Page 129 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

I clench my trembling hands. “Yes.”

A sneer distorts his handsome face, pure disgust twisting his features. The shadows pulse harder, restless, like hounds straining against a leash. I brace for him to lash out—for him to stride into the celebration and expose Lev and anyone else tangled in rebellion.

But he doesn’t.

Instead, Rian’s features shutter, composure sliding into place like a mask. The fury is gone, replaced by restraint.

The calm is almost worse. I don’t know what to make of it.

He studies me for a moment. Then— “There is something you can do to guarantee your lover’s safety.”

My pulse stutters, and dread settles deep within my gut. “What is it?”

He raises an arm. I flinch.

Disapproval flashes, but he doesn’t lower his hand. Smoke curls from his long, tan fingers, lazy tendrils winding like mist coiling over a grave.

His silver eyes glint, predatory amusement simmering beneath. “Dance with me.”

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Rian’s hand lingers between us, suspended in the thick air like a challenge.

I don’t take it. Indignation burns hotter than fear. “What are you even doing here, Rian?”

One dark, strong brow lifts. “Don’t you remember? General Ironheart invited me on behalf of the Elders.”

He tilts his head toward the makeshift stage at the far end of the square, where five empty chairs sit behind the musicians playing with unshaken enthusiasm. They don’t know the danger that lurks in the shadows.

“I didn’t think you’d actually come,” I mutter, folding my arms tight across my chest.

“Shows how little you know me.”

Music swells behind me. Couples spin under strings of glowing lanterns, their laughter carrying into the warm night.

Rian dips his head, eyes glinting. “Now, dance with me, Sunshine.”

My heart flips, even as I growl, “Don’t call me that.”

“My apologies, Elara.” His lips curl into a half smile I can’t quite read, and a shiver races down my spine. “Will you dance with me? In exchange, I vow to leave your lover alone.”

It should be an easy answer, but as I search his dark, silver-flecked eyes, I don’t know what to do. This is a game. It must be. But what is his goal?

Not finding the answers I seek, I tear my gaze away and look over my shoulder at the celebration. Several pairs of eyes dart away when they meet mine. I sigh.

“People are already nervous around me these days,” I say, turning back to face him. “I’m not interested in giving them more reasons not to trust me.”

And dancing with a Fae enemy is sure not to win me any favor.

Measured, almost taunting shadows rise overhead. “Does it seem as if anyone notices my presence?”

I still then shift my gaze to the people nearby once more.

The baker’s wife clutches her basket of sweet treats at her stall a little tighter before she turns away. A young couple bounces by, their gazes catching on me for a moment before sliding off as they disappear into the crowd.

There’s no wide-eyed panic, no flinching from noticing who lingers at my side; only prickling suspicion of me is etched across their faces.

I turn back to Rian, wide-eyed. “How?”