Page 242 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

“We will see.” He straightens and releases my hand, but he holds my gaze for a moment longer. “Be safe, Elara.”

Before I can respond, he turns and disappears down the ship’s corridor.

“Jaxon,” Rian barks. “Go make sure the others are ready to set sail. We leave within the hour.”

“Aye, aye, Captain,” Jaxon says with a mock salute.

He shoots me a wink, then leaves, closing the door behind him.

I release a heavy sigh then turn to Rian. “What in the Gods was that⁠—”

My words cut off as Rian wraps his arms around me, yanks me into his chest, and seals his lips with mine.

44

Rian kisses me like a man dying of thirst, and the only thing that can quench his need is my taste.

His hands fist my ruined gown, gripping hard—too hard—as if he’s afraid I’ll slip away if he loosens his hold.

The force should frighten me.

Instead, it cracks something open in my chest.

Because beneath the hunger, beneath the frantic desperation of the kiss, I feel his fear.

For me.

The realization steals what little breath I have left, and I let myself sink into the bruising kiss.

The horrors of the night blur at the edges of my mind. The fire. The screams. The moment dark power flowed from my fingers and ended a man’s life. It all fades.

There is only Rian.

Only us.

My hands slide up and dive into his black hair. I rake my nails over his scalp.

A groan tears from his chest. He pulls back just enough to suck in a ragged breath.

“Mother save me, Elara.” He presses urgent kisses along my cheek and jaw. “I thought I lost you.”

The words hit harder than the kiss.

I’ve never seen the Shadow Prince so…untethered.

My heart clenches. “I’m okay.”

His arms lock around me, crushing me against him, as if he cannot stand even an inch of space existing between us.

His head drops into the space between my neck and shoulder, his breath hot against my skin.

For a moment, we stand still, clutching each other.

Then the haze lifts.

Reality crashes back in.

Nance’s whispered apology echoes in my mind. My temple stings from the strike.