Page 56 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

I take a deep breath to try and calm my racing heart. “I-I was looking for someone to take me home.”

A stream of moonlight comes through the tent flap, shining on Rian’s face. He frowns as he stares at my throat.

Silver flares brightly before he blinks, and the unnatural hue is gone. “Jaxon was meant to take you home hours ago.”

I bend my legs and wrap my arms around my knees, hugging them to my body. “Well, as you can see, he didn’t.”

His gaze flits over my face, then my body, focusing on my hand—the one I used to grab his wrist.

“I hurt you.”

I tighten my hold on my legs. “It’s fine.”

He lifts an arm.

I flinch.

His lips flatten, then he snaps his fingers.

Light flows back into the lantern on the table next to him.

“Wow.” My gaze shifts between him and the lantern. “I didn't know Fae could manipulate fire.”

“We don’t. I simply withdrew my shadows.”

I frown. “Oh.”

A huff that almost sounds like amusement leaves his mouth. “You sound disappointed, Sunshine.”

“Not disappointed. Just confused. Fae magic is a mystery.” I swallow and stare at the flame flickering behind the smoky glass before dragging my eyes back to him. “And don’t call me Sunshine.”

Fae are dangerous. I have no business making demands of the powerful creatures who rule our land. But I just…couldn’t help myself.

Fortunately, Rian ignores my demand. “You have questions about our magic?”

I tilt my head to the side. “Wouldn't you?”

His expression is unreadable as his gaze searches mine. “Shadowbound Fae don’t have elemental power. Our magic comes from our shadows.”

He says it like it’s a disadvantage. A burden.

“Your kind seems powerful enough without it.”

His eyes lock onto me with the force of a predator sighting prey. “Indeed.”

I avert my gaze, mortified to feel my cheeks heat under his scrutiny as awareness of the fact I’m alone with a Fae male in bed seeps into my mind.

Well, on a bed. A cot.

But still…we’re alone. And the intense way he looks at me has me on edge. I don’t know what he’s thinking.

“How is Darius’s treatment going?” he asks.

“Great,” I clip out, holding my legs tighter. “I’m making great progress.”

“I taste your lies.”

My head snaps up. “What? Really?”