Page 214 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

I press my lips together.

“Fine,” I concede. “You’re right. I’ll go.”

Rian sighs quietly, then reaches for me.

I lean away. “But only if you go back and help.”

A wisp of shadow coils and snaps a foot away. It takes everything I have not to flinch.

“You can’t be serious,” he scoffs.

“But I am.” I lift my chin and hold his stare, silently praying to the Gods that I’m pulling on the right heartstrings. “If your reaction to their arrival is any indication of how dangerous the Sea Fae are, you cannot leave Jaxon’s sister behind.”

Darkness deepens all around him. “Hali will not leave without her band of discontent citizens.”

“Then bring them with us.”

One dark brow arches. “Forgive me. Did I give you the impression I am prone to taking on charity cases? Because I assure you, there is nothing further from the truth.”

I let the harsh words roll over me.

“No, but you care about Jaxon,” I counter. “And while I may not know much about you all, you once said the cadre were your brothers in all the ways that matter. And a brother wouldn’t leave someone their brother loves behind.”

Silence descends.

I bite the inside of my cheek and grip my skirt’s fabric tightly, bracing myself for⁠—

“You exhaust me,” Rian finally sighs.

A quick exhale passes my lips. “The feeling is mutual.”

His lips curl into a sneer, but malice is notably absent.

I swallow and take a step toward him.

“Please, Rian... I already left behind so many innocent people in Verdanthia. I can’t stomach the thought of doing it again.”

His eyes narrow. “That wasn’t your doing.”

“That doesn’t make it any less difficult.”

Rian says nothing. His dark, intense eyes stay on me. The weight of them tug at my heart.

I take a deep breath. I expect him to protest.

I prepare another argument.

“Very well.”

I stiffen and blink. “What?”

“I will return to the surface and find Hali.” Sheer shadows writhe around his back, as if they disagree with the decision. “I will offer her, and any of her friends, safe passage aboard our boat.”

Warmth floods my chest. “Thank you.”

He waves a dismissive hand, expression hardening. “But you have to uphold your end of the bargain.”

“I will.” I bob my head. “Just tell me where to go, and I’ll find your contact.”