Page 91 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

My throat tightens. Against my will, my gaze flickers to the leather-bound book lying on the plush carpet. I drag my eyes away immediately, but too late—Rian’s smoky gaze is already fixed where mine lingered.

Shit.

A shadow unravels from his side. It plucks the book from the floor and carries it to his waiting hand.

He turns it over. “And what is this?”

Panic slams into me. “A book.”

One dark brow arches. “Yes, I can see that.”

He studies the cover, his thumb brushing over the leather.

“It’s a very specific book,” he murmurs, eyes narrowing. “One that once lived in the royal library according to this emblem.”

He taps the sigil of curved lines and spirals embossed into the spine.

This book belonged to the king?

Gods curse me.

Rian’s gaze cuts to mine. “Where did you get this?”

I take a step back, wary of the shadows once again swirling near my feet.

“For Mother’s sake.” He exhales hard, eyes lifting to the tent’s peak as if summoning patience from the heavens. “Will you stop? I’m not going to hurt you.”

I still. “You…you aren’t?”

“No.” He huffs, dropping his irritated gaze back to me. And for some strange reason, I believe him. “Now, tell me, where did you get this book?”

“I can’t.”

“Why not? Wait…” His eyes narrow, then he shakes his head. “Never mind. Don’t tell me.”

My eyes widen. “Truly?”

“Truly.” He lowers the book slowly, eyeing me like I’m something dangerous—or perhaps special. “You are full of surprises, Elara Stonebloom.”

Heat crawls up my neck once more.

“And The Mother smiles on you, because this is exactly the text you need to learn how to control your magic.”

Gods save me, I really need to go to the temple and give them my thanks.

“And I will help you,” he declares, a strange edge to his voice.

I blink. “You will?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

Rian’s gaze lingers, sharp and assessing, like I’m a puzzle he didn’t expect to be so stubbornly intricate but am all the more satisfying for it.

“Because you use your magic for good,” he says slowly, each word deliberate. “And by mastering it, you may be able to do more than just ensure Darius is comfortable.”

He gazes down at his friend. “I believe you may be able to heal him.”