“Isiah?” I turn, expecting to see his face, but find no one there.
As I look for him, the sun dips behind the mountains, dropping the lake into darkness. Shadows shift and pull together on the shoreline, swirling like a water current.
“Grace.” Isiah’s voice sounds again, but it comes from the blackness of the shadows. I should be fearful, but I’m not.
“Isiah.” As his name leaves my mouth, the shadows leap forward and wrap around me until I’m engulfed in the darkness of a starless night.
My eyes open to the familiar canopy of my bed.
Darkness from the dream still lingers on the edge of my mind, but it’s dissipating.
The room spins when I try to sit up, and my stomach heaves.
“I wouldn’t move yet if I were you,” Reagan says from the chair near the fireplace where he’s lounged, eyes closed, head tipped back, and boots on the tea table.
“Making yourself comfortable, I see.” A small whimper escapes me as I try to prop myself up on the pillows. I manage, but not without him smiling at my struggles.
“Well, you’ve been out for a while, so I didn’t think you would mind.”
“Why are you here?” I question, though I already have a pretty good idea of why.
“Can’t a friend make sure their friend is okay?” He holds his hands up, palms facing me.
I scoff. “Yes, they can, butwearen’t friends. You were my jailer, if you recall. So I’m assuming you’re still playing that role.”
I can’t imagine Niethal would leave me unguarded after our conversation, not since the truth came out. The entire evening floods back: secrets, fire, green eyes, and lies.
My eyes narrow toward Reagan. “What part did you play in my crossing? Did you know Devlin was going to shoot me? Or was that why you were upset that morning? Tell me the truth. I don’t need any more lies, not tonight.”
He drums a methodical rhythm on the arm of the chair and, after a moment, sighs. “Yes, I knew you were coming, but I didn’t know why, just that we were to bring you here. And no, I was not aware Devlin was going to shoot. He was a decent male, but always had terrible aim.”
“Was? What happened to him?”
Reagan pauses again as if deciding whether to say more. “Devlin was punished for his poor aim. The king does not tolerate mistakes.”
“Enough with the roundabout talk. Just tell me what happened.”
The scar on his cheek pulls taut as he frowns before reluctantly answering, “There are a few ways to kill the fae—beheading, stabbing the heart, and iron through the important parts will do. Since we have no iron in the kingdoms, he is a few pounds lighter above the shoulders, if you catch my meaning.”
Horrific images cross my mind. Niethal killing Devlin only proves his ruthlessness. It also shows that getting away from here will be more challenging than expected.
“So you are my jailer, making sure I don’t escape. I won’t help Niethal with whatever he is planning.”
Reagan takes his feet off the table and leans forward, hands resting on his knees.“I truly want to be your friend, Grace, but Niethal is my king. I swore an oath to serve Selen, and so long as I have breath in my lungs, that’s what I’ll do. Now, as for what he has planned for you, I have no idea, andthatis the truth. But hear him out. See if what he needs from you is so bad.”
My laugh comes out hollow. “The only thing Niethal has done so far is lie to me. How can you expect me to trust anything he says?”
As if he heard his name, the door opens, and Niethal steps inside. My eyes dart around the room, searching for an exit, and when our gazes meet, he smirks. “My dear, what am I to do with you now?” he says with feigned distress as he strides toward me, stopping at the foot of my bed.
I don’t answer. I refuse to give him any ideas about how to torment me.
Reagan jumps up and bows. “Your Majesty, she woke up only moments ago. I was about to send word.”
Without looking at him, Niethal raises a hand in dismissal. “No need for that now, is there? I am here, so you may go.” Reagan moves toward the door and Niethal adds, “Wait outside, though. This shouldn’t take too long.”
Reagan’s eyes flit between us, and the tiniest bit of unease crosses his face before he bows and leaves the room.
Niethal looks at me with an unexpected softness.“What am I going to do with you?” he asks again, and again, I say nothing. Hetsksunder his breath before sitting on my bed, staring at me. “I told you there were many things I could teach you, and still can if you allow it.” He looks down, brushing his hand across the quilt absentmindedly.