Page 18 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

Never in my wildest dreams did I actually think they would be so young.

Or so close to my age that it makes them seem more…well…human.

Before I can process that revelation, Darius turns in his saddle with a grin. “And how old are you, sweet Elara?”

I wait for a shadow to shove him off his horse, but nothing happens.

“Twenty-four,” I answer.

“Well past the age of maturity for Fae,” he muses. “I wonder, why have you not sworn vows with another?”

Lev’s name cuts through my mind like a wound reopening.

His smile. His betrayal. An acute feeling of loss twists my heart when I think of the years we spent together and all that’s changed between us.

Now, a shadow does strike Darius upside the head. It fades from view as quickly as it appeared.

“Hey!” he protests. “That wasn’t even inappropriate!”

Draven sneers. “I know you’ve been unconscious for weeks, idiot, but that doesn’t give you leave to ask a female questions about her marriage prospects.”

I blink at the surly Fae’s defensive tone.

Darius rubs the back of his head with a wince. “Damn, did I overstep? I apologize. I simply wanted to know if our brother has a ch⁠—”

Another shadow strikes his shoulder.

“Ah!”

“By the Mother, Darius,” Jaxon sighs. “Shut up!”

Darius presses his lips together.

I don’t say a word.

We reach the stables. Draven dismounts, his demeanor all business.

Jaxon, Darius, and I wait on our horses. The males resume their never-ending chatter while I take in the sights around me.

The stable sits on the edge of the city, and the paths that lead toward the harbor are adorned with bright banners hanging from unlit bronze lamps lining the streets. Storefronts gleam with freshly painted doors and window shutters. The smell of sea air mixes with the aromas of jasmine and savory foods.

Men and women wear tunics and gowns embroidered with gold and silver thread. Their hair is clean and combed. While many speak the common tongue, unfamiliar accents and foreign words reach my ears as well.

Port City is a marvel. A gem. And it’s been so close all this time…

“Yo, fools!” Draven barks, stepping out of the stables. “Get your bags. We will go on foot from here.”

Two boys rush out of the door behind the Fae, barely older than eight, eyes wide as they take the reins of our horses.

Jaxon and Darius grumble at Draven’s insult but dismount without pause.

Darius’s hand lingers a heartbeat too long on my waist when he helps me down. I pretend not to notice.

The two boys wait for the Fae to finish removing their saddlebags from their stallions before leading the magnificent beasts inside. My fingers fumble as I unhook my satchel and the bag Juniper sent with Anton. I hike both over my shoulder, gripping the straps tightly.

The boys return to take Draven’s reins and mine. The four of us watch the horses disappear into the stables. A somber air floats between the Fae. It’s almost as if they’ll miss the creatures.

“So…” I clear my throat. “What now?”