Page 212 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

Hells, I didn’t even know more than the Shadow Fae existed until days ago.

I thought the world's problems started and ended with human grievances on Astloria.

That just goes to show how naive I am.

I hate that.

Rian turns back around, freeing me from his all-consuming stare, and raises a hand.

A shadow flies from his palm and collides with the building’s door. The wood swings inward with an eerie creak. Endless black greets us.

I try to pull back, but Rian’s grip tightens as he pulls me the rest of the distance to the unsettling building.

“Where are we going?” I ask.

“Somewhere safe.”

I want to believe him, but the twist in my stomach gives me doubt.

We cross the threshold. Cool air kisses my cheeks. A musty scent fills my nostrils.

I can’t see a thing, but Rian draws me closer to his side and strides forward as if he knows exactly where he’s going. The floor under our feet creaks with every step.

“What about Darius and the others?” I cough as I breathe in dusty air.

“They know what to do.”

We head deeper into the mysterious building. No furniture blocks our path. Rian walks in a straight line.

“And everyone else?” I press, swatting away what I hope is a cobweb from my naked shoulder. “Will the Sea Fae harm anyone?”

“They will do whatever it takes to confirm my presence,” he replies in a low voice.

Cold seeps into my chest.

“Stop.” I dig in my heels and tug on his arm.

He doesn’t slow.

“Rian, stop.” I try to pry his grip off. “We can’t just hide. What about everyone else?”

“I don’t care about anyone else.”

He yanks me forward, and my heart leaps into my throat when he picks me up once again.

His steps shift and dip. We’re walking down. The air grows colder and damp.

My next words are quiet. “Hali is here. Innocent children, too. You all can’t stand by and let Sea Fae hurt them.”

A growl vibrates in Rian’s chest. “They are not my priority. You are.”

I frown in the dark even as my pulse flutters.

I don’t say another word.

I know a lost cause when I hear one.

Down and down we go, turning left, then right, over and over again.