Page 253 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

It can’t be…

My gaze drops to my arms.

They’re still unmarked.

I completed the deal.

Darius is healed.

So why does he look sick again?

The answer comes quickly.

Glamour.

Rian must be glamouring him to look ill.

Gods…

His power even works on the king!

Marek studies Darius for another moment, then his gaze returns to me. It lingers. Sharpens.

“Interesting.” He tucks his hands behind his cloaked back. “Does someone claim her?”

My breath stutters.

“Or,” he continues, his voice deceptively pleasant, “will she be up for auction when we return to Eranthia?”

Hali presses against me.

We lock eyes.

A silent vow passes between us. She will protect me.

She reminds me so strongly of Ferria that tears prick my eyelids.

I blink them back, then face the Shadow King again.

Draven steps forward. “I claim her.”

The words toll in my ears like ominous bells.

A voice slides into my mind, low and controlled, familiar in the sense that I’ve heard it in real life. Just never in my mind.

Do not react.

My heart slams against my sternum so hard it hurts, but I heed Draven’s mind-spoken words.

I lock my knees and force my face into a placid mask, even as my lungs seize, making it difficult to breathe.

“Indeed?” King Marek’s gaze flicks to Draven. “Your father will be proud to hear you’re finally asserting dominance.”

Draven doesn’t react.

I stare at his back, at the rigid set of his shoulders, and realize he’s holding himself together by sheer will alone.

The king nods once, then refocuses on his nephew.