Page 96 of Captive of Secrets and Storms

I hold Augustus’s stare, allowing the firestorm building in my chest to flow throughout my limbs, warming my chilled blood.

“Forgive our companion, mayor.” Rian’s voice punctures the quiet, the smooth tone and deep cadence pulsing through my core. “Elara is…spirited.”

I swing blazing eyes to the prince, only to find approval flickering as silver specks in his otherwise black irises.

I yank my gaze away.

The mayor studies me a moment longer before turning those knowing brown eyes to Rian. “Your companion?”

Once again, even though he wears magic-suppressing cuffs, I swear a shadow encircles the prince’s neck.

“Yes,” Rian clips out. “Mine.”

The possessive word wraps around my heart, cinching tight.

Iris stiffens and pulls her hand away from him with a pout, flashing me a glare sharp enough to cut.

Whispers begin to travel down the table. Curious eyes assess me anew.

I don’t know why Rian made the claim, but I have to imagine it was strategic. Maybe he’s trying to protect me from the attention Anders warned me about.

Yes…

That has to be it.

Helen leans forward and rests her elbows on the table, lacing her fingers.

“As a healer, I’m sure you are eager to improve your skills, Miss Stonebloom. Especially since you were likely not afforded adequate training.”

Juniper gave me all the training I could ever need. At least for human ailments.

I clench my skirt. “Of course⁠—”

“Wonderful.” Her smile is thin. “Anders, would you be willing to help Elara hone her skills?”

I jolt at the male’s name.

The blond beside me clears his throat. “Of course, my lady. I would be honored.”

I gape at the Mountain Fae.

Confusion must be written all over my face, because his smile turns sly. Or maybe sheepish.

“I’m the mayor’s personal healer.”

“Of course you are.” The words slip out before I can stop them.

Anders's smile grows.

I don’t know why, but it feels like I’ve just stepped into a trap.

Of what, I can’t say.

But I’ve trusted men before—leaders, just like Augustus…

And look where that’s gotten me.

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