Page 185 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

Rian’s shadows still clutch Lev’s throat. He claws at them, body thrashing, every movement weaker than the last.

“Done,” Draven snaps.

Rian’s eyes flare, but he doesn’t release Lev.

“You defend him,” Rian states for a second time, anger set in the line of his handsome face as his tone drips with judgment. “Even now?”

“No one should be hurt because of me.” I hold his stare, fighting off the tremors threatening to wrack my body. “Release him, and I will help Darius.”

Rian growls in disapproval.

“For Mother’s sake, Rian,” Draven roars. “Just do it!”

I flinch at the crack of his fury, my heart slamming against my ribs. Rian doesn’t move. Lev’s body jerks once, then slackens, face paling as the shadows choke the last of his strength away.

Shit.

I don’t know what else to do. I can’t force him to drop Lev.

At my side, Ferria looks between me, Lev, and Rian. Her hands open and close at her sides, as if she’s debating throwing a fire bolt to help save her childhood friend.

“Fine,” Rian finally seethes. “But I require a deal.”

I clench my teeth and bite out, “Seriously?”

“Yes, seriously,” he growls back, though the corner of his lip twitches before falling back into a hard line. “Now, say it.”

I want to take Ferria’s shoe and throw it at his face. Time is of the essence. Lev only has seconds left before the oxygen deprivation causes too much damage.

With a shaky exhale, I force the words out: “I, Elara Stonebloom, agree to cure Darius in exchange for Lev Ironheart’s release.”

I don’t know the technicalities of wording Fae deals, but I assume adding our surnames won’t hurt.

I don’t dwell on what will happen if I’m wrong and I can’t actually heal Darius. Rian released me from a deal once; surely he’d do it again…

Rian’s lips curve. “Your deal is accepted.”

Shadows whip around his torso, then fly through the air and wrap themselves around my forearms.

I suck in a breath as the dark markings embed themselves into my flesh, coiling into tight spirals before spreading out and forming a delicate floral and vine-like pattern over my skin.

I exhale and marvel at the beautiful design, once again forced to acknowledge that part of me missed the shadows presence. After days of feeling their sporadic movements, it has been jarring to lose them.

A loud thump hits the ground, followed by a hoarse wheeze and choked coughs.

Lev collapses, his cheek pressing against the ground as his back muscles seize with desperate breaths. Ferria rushes over and drops to her knees, grabbing his shoulders and rolling him onto his side.

My healer’s eyes watch him struggle to breathe. I take in how color slowly returns to his face, and I note the angry red marks marring his strong throat.

I can help him.

I can walk over to him, right now, and use my magic to heal the worst of his injuries. My magic is already gathered in my palms, ready to be of use. I can ease Lev’s discomfort with a soft touch. It would be quick.

But I don’t have my satchel with me. I can’t pretend to use whatever tonic or medicinal herb I have in excess to alleviate his symptoms.

No, if I heal Lev, he will know about my magic. And after his betrayal—after he left me in the hands of Fief—I can’t take that risk.

He didn’t strike me with his fists, but he stepped aside and let someone else do it. I don’t know what else he’s capable of. He’s not the man I thought he was.