Page 53 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

I search his face, eyebrows furrowed. “That…relieves you?”

His dark eyes dart to mine and then away. “It does.”

Huh… Interesting.

The shadows along Silas’s arms curl upward and encircle his neck. Their translucent color darkens.

“So…Shadow Fae aren’t welcome in Virendrell because of the king,” I murmur. “What will happen if you show up?”

He snorts. “Let’s just say Marek’s methods are not the sort an enemy will be inclined to forget. Or forgive. And Virendrell will not hesitate to hold the rest of us accountable for his actions.”

I press my lips together.

That sounds…ominous.

“Silas!” Draven shouts. “Get your shit. We leave within the hour.”

So soon?

I take in the gray sky, then the waves below. Bile rises in my throat at the thought of drawing closer to the dangerous water.

“Don’t worry,” Silas says. “Our shadows will steady the dinghies and keep the beasts at bay.”

Velmira, save me. I hope he’s telling the truth.

“How far is Virendrell?”

“Not far.” He gives me what’s meant to be a reassuring smile. “Why don’t you return to the cabin to clean up?”

“Is there time?” A glance confirms sailors are already shifting the small boat to the outer edge of the ship.

The dinghy hangs from ropes attached to two extended pulleys.

“Yes. Don’t worry. I’ll tell the others.”

I eye the male. Of all the Fae, I’ve interacted with Silas the least. Though, I can’t help but feel bonded by what we both endured at the hands of the Verdanthian soldiers in the dungeon.

“All right.” I dip my chin. “Thank you.”

I weave through the busy deck to the stairs, which are now clear of debris. The ship rocks to the side. Palms pressed to the walls of the corridor, I make my way to the captain’s cabin.

Another wave tips the ship. I stumble into the cabin’s doorframe, and the memory of Rian’s shout tears through my mind.

Don’t you fucking dare give up… Fight!

Legs shaking, I walk into the cabin and collapse onto the narrow bed. I stare at the empty space where Rian had slept and take deep breaths.

Rian spoke into my mind.

And he heard my replies.

Is that ability the same as Draven’s mindspeak? Or something else?

I don’t know.

I’ve never experienced Draven’s mindspeak.

But I can’t help but think whatever Rian did was different.