Page 133 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

The air between us contracts. My gaze is drawn to him like a magnet to metal.

“You’re not kind, but you’re not cruel either.” I slow to a stop.

Rian does the same.

We stand there, staring at each other, silent. I have so many questions—so many things I wish to know.

But I can only utter one. “Why?”

“Why, what?”

“Why help me?” I search his swirling eyes, trying not to get lost in their stunning, silver-flecked depths. “Why let me learn anything about magic?”

Rian studies me with an expression akin to apprehension. But that apprehension gives way to resolve as he threads his fingers through mine.

“Come.” He draws me away from the swaying bodies.

I don’t resist.

He doesn’t speak until we are once more tucked in the cover of shadows. Only a faint stream of lantern light illuminates his sharp features. He releases my hand, and I tell myself I don’t miss his touch.

“Why would I not help you?” he asks, his tone probing. “Darius’s life is at stake.”

Yes, but⁠—

“Why make the bargain in the first place?” I ask. “Why not seek me out and simply ask for my help?”

Onyx clouds curl around his shoulders. “Would you have helped a Fae?”

“Yes!” The marks on my arm and the power humming under my skin bump each other, as if testing the other to try and deduce the truth.

“And that,” he begins, his power darkening the lantern above until our faces are half in shadow, “is why I am this way with you. You are honorable.”

That word shouldn’t undo me. But damn it, it does.

My throat burns, my chest aches, and my heart flutters traitorously.

The silence between us is soft, almost comfortable. And that, somehow, is worse.

What is wrong with me?

Lev and I ended things minutes ago. And here I am, caught in the orbit of a tall, broad Fae who will vanish the moment he gets what he wants from me. What are these…feelings?

It has to be my magic.

Rian is the first person outside my family who knows what runs through my veins. And instead of recoiling, he urges me to wield it. He doesn’t see me as an abomination. Or a burden. He sees me. He sees my worth.

Verdanthians value me as their healer, yes, but if they knew the truth, they’d turn on me. I can’t even be sure what Lev would do if I told him about my magic.

Yes, you do… That’s why you haven’t told him.

“I’d give anything to clear the storm in your mind,” Rian murmurs.

His face is carved in darkness, sharp and unyielding, but his eyes… His eyes thrash with something fierce, something raw. Emotion I can’t name, though it looks too much like⁠—

“Fellow Verdanthians. Honored guests.” Elder Whitestone’s booming voice cuts through the moment, echoing off the market walls.

I jerk away from Rian, heat scorching my skin when I acknowledge how close we stood.