Page 180 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

I step back, heart racing. “How did you⁠—”

“I didn’t at first,” he interrupts. “Not until you showed me the diary.”

Shit.

I knew it.

My blood runs cold. “Did you tell Augustus?”

Is Hali’s plan going to fail because of me?

“No,” he answers, voice even.

My eyes narrow. “I-I don’t believe you.”

Anders works for the mayor. For Helen. Why would he not tell them the truth about what I am?

“I assume, by this point, Hali has lifted Virendrell’s glittering veil from your eyes?”

I jerk.

Anders’s lips twitch. “I’ve always admired Hali’s boldness, but her lack of subtlety leaves something to be desired.”

My gaze darts to the open doors.

Could I run? Or will Anders be able to catch me before I step foot inside the palace?

“Mother, help me.” He rolls his eyes. “Don’t look so scared. I’m not your enemy.”

“I don’t know what you are,” I snap and take another step back.

So much for thinking I can trust the palace healer.

Anders crosses his arms, but he doesn’t make a move to close the distance I’m slowly putting between us. “I want to help you, Elara”

I scoff. “Help me?”

“Well…help Hali.” His lips turn down. “And the others.”

My sandaled feet stick to the balcony. “W-what?”

“Hali is not the only one who objects to Helen’s actions,” he reveals.

Helen’s…

Not Augustus’s…

He continues, “And many are discontent with being walled away from the rest of the world.”

“But you’re Fae. One of the few full-blooded Fae left,” I remind him as blood thrums forcefully through my veins. “Why don’t you stand against them yourself?”

“Because it doesn’t matter what wrongs Helen commits. There are too many loyal citizens who stand by her. I would lose all of my influence the moment I speak out against her.”

“But Augustus is the mayor,” I object. “Shouldn’t he⁠—”

“Augustus is wrapped around his wife’s finger. He is a good ruler, but you’d be a fool to think he’d go against Helen. He hasn’t yet. And trust, many have tried to persuade him.”

My hands shake as I curl them into fists. “So…what? You want to help Hali. Do you even know what it is she wants?”