Page 196 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

Most of the crowd’s attention remains on the contestants, enraptured by the sensuous ministrations elicited by Lover’s Temptation.

But a few note the formidable male stalking toward me and Leto like a furious beast, ready to attack. But no one looks alarmed.

In fact, they grin wide. Those in the back rise on their toes, as if they’d love to see a brawl break out in the middle of all this desire.

Rian is a body’s length away.

My stomach clenches at his fierce expression.

“What an impressive display!” Augustus’s voice booms through the ballroom.

Time resumes its normal pace.

The orchestral music drifts off, fading into a low hum.

Rian stops. The shadow at his back disappears.

His eyes flare as they move from Leto’s hands on my arms to the way I lean into the fire wielder’s body.

My roaring pulse drowns out Augustus’s next words. Except for Hali’s name.

Raucous cheers follow.

I blink.

Servers appear from every corner of the room and distribute the pink liquid to the crowd. Men and women toss the drink back quickly. Faces begin to flush. Hands begin to roam.

Through it all, Rian holds me captive with his stare. The marks on my arms preen from the attention.

My heart thumps wildly. The strength of my light magic finally cracks through the worst of the pink elixir’s dulling effects.

Music picks back up around us. The newly drugged couples break into a dance.

Only then does Rian move.

In two long strides, the Shadow Prince stands in front of me. Less than a foot separates us.

“Move,” Rian growls without taking his eyes off of me.

I shudder.

His voice is beastly. Dangerous. And it makes my soul ache.

Leto’s grip tightens. “Elara?”

Rian bares his teeth.

“It’s fine,” I’m quick to say, shifting forward. “I’m fine.”

After a beat, Leto’s hands fall away. “She’s all yours, my lord.”

“Yes.” Rian swoops in, strong arms wrapping around my back and yanking me into his chest.

I gasp.

“She is,” he whispers with a note of reverence that caresses my soul.

Before I can respond, sheer shadows encircle us and Rian spins me away.