Page 32 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

I keep waiting for one of the sailors to panic when they notice the darkness rolling off the Fae with each gust of air that blows across the deck, but no one so much as flinches.

It’s like they don’t see them.

A shadow falls across me, shielding me from the unrelenting sun. “Here.”

A wheat roll appears under my nose.

I meet Draven’s stare.

“Eat,” he says. “It’ll settle your stomach.”

The thought of putting anything in my mouth makes me want to vomit, but I take the offering with a quiet, “Thanks.”

He huffs but doesn’t move away.

Instead, he leans his hip against the crate next to mine, crossing his arms over his dark tunic. “I never thanked you.”

I eye the Fae, my forehead furrowed. “For what?”

“Healing Darius.” Sincerity shines from his typically hard eyes.

“Oh.” I blink.. “Well…you’re welcome. Though I didn’t cure him. Not really.”

If I did, I wouldn’t be trapped on this rocking ship.

“My brother is awake and moving.” Draven shifts against the crate. The wood creaks. “I have no doubt you’ll finish the job in time.”

The healing power under my skin stirs, encouraged by his confidence, eager to try to cure Darius again.

But I’m not ready. Not yet.

“I hope you’re right,” I murmur as I watch an older sailor secure the bottom of the midsail with thick rope.

“I usually am.”

Silence stretches between us, filled by the sea’s relentless rhythm.

“Why aren’t they afraid?” I finally ask.

“Who?”

“The sailors.” I nod toward the busy crew. “Why aren’t they terrified to be on a ship with Fae?”

“Because I told them not to be.”

I frown. “And…they just listened?”

Draven watches me, assessing, debating. Then⁠—

“I have a unique power called mindspeak. It allows me to influence mortals’ thoughts when needed.”

Cold realization pours into my veins. “That’s what you did outside the tavern… That’s why no one reacted to Rian’s shadows.”

He dips his chin. “I can’t maintain the manipulation for long with a large gathering, but these dozen sailors are easy enough. It’s not my favorite use of my power, but aside from Rian, none of us can hold glamours for days on end. And we can’t have sailors attempting to throw themselves overboard to escape us.”

“Oh.” I chew the inside of my cheek, studying him.

The list of Shadow Fae’s abilities continues to grow.