Page 149 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

I frown at the immense relief flooding his features and study him. “Do I…know you?”

“No, but after days of enduring the same treatment that’s left your pretty face a mottled mess, I have to say I’m glad to no longer be alone.”

My stomach churns.

Lev said the rebel was imprisoned, but I had no idea he was enduring this.

I push myself upright, careful to move slowly so I don’t aggravate any unknown injuries my dulled magic hasn’t been able to heal. “What did you throw at me?”

“My water ration. Don’t worry. They bring more with our evening meal.”

I lean against the stone wall behind me, the hard surface digging through my thin, blood-stained nightgown.

“Are you hurt?” I ask.

“Not as bad as you at the moment.”

I swallow down bile. “I’m a healer. I can help you.”

“Forgive me, but I don’t think there is much you can do from over there.” He lifts a foot, dangling the chain binding him to the wall in demonstration.

He’s right. Even if I could send my magic to him, doing so would reveal my secret to a complete stranger. And there’s every chance he might betray me to our captors.

As much as it pains me to see his injuries and not do anything to help, that’s what I must do.

“What’s your name?” I ask.

“Silas. And you’re Elara Stonebloom.”

“You know my name?”

“The soldiers talk.” He cocks his head to the side. “And they enjoyed speculating about what the Fae had you doing out there in the forest. Many enjoyed provoking the one they call Lev about it.”

My lips twist with distaste, tugging at my split lip. “I’m sure.”

He pauses a beat then asks, “What were you doing out in the forest with the Fae?”

“I can’t talk about it.”

“Can’t? Or won’t?”

I part my lips to tell him about the spell demanding my silence, but hesitate, glancing at my bare arms.

“I…” I wait for the burn around my throat to flare. When it doesn’t, I swallow and say, “I was helping treat their sick friend.”

Gods!

I can… I can talk about it!

Did completing the deal automatically lift Rian’s magical gag…or did he choose to release it himself?

My spine stiffens. Lev knows about the gag. I’m sure he told the others. I need to make sure the soldiers continue to believe I’m incapable of talking about the Fae.

If Fief is willing to beat me for scraps of information, even knowing my limits, I shudder to imagine what he’ll do when he realizes I can speak freely about every moment I’ve spent with the Fae.

“Darius.”

The Fae’s name on Silas’s lips has my gaze snapping back to him. “What?”