Page 98 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

“We don’t have liabilities.”

A chill flows down my spine.

I press my palms to the railing, spreading my fingers wide against the cool stone to ground myself, reminding myself that I’m a stranger in this city.

Sure, Fae and humans coexist here, but I can’t afford to let my guard down. I can’t afford to trust anyone.

Except the Shadow Fae.

I suppress a snort at the irony, but it’s true. The Shadow Fae need me safe. For Darius.

Everyone else? I plan to keep at arm’s length.

Cheers ripple through the crowd as the earth-wielding female is eliminated from the contest. She slams an angry fist into the sand, and the ground dents beneath her knuckles.

“Woah.”

“It’s impressive Hali made it as far as she did,” Anders remarks. “Then again, she learned how to manipulate power from one of the best warrior Fae to ever live in Virendrell.”

“Oh?” My gaze follows the female, Hali, as she somehow both stomps and glides across the sand, angry but still graceful. “Who is he?”

I expect him to say a former mayor or current naval captain, not⁠—

“Her brother.”

Something in his voice gives me pause.

“She has a Fae brother?” I prompt, sensing there’s something else he’s not saying.

Something he wants to say.

A strand of long blond hair slips over his shoulder as he nods. “The last one to be born on these shores.”

Before I can press for more information, he changes the subject.

“Speaking of power, what do you know of human magic?”

I wince. “Other than its elemental magic? Very little.”

“I imagine growing up in Verdanthia limited the resources available on the subject.”

I push off the railing and cross my arms. “You have no idea.”

Rian is the only reason I know human magic is elemental. He’s the only reason I know anything about the power flowing through my veins.

I stare at the sand pit below. The last two remaining competitors circle each other. Fire versus air.

Before this competition, I would have assumed fire was the more powerful element. But after seeing the destruction air created, I’m not so sure.

“Have you deduced which element you wield during your healings?” Anders asks.

I rock back on my heels. “Excuse me?”

“Your element. Is it water? Or earth, like most? Knowing which will help me decide how best to help you develop your skills.”

A roar cascades through the crowd. Anders turns his attention to the competition, giving me precious seconds to figure out how to answer.

Do I confess I have no idea what element I possess?