Page 173 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

“Thank you.” Her gaze unfocuses, then she blinks and turns to face me. “So…you’ve met my older brother.”

It’s not a question, but I nod all the same. “I have.”

“Let me guess.” Her tone lightens. “He refused to travel here with the rest of you.”

I bite my lip. If Rian hasn’t told her where Jaxon is, should I?

“It’s okay.” A knowing smile tugs at her mouth. “You don’t need to tell me. I know my brother well enough to know I’m right.”

She steps in front of the last map, the one dominated by jagged mountains.

“So…” She glances over her shoulder, eyes sharpening. “You never answered my question. How does a human earth wielder end up in Virendrell, escorted by none other than the Shadow Prince?”

I cross my arms and huff, “Bad luck.”

She laughs. “I’ll say… Though there are many who would welcome his attention.”

My stomach twists.

“Well, those people are welcome to it,” I snap.

Another laugh slips from Hali’s lips, and the shadow lingering on her face fades.

“You must be important,” she says, voice thoughtful. “I can’t think of any other reason Rian or the others would allow themselves to be burdened with a human. No offense.”

A flicker of hurt cuts through me before I can stop it.

“None taken.” I force the words past the tightness in my throat.

Then, in the spirit of being open, I blurt, “You found me here on purpose…didn’t you.”

“I did.”

“Is there a reason?”

Her lips curl. “Yes.”

“Care to share it?”

She laughs again. “Oh, I bet Jaxon loves you.”

“We get along well enough.”

“I can see it.” Her eyes sparkle then dim as the lightness in her voice vanishes. “I was hoping to ask for your help.”

The marks on my arms stir. In curiosity? Or warning?

“I’m not sure how someone like me could help you.”

“You’re wrong.” Resolve hardens her features. “You’re exactly the person who can help me.”

Careful, Elara.

Hali may be Jaxon’s sister, but I don’t know her. Not well.

I shouldn’t get involved in whatever mess she needs help with.

But Gods damn me… I can’t help but want to learn more.