Page 93 of Prince of Darkness and Deceit

I smile in triumph.

We walk in silence for a few steps. Ferria glances at me, her curly ponytail swinging gently with each stride.

“What’s going on with Rian?” she asks, too casually.

I forget to pick up my heavy boot and stumble. “W-what do you mean?”

She levels me with a look that says don’t play dumb with me.

I stare at the path ahead and mutter, “Nothing’s going on.”

“Is that why he looked ready to strangle Captain Steelvice at the tavern the other night?”

“That was⁠—”

“Or why he turned into a shadowy mass reeking of death and destruction when he saw your injuries after the beasts attacked?”

My heart skips a beat. “He didn’t⁠—”

“He did.” Her stare is unrelenting.

I bite my lip, ignoring how my pulse skitters at the thought of Rian being concerned for me.

I’m already unhealthily attracted to him. I can’t add reading into his reactions to my list of troubles.

“Lev’s noticed something, too.”

I whip my head around. “Lev?”

She nods.

“What are you talking about?”

“Lev came by the forge yesterday to ask me about what’s going on with you. I wasn’t there, but Anton said Lev was pretty agitated to hear we were both at the Fae camp.”

And the fact he couldn’t travel to the camp to speak with me likely chapped his ass.

“That doesn’t mean anything.”

Ferria smirks. “If you say so.”

Laughter and chatter sound from homes we pass, families gathering for their evening meal before venturing to the market to enjoy the evening festivities before those from neighboring towns arrive tomorrow. Then the real fun begins.

Not that I expect I’ll have much leave to enjoy any of it.

I use the pause in conversation and change the subject. “Are you falling behind on General Ironheart’s order by coming to the camp with me?”

She shakes her head. “Anton has it covered. Though, I won’t be coming to the camp with you tomorrow. I need to give Anton a break.”

Disappointment nips at me, but warmth rushes in behind it.

“Thank you,” I say. “For coming with me these past couple of days.”

“Please. You couldn’t have kept me away.” She grins, eyes sparkling. “I’ll never give up an opportunity to learn Fae secrets.”

I laugh softly, the tension in my shoulders easing.

Even with all the strangeness in my life: my power, the Fae games I don’t fully understand, Ferria's support and bravery ground me. And now, with Rian’s promise to help me use the Fae book, my hope of success roars to life once more.