Page 130 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

He shrugs. “Shadows are designed to conceal.”

“So…what? No one can see you?”

He shrugs a broad shoulder. “They see me. At least…they see what I want them to see.”

Gods…

If a single Fae soldier has the power to hide in plain sight, I pray to never encounter the notoriously powerful Shadow King or his violent heir.

Rian extends his hand again, palm open, steady. “So, Elara Stonebloom, will you dance with me?”

My fingers tremble. What choice do I have? He knows about Lev. About the rebellion.

Though…I trust he won’t share the information. But I can’t explain why.

I release a breath and place my hand in his.

The moment our skin touches, the shadows on my arms quiet, settling as though recognizing one of their own.

It’s so unlike the first time we touched that I have to wonder at the lack of burn. Is it a sign he trusts me in return? Or, at the very least, that his shadows don’t view me as an enemy?

Rian’s grip tightens, and shadows flow around my limbs as he leads me to the dancing crowd, slipping through the gaps between revelers with ease.

No one stops us. No one shouts in alarm. Rian’s power continues to mask his identity as those around us smile, dance, and laugh. They’re drunk on music, ale, and mead, blissfully unaware a Fae enemy moves into their midst.

He spins me once, effortlessly and fluidly, graceful for someone his size. I don’t get the impression that he’s showing off. He’s just…good at this. Practiced in a way that tells me this isn’t his first turn among drunk revelers.

My pulse races once more, but now it’s quicker, sharper. A different kind of rush compared to when Lev revealed his traitorous allegiance.

Silence hovers between us. I let my gaze drift over Rian’s shoulder to the swirl of dresses and flushed faces around us. Couples twirl, their joy bubbling and careless. It makes my chest tighten.

How can everyone be so…calm? So carefree and unburdened by the tragedy last night? It doesn’t make sense.

Are my neighbors truly so inclined to live their lives like blind sheep? If the Elders claim an issue is resolved, do they truly lose the desire to question it?

The shadows on my arms pulse in time with the negative emotion.

Does Rian sense my agitation?

If he does, he doesn’t pry.

The unnerving Fae leads the dance, guiding me through the crowd with patience that feels deliberate. He’s giving me space to breathe, to collect myself.

Until I finally crack. “What are you going to do about what you heard?”

He said Lev would be safe if we danced, but what about the others who are foolishly involved with the rebellion?

Rian’s eyes find mine, dark smoke swirling. “Do you want me to do something about it?”

The question snags my breath. My pulse leaps. “I have a choice?”

His gaze doesn’t waver. “We had a deal. If you help Darius, I leave your town unharmed. No matter what my shadows may or may not have shared with me.”

I search his face for proof he’s lying. But his storm-colored eyes hold steady, a surprising glint of blue flashing in their depths. My throat tightens.

“Thank you,” I choke out in a whisper.

“There’s no need.” His hand steadies me as he spins me again, pulling me closer when the turn ends. “You are loyal. It is an admirable quality.”