Page 58 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

My pulse spikes.

If he’s being honest and humans are capable of undermining Fae, then rumors of a rebellion are even more dangerous for my fellow Verdanthians.

“There are no rebels here,” I insist.

“How do you know?”

“Because we are all too busy trying to survive.” I throw my hands in the air. “No one has the time or energy to waste working with a pointless rebellion.”

He shrugs a broad shoulder. “All the more reason for your kind to rebel against their oppressors, don’t you think?”

I snap my mouth closed and frown. “Do you have any proof there’s a rebellion here? Have you spoken to the Elders, to anyone, aside from me, about it?”

“Why would I do that? If you fulfill our deal, it won’t matter if a rebellion exists or not. My brothers and I will keep our word and leave your town alone.”

My burden grows heavier. “You’d really condemn Verdanthia if I fail?”

“I will do what I must to protect my own.” His eyes harden. “As would your people.”

Typical Fae.

Why did I expect a different response?

One semi-cordial conversation doesn’t erase the fact that I’m beholden to him because of a deal I’m unlikely to fulfill. Especially not a conversation that began with a dagger pressed against my throat.

“You’re wrong.” I release my legs, swing them over the cot, and stand.

“About what?”

I look back at the male still sitting on the cot. His posture is relaxed, but the tension drawing at his mouth is hard to miss.

I answer, “Not all Verdanthians would punish innocents for others’ failures.”

“You do not know all your history, then.”

What the hell is that supposed to mean?

Rian rises. “Tell me truthfully, how is your progress with Darius?”

A sassy retort sits on my tongue, but the flicker of concern breaking through his smoky, sharp gaze makes me swallow it.

“I don’t know… I’m not sure anything I’ve done so far has made a difference, but I’m hopeful that will change soon.”

Just as soon as I find a miraculous cure in the forbidden Fae book in my satchel.

“I see.” The shadows flowing over Rian’s body press against his shirt, their color deepening into the hue of the darkest night. “Well…we all appreciate your continued efforts.”

I think of Draven’s threats that punctuate every demand he makes when he speaks to me and snort. “It’s not like I have a choice.”

“You had a choice.” His gaze pins me in place, dark and unyielding. “You chose to speak up in that meeting hall.”

“Others would have suffered if I stayed silent.”

“Most of the humans in that room wouldn’t have been swayed by such a sentiment.”

“Well, I’m not like most humans,” I snap.

My quiet magic trills in my blood, as if agreeing with me.