Page 154 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

My focus snaps to the hall. It sounded like it came from behind a door, but it was still too close for comfort.

My heart pounds against my sternum.

The urge to learn more gnaws at me, warring with the need to tread carefully.

I focus on Silas, as if I can deduce the truth from his faux appearance.

“How are your injuries?” I glance meaningfully at his now bloodied temple where, seconds ago, there was unmarred flesh.

“As you see, I will be fine.”

I chew the inside of my cheek. “And the book?”

He lifts a brow. “What about it?”

Remembering how Rian said shadows hear everything, I lower my voice into the faintest whisper and ask, “Why did those men say the pages were blank?”

Silas holds my stare for a loaded beat. I begin to wonder if he heard me.

Then his brow furrows. “You truly do not know?”

A knot ties in my stomach. I jerk my head once.

He mutters something under his breath.

“What is it?” I whisper, glancing warily to the hall. “What aren’t you telling me?”

He leans his head back and stares up at the stained ceiling above. “Something that’s not within my right to share.”

I part my lips to object when a creak echoes down the corridor. Our conversation ends in an instant.

My pulse races, and the points of pain from Fief’s attack throb with anticipation of more to come.

Be strong, Elara. You are no meek creature.

The words come to me, not in my own voice, but first in Rian’s. Then Jaxon’s. Even Draven’s surly tone weaves through my mind.

The Fae I once feared with every passing thought are now the ones I subconsciously call on for strength. How twisted is that?

Ferria’s fierce voice comes next, reminding me that I have power. And smarts.

Then comes Juniper’s—only—it isn’t in my head.

“There is no honorable reason for her to remain in your custody, Nolan, and you know it.” My adoptive mother hobbles into view, leaning heavily on her cane.

Beside her, Elder Whitestone hovers, his features drawn as he meets my gaze.

The Elders are involved in this mess?

Of course they are. They lead Verdanthia. Why wouldn’t they be involved in this…whatever this is.

When Juniper sees me, she spins on Whitestone and swats him with the back of her hand, hard. “This ends now, Nolan. Get my daughter out of this cage this instant.”

“I cannot do that, Juni,” he says, voice strained. “I risk my head by simply bringing you down here.”

He does?

“You risk your head now by not opening that damn door!”