Page 181 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

“To leave these shores,” he answers evenly, “before she’s used as a breeding tool.”

My stomach clenches at the descriptor, just as strongly now as it did before when Hali revealed the ugly truth of what happens in Virendrell.

“But that’s not all, is it?” he asks, studying me with the patience of someone who already knows the answer.

My throat constricts even before he says⁠—

“She wants to take the children with her.”

33

I don’t dare speak.

A single word could doom Hali, and I refuse to be the cause of her downfall.

My gaze locks on Anders, waiting for his next remark. His next move.

He is a respected citizen in Virendrell. The mayor trusts him. So does Helen.

If the Mountain Fae knows about Hali’s plan, he could sabotage everything before I can reach the Shadow Fae.

Before I can reveal to them the mandatory breeding cycle Augustus and Helen will impose after their son’s betrothal celebrations.

Before I reveal that Hali and nearly a dozen friends wish to escape the island, but only if they can bring their children with them.

Anders watches me calmly. He’s waiting for a confession I will never make.

I made a promise to Hali. I won’t be the one to ruin her plans. Not if I can help it.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I finally say.

Again, his lips twitch. “I admire your dedication to a cause you just joined, but you must understand, I have wanted this outcome for far longer than you or young Hali.”

The back of my neck prickles. “And yet you didn’t intervene.”

“Because there was none on these shores powerful enough to fight off Helen. Not until⁠—”

“Rian.” I lift a hand to rub my suddenly throbbing temples. “You think Rian will go along with the plan.”

“I don’t think,” he says. “I know.”

“How?” I drop my arm and shake my head. “How do you know? He is the prince. Surely politics would dictate he not interfere with Virendrellian customs or laws or whatever the hells this barbaric mating practice is.”

“The Shadow Prince is many things, but he is not the puppet you make him out to be.”

I balk, the accusation stinging my chest. “I never said⁠—”

“It does not matter.” He crosses his arms. His voice is even. Unhurried. “What matters is this: I want to help you. I want to help Hali.”

My objection fades from my lips.

“What’s in it for you?” My eyes narrow. “Why would a full-blooded Fae care what happens to a part Fae?”

A sneer mars his lips. “You assume I believe myself better than part Fae?”

“Don’t you?”

“No,” he snaps, the skin around his eyes tight. “I had a younger half sister, and her grandson has been marked as…talented. I hope to save him from the same fate Hali wishes to escape.”