Page 168 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

Not that he minds.

Whether he meant to or not, Darius has revealed that he is content to let the curse claim his life—to condemn me to defeat.

And for the second time since I left Verdanthia, I weep.

The tears come hard and fast. They soak the pillow on either side of my head, hot against my cheeks.

What happens if Darius leaves this world and I haven’t healed him?

Will my deal with Rian be forfeit? Will I be free to leave? Free to find Ferria?

Or will I remain trapped under the prince’s thumb for the rest of my days?

I sniff and wipe my cheeks.

In Verdanthia, there were moments I lamented my life. Moments I despised the Gods for placing me and every human beneath the Fae’s rule. Times when I cursed the Elders for subjecting so many men, women, and children to undesirable fates.

Still, no matter how deeply bitterness sank its teeth into me, I learned to rise above it.

I had responsibilities. A gift.

I healed my neighbors. I risked my safety to help them.

I did what I could with what I had because doing nothing was never an option.

But now what can I do?

I picture the curse laughing at me.

I imagine inky blackness creeping through Darius’s veins, weaving destruction through his organs, seeping into his blood, tainting his body until it finally reaches his mind.

I squeeze my eyes shut. Tears leak from the corners.

I’ve…I’ve never felt so…defeated.

A sob claws up my throat. I force my eyes back open.

The sheer canopy hangs overhead. The gauzy fabric flutters faintly with the morning breeze. Dust specks drift through the sunbeams, sparkling like glitter before floating out of the light.

I exhale a shaky breath.

I need Ferria.

I may be older, but she’s stronger. More resilient. She would know what to say to get me out of this rut. She would know what to do.

A swift series of now-familiar knocks tap against the bedroom door. The knob turns, and the wood swings open.

I turn my head.

“Good day, Elara! I trust you slept—” Thea’s bright smile dims as she takes in my state.

“My lady!” She rushes to my side and hovers at the edge of the mattress, wringing her hands together. “What has happened?”

Everything.

“Nothing.” I wipe my face and push myself upright, swinging my legs over the edge of the bed. “You’re here early.”

Skeptical eyes flick between mine, and her lips dip into a frown. “It’s nearly midday.”