Page 221 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

My heart pounds as I creep forward, realizing too late I’m only wearing one sandal, but there’s no time to fumble with the clasp to remove it.

Water sloshes around my ankles, weighing down my gown, as I grab the cliff wall for balance and peer around the edge.

My pulse spikes.

Silas and Darius stand side by side on the beach, in front of a narrow dock that extends into the water. A boat is tied to the post on the end, bobbing in the waves.

Anders’s face nears mine as he leans close to take in the scene.

The Shadow Fae hold their swords high. Blue light zips down the sharp metal as they face off against four opponents.

Pirates?

The unknown males’ form-fitting black leather trousers and matching tunics aren’t familiar. But even in the night sky’s dim light, they look expensive.

My gaze dips to the three bodies lying on the beach. They wear the same clothing. Their chests are unmoving.

The standing males slowly back away from the armed Fae.

“Aw, come on. Don’t stop now,” Darius taunts, turning his wrist to swing his sword in a wide circle. “Fight us.”

The pirates continue their retreat. All but one.

The broad man holds his ground. He lifts a heavy-looking sword.

“Idiots! They aren’t Shadow Fae,” he bellows at his comrades, jabbing the weapon toward the Fae. “Do you see any shadows?”

The others stop, share a glance, and then move toward their friend with slow, measured steps.

“No?” Darius chuckles, though it comes out strained. “Perhaps you just need to come a bit closer to see?”

The broad man throws out his other hand. A ball of fire soars across the beach.

I smother my gasp with my hand.

Darius jerks left, dodging the blaze, but the effort costs him.

He straightens, wearing an instigating smile, but his arm shakes as he lifts a hand to wipe sweat from his brow. “Fire? Aren’t you a lucky one.”

Silas shifts closer to his friend, concern rippling from his rigid frame.

My stare zeros in on the manacles still clasped on Darius’s wrists. I dig my fingernails into the cliff.

Silas, too, is still bound by the power-subduing cuffs.

The Fae are skilled fighters, but against fire magic? I don’t know if the odds are in their favor.

Another fireball flies from the pirate’s palm, casting shadows on his arms and menacing face.

I lower my hand and squint.

Is he human or Fae?

I can’t see his ears.

Darius and Silas duck.

The blaze misses their head, but the fire singes the back of Darius’s toga.