Page 29 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

My feet move before my mind gives the order.

“Elara?” Jaxon calls.

I ignore him. Tucking my arms closer to my body, I weave through the street. Shadows trail behind me, their presence both ominous and a comfort. But none of the Fae try to stop me.

I reach the alcove where the children stand. Seeing my approach, they shuffle back.

“Wait.” I hold up my coin purse.

They still, eyes wide with hope mixed with apprehension.

I squat in front of them and hold their hollowed, wary stares as I open Jaxon’s coin purse and take out four gold pieces.

The children’s jaws drop. I tuck two coins into the little boy’s hand, closing his slender, grimy fingers around them.

“What are you doing?” Rian’s voice purrs into the air.

The boy tries to draw back, but I hold his hand firmly and glare over my shoulder. “None of your business.”

Rian kneels beside me, uncaring that his fine breeches become soiled by whatever moisture seeps out of the narrow alley.

He holds the boy's gaze. “Two gold pieces will draw a lot of attention for you and your friend.”

The boy looks at the stringy-haired little girl and swallows. “Sh-she’s my sister, sir.”

“Ah.” Rian dips his chin. “Do you two have a home?”

“The orphanage. Near the eastern road.”

Rian nods as if he knows of it. “What is your name?”

The boy hesitates, but seeing the two coins that remain in my hands, he answers, “Nial, sir.”

“Well, Nial. Gold may draw too much attention in the hands of orphans, but what about silver?” He takes a midnight pouch from his pocket and holds it up for Nial’s inspection.

The little boy's brown brows lift to his hairline as he gazes at the bulging coin purse. I finally release Nial’s hand and stare at the side of Rian’s face.

Uncharacteristically kind eyes focus on the boy, but there’s a serious edge to the prince’s next words. “Will you be able to hide this, Nial? Protect it for you and your sister to use?”

He bobs his head. “A-aye, aye, sir.”

“Very good.” Rian holds out his hand and slips the two cold coins from Nial’s palm before replacing them with the black purse.

Nial’s arm dips from the weight before he clutches the bag to his chest. “A-all of it, sir?”

“All of it,” Rian confirms. “Hide it well, Nial. Use it for food and clothes. Share it as you will, but don’t allow anyone to take it from you. Yes?”

“Y-yes.” His lips crack into a disbelieving smile that he shares with his silent sister.

The little girl bounces on her toes, her excitement momentarily overcoming the hunger and fatigue ravaging her tiny body.

“Good man.” Rian nods, then stands, and holds out a hand for me. “Come, Elara. Our ship awaits.”

I stare at his palm, confused by the actions that contradict the cold, cruel Shadow Prince I’ve come to know. A thin coat of shadows presses against his flesh, flickering under my attention.

I stand without his help. When I turn back to the children, they’re already racing away.

I watch them go, my heart squeezing, unable to stop myself from imagining me and Ferria in their place.