Page 153 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

“Apologies.” Leto places a hand over his chest, but his eyes cool as they slide to Hali, the corners of his mouth flattening. “What power does he or she wield?”

Hali sneers back at him.

I press my lips together.

There’s history between Hali and Leto. That much is obvious.

“She is a fire wielder,” I reveal. “And she’s also my twin.”

Both of their eyes snap to mine.

Leto’s shoulders tense. “Fire?”

“Your twin?” Hali asks at the same time.

“Yes, and yes.”

“Two wielders of different elements in the same bloodline? And twins?” Leto releases an incredulous laugh. “I’ve never heard of such a thing.”

“Me either,” Hali says.

Shit.

A heavy stare burns into the back of my head.

I don’t have to turn around to know Rian is glaring at me. No doubt he heard my slipup.

But he can go straight to one of the six hells with his disapproval.

Rian hasn’t said a single word to me this evening, happily occupied by Iris and her endless chatter and flirtation. He doesn’t get to silently chastise me.

I force my smile to stay on my face and shrug. “Yeah…it’s strange, I guess.”

“Your ancestors must have been formidable,” Leto says with a knowing nod.

Saliva threatens to choke me.

I swallow it down. “I wouldn’t know. My parents died before they could tell me about them.”

He winces. “I’m sorry.”

“Me too,” Hali says. “I know what it’s like to be without family.”

My heart squeezes. “Then I am sorry for you, as well.”

She dips her head.

Leto leans forward and rests his elbows on his knees. “So, about this fire-wielding sister… Is she single?”

“Bless The Mother.” Hali lifts her gaze to the awning that covers the top of the seating. “You are absolutely nauseating.”

“Aw, stop with the sweet talk, Hali. I’ve already told you, Helen chose Elara as my companion for the final contest.”

My head whips to him.

His what?

“I wouldn’t wish to partner with you if you were the last male left on the island,” Hali snaps.