Page 156 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

I turn to investigate the source of the commotion. Every spectator is on their feet, clapping and cheering, every eye fixed on the maze’s entrance.

I follow their gazes.

Black irises capture mine.

Recognition hits a heartbeat before Iris’s musical voice slices through the air. “Go, Rian!”

Breath lodges in my throat as my heart slams into a frantic rhythm. I grip the metal railing and force air into my lungs.

The Shadow Prince stands at the mouth of the maze, shirtless. His muscular, runed, olive-skinned torso is on full display.

What is he doing?

Even from this distance, the raised scar on his neck catches the light, but no one comments on the evidence of violence.

Can they not see it?

Maybe his glamour conceals it.

But then why can I see the scar?

Does his glamour not work on me?

No. That can’t be it.

Silas’s glamour fooled me in Verdanthia. Anton’s too. Rian’s concealment must be selective.

He must want me to see him.

The markings on my arms stir, fluttering in agreement.

“Ah.” Helen’s voice drips with satisfaction. “I didn’t think he’d do it.”

I force my eyes off Rian and find the mayor’s wife grinning at me like a cat with a mouse in its claws.

“Do what?” I ask.

Her grin widens. “Compete for Iris.”

My jaw drops.

There’s no way…

Rian is up to something.

He has to be.

But what?

A horn blares overhead before I can find the answer.

I spin around just in time to see Rian launch forward⁠—

And disappear into the dangerous maze.

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Rian moves like a predator—graceful, deliberate, and unmistakably Fae.