Page 243 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

“Did you find Hali?”

“She’s on board,” he answers immediately. “Along with the others.”

The knot in my stomach untwists. “Really?”

He nods, his hands sliding from my back to my arms. His thumbs trace slow, gentle circles over my skin, but his eyes are sharp as they scan my body.

“What about the Fae?” I search his face. “Anders, Silas, and⁠—”

“Darius?” Shadows coil in his eyes.

“Y-yes.” My throat tightens. “Is he okay?”

“I’d say Darius is better than okay.” A faint, incredulous smile tugs the corners of Rian’s lips.

His fingers trail down my forearm. My unmarked forearm.

“You really did it,” he adds in a reverent whisper.

“I did,” I whisper back with a subtle smile that falters with my next thought. “But I think it hurt my magic.”

He frowns. “Why would you say that?”

I press my lips together, uncertain if I should tell anyone about the strange voice inside my head. Or how it commanded me to release it from unknown bindings.

“Hey.” Rian’s voice gentles. “Whatever it is, you must know your secrets are safe with me.”

I blink, and my rapid pulse slows.

Gods help me… I believe him.

And even if Rian thinks I’m crazy, I trust he won’t share the information.

I trust him.

I swallow my reservation and say, “The first time I tried to heal Darius…I heard a voice.”

His fingers stop their enticing circles. “A voice?”

I nod. “I thought it was the curse fighting back, but after healing Darius tonight, I know it’s something different. Something…else.”

The words feel ridiculous the moment they leave my mouth, but I don’t take them back. I know what I heard.

“And what did this voice say?” Rian’s question is controlled.

Careful.

I dip my gaze and focus on his throat where his steady pulse thrums beneath tan skin.

“It demanded to be released. It…it said to release the binding. Before it was too late and Darius’s curse overwhelmed me.”

Rian’s tone sharpens like a knife. “The curse attacked you?”

“Yes, but the voice protected me.” I lift my gaze and bite my lip. “I think…I think the voice is my power. I think they’re the same.”

Dark smoke curls in Rian’s eyes. “Why would you think that?”

I lift a single shoulder. “It’s just a feeling.”