Page 26 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

Rian.

The prince’s shadows press into my new gown, roll down my spine, and gather at my feet. The clouds above darken, as if prepared to shroud the world in black to conceal whatever violence Rian is about to unleash.

My heart slams in my chest. The anger radiating from the male behind me is palpable, sharp enough to draw blood.

And yet heat pools in my belly. Every nerve alights where his body presses against mine.

The reaction is so out of place for the situation I’m in that I have to wonder if perhaps I suffered more damage from Fief’s beatings than I thought.

Maybe my power didn’t mend me completely.

“Ah, Rian,” the blond man says, his smirk curling cruelly. “I was wondering when you’d show up to ruin my fun.”

The guards behind him shift, hands dropping to their swords’ hilts, eyes narrowing on the Shadow Prince.

A growl vibrates against my spine. The tendril wrapped around my arm tightens.

“You go too far, Erling.”

The man, Erling, grins. “Do I? Apologies. I was simply acquainting myself with the newest member of your entourage.”

Blue eyes lock with mine again. Pointed curiosity swirls in their cool depths. “I know how you shadows like to keep your pets.”

I clench my hands into fists.

What an asshole.

“And I was curious what special perks this one holds,” Erling continues, gaze drifting over the length of my body. “Aside from the obvious, of course.”

I suck in a breath. How dare he!

Another growl vibrates in Rian’s chest. “Watch yourself.”

Erling’s grin sharpens. “Or what?”

Shadows pulse along the ground.

Several passersby gasp, confirming this display is catching attention.

Instead of backtracking, Erling chuckles, as if the formidable Shadow Prince isn’t moments away from smothering him with darkness.

“Speaking of pets, how is my dear cousin? My spies didn’t see him enter Port City with your traveling party.”

Cousin?

Spies?

Who the hells is Erling?

“He’s safe…” Draven steps up to stand at my side, his smoky, dark eyes locked on the blond as he adds with an ominous lilt, “For now.”

Erling rolls his eyes. “Please. You won’t hurt him. You Highland Fae don’t have the stomach for it. At least, you don’t, princeling.”

The darkness above detonates. Shadows erupt like smoke and storm, swallowing the street whole.

Screams pierce the air.

I gasp and press into Rian’s chest, trembling as black tendrils slither past.