Page 195 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

“You’re not involved with anyone, are you? Romantically, I mean?”

His lips curl into a sexy grin. “No, I am not.”

“Good.” Heat spreads: the ache in my center grows, desperate for reprieve. “Neither am I.”

His answering laugh is strained. “You may not think so, but as tempting as you may be, I will not risk my neck over it.”

“Really?” I rise on my toes. “Are you sure about that?”

I press my lips to his throat

He sucks in a breath, and his hands land on my waist. His fingers dig into my dress.

“You know what?” He pants when I kiss his neck again. “I’m starting to think you may be worth it.”

I smile against his skin and slide my hands to grip his shoulders. I lean back and search his eyes.

He’s already leaning forward, eyes bright.

I tighten my hold and lift my chin to meet his lips with mine⁠—

A loud, guttural snarl punctures the haze of lust and music like the crack of a whip.

The marks on my arms burn.

I jerk back and stare at my skin. It’s unmarred. Normal.

But when I rest my palms back on Leto’s shoulders, the searing sensation returns.

“Ah!” I wince and pull back, curling my hands against my chest.

“Elara, are you⁠—”

A pulse of energy crashes into me.

Energy I’ve felt before.

Energy that shouldn’t be possible with those astlerium manacles in place.

My head whips around to Rian, and my mouth falls open.

Time slows.

A dark shadow billows at Rian’s back. It rises high like a wave, ready to plummet to the earth and smother all in its furious path.

But no one reacts.

It’s as if I’m the only one who sees the powerful display.

Brilliant silver eyes catch and hold mine as the Shadow Prince prowls forward.

My hair stands on end. I take a step back, pressing into Leto’s torso.

“Fuck,” he mutters.

His hands hold my arms, as if to steady me, though he is the one trembling.

Around us, the final contest continues. Hali and her partner grind against each other. Gerald and his wife make out.