Page 41 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

I clear my throat and nod toward the map. “Well?”

Silas sighs. “We’re trying to find the Sea Fae.”

I blink. “The what?”

He doesn’t answer fast enough.

“Sea Fae,” Darius says, mouth full. “There are Lowland, Highland, Mountain, and Sea Fae. You met the Mountain Fae in Port City.”

Erling. The blond giant in furs.

“But…how is that possible?” I scan the land masses scattered across the map. “Why wouldn’t we know⁠—”

“Who is ‘we’?” Silas interrupts. “Humans? Under the Shadow King’s influence?”

He tsks and continues, “From what I’ve heard, you’re intelligent, Elara. Surely you can imagine a world where a ruler chooses to hide various truths from their subjects for their own goals.”

My blood chills.

Like General Ironheart and the Elders…

The leaders in Verdanthia mined astlerium for their personal use while saying it was for the Fae king.

I swallow hard, hating my ignorance, but resolved to rectify it as soon as possible. “Okay. So we’re going to the Sea Fae. Why?”

A long look passes between the Fae.

Finally, Darius says, “Royal business.”

I lift my brows. “Such as?”

“Nothing we’re at liberty to discuss,” Darius says with a hint of remorse.

“If we even find them,” Silas mutters, glaring at the map like it personally offends him. “Sea Fae live predominantly on ships. Rumors say they have a city somewhere in these isles, but no one has been able to find it.”

I press my lips together and look at where he points on the map.

My head spins.

“How’s your magic?” Silas asks.

My head snaps up, and I blink. “What?”

He watches me carefully. “Has your magic fully recovered from the manacles and healing Darius?”

I shove down memories of the astlerium cuffs and the torture I endured while chained by them. “It’s getting there.”

“Good,” Darius chimes in. “I’m ready for you to give curing me another go once your magic is replenished.”

My eyes widen. “Are you in pain?”

“No, nothing like that.” He grins, but it looks forced. “I simply loathe the fact that any remnant of the king’s vile influence resides within me. Even if it’s just a tiny morsel.”

The king?

What does he have to do with Darius’s curse?

Before I can ask, a deafening boom splits the air.