble out of my mouth, unbidden, compelled by something deeper than reason. “I promise I’m okay.”

His chest rises with a deep breath, and his heartbeat slows. “The Mother clearly watches over you.”

“It’s my Gods I should thank,” I murmur, struggling to keep my eyelids open. “I went to the temple earlier today.”

“Ah. Notice anything interesting while you were there?”

I manage to tilt my head back and search his face. Piercing eyes gleam with something dangerous. Knowing.

“Fae words,” I whisper.