Page 137 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

I suck in a sharp breath. “Were they?”

His meaningful stare confirms the truth.

I blow out a heavy exhale. “So…what? Fae roamed these lands alongside humans?”

“From what I know, Fae and humans lived separately. But the histories indicate they got along well enough.”

If that’s true, then what changed? When did Fae decide to use their formidable power to keep us under their thumbs?

Before I can ask, Rian continues. “The ward around your Forbidden Forest was designed to last long after the Fae’s departure. And it has…but recent events have undermined its integrity.”

My blood chills. “What recent events?”

The weight of his assessing stare is a tangible force. “The same thing that’s happened to Darius.”

Another bout of shock courses through me. “A curse?”

He nods. “Created by the same caster, though with very different, unexpected results.”

My heart thumps against my sternum, pumping fear throughout my body.

Someone intentionally cursed Darius?

I assumed his ailment was caused by something he did. Some artifact he touched. Or tainted substance he ingested. Albeit, unintentionally.

I never considered it was done on purpose.

“I…” I swallow down my confusion and shake my head. “I don’t understand.”

“It’s probably best if you don’t.” He squeezes my hand, then releases me. “But your lover is right to be worried. The failing ward will result in unfathomable death and chaos. A battle between humans is likely to begin once they start to blame each other for their troubles. You should prepare.”

Great…

“Can’t you stop it?”

The glow from Rian’s eyes illuminates the agitated shadows curling at his back. “I cannot.”

My lungs clench. It’s difficult to breathe.

“But I can enact protective wards around Verdanthia.”

The pressure around my chest lessens.

“You…you would do that?” I search his luminous eyes for any hint of deceit.

He inclines his head, jaw set. “I would.”

“Why?”

Once more, a shadow trails along my neck, right where his lips brushed my skin. “I suspect you know why.”

My pulse races. It takes all of me not to lean in, not to let my lips trace the sharp line of his jaw.

This is not how I imagined the night going, but I cannot deny the way Rian makes me feel. The dangerous lure I feel anytime he’s near wraps around me, blanketing me with dark promise and blissful anticipation. I can’t resist.

I don’t want to.

I inch closer and slide my palms onto his chest.