Page 114 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

I grab a pillow, press it against my face, and scream, releasing every ounce of frustration, self-judgment, and loathing until there is no air left in my lungs.

I collapse back on the soft mattress and stare at the sheer canopy draped over the massive bed, exhaling a sigh of relief when the pale-purple fabric no longer looks as if it’s waving in a breeze.

I can’t believe I tried to kiss Darius.

The shadows on my arms prick, and I’m hit with gratitude that the Fae don’t have access to their powers. If they did, Rian would have sensed something was wrong with me through the marks that bind us.

And if he would’ve shown up, there’s no telling what I⁠—

No.

I cut the thought off, a fresh wave of heat flooding my face.

I push myself upright, ignoring the throb in my head, and drop to my hands and knees to retrieve my satchel tucked under the mattress.

I need a distraction. An activity. Anything to keep my mind off the Shadow Prince and the way I yearn to drag my fingers through his midnight-black⁠—

Stop it.

I squeeze my eyes shut and shake my head. I stand and toss the satchel onto the bed, open it, and retrieve the diary.

The familiar leather kisses my fingertips. The pages rustle as I flip through and find the most recently read entry—the one after the prince and the Fae female snuck off during her mother’s luncheon.

My fingers still.

Is this a good idea?

I check my libido. It’s under control. For now.

But there’s no telling what will happen when Rian makes an appearance.

My gut tightens, and my cheeks burn as I imagine his reaction when Darius tells him I tried to kiss him.

Gods… I’m a mess.

I swallow down my embarrassment and focus on the diary, determined to escape into someone else’s reality so I might forget my own.

Second Starfall

Tragedy has fallen on our house. Our entire country.

Father is sick.

I felt it in the air around him before the symptoms even began—my power picking up on the tart tang of illness creeping through his veins.

When I tried to touch his hand, my gift faltered. The silver thread of my light sputtered against his skin.

Mother says it's only exhaustion. She claims he will get better, but I know the truth.

Father is dying. The bond between our ruler and the realm runs as deep as blood, and the land is suffering with him.

It won’t be long until the rest of the court figures out what’s happened. And the vultures will come circling, eager to curry favor with the next ruler…

I won’t have a moment of peace. My life will be overturned, and I will lose this private life I cherish. I will lose my prince⁠—

A gasp rips from my throat. I stare at the page, re-reading the words over and over again, convinced I’m misunderstanding something.

But no.