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“Are you sure you saw nothing else?”

Bryce shook his head. “No. Should I have seen something?”

Rihanna eased away from him, choosing a pair of red slippers to match her dress. After she slipped her feet into the soft-looking shoes, she brought a pair of leather boots to him.

“Rihanna—”

“Your parents remain safe. Thierry placed a temporary spell to make them believe you went on an extended trip.” She sighed. “Do you believe you can understand to what extent a jealous woman would go should her only love be taken from her by another woman? You’re aware that our enemy has regained her Fae power through a rare potion that can turn a mortal immortal with a properly measured dose. ’Tis the closest to Fae a human-born person can get.”

“That’s what Shaye gave Moira last night,” Bryce said.

Rihanna nodded once.

“Aye. The potion restored Daeanna’s stripped Fae power, but she is not the only one to receive such a gift.” The crease deepened between her brows. She nibbled her lower lip in thought, her eyes growing distant for a few seconds. “’Twas your former fiancée who appeared at your parents’ house, hidden beneath a spell of invisibility. Daeanna uses her as a vessel, a catalyst. I’ve not been able to conclude a reason she utilizes Kate, but we may be certain Daeanna holds naught but sinister intent. Kate walks a narrow path between mortal and Fae. She was gifted the potion, enough to enhance her senses and act as a conduit for stronger magic. If Daeanna doesn’t complete a full change in Kate, the damage to her psyche may be irreversible. Mortals, Bryce, are a delicate race when their spirits are tainted by Fae such as Daeanna.”

The severity of the situation he’d been thrown into came to light. As much as he was disappointed in Kate and herbehavior, he didn’t wish ill upon her. Even if he knew she would refuse to lose. Refuse to back away.

Her pride had always been her greatest strength and her greatest weakness.

“So, you believe Kate is somewhere in Faery?” Bryce finally asked.

“Aye.” She pressed her fingertips to the crease over her brow. “I do.”

Bryce stepped into her, wrapping his arms around her waist and securing her against him. “Despite her being my ex, you’re concerned about her well-being. And, despite the fact that I will never leave your side, I’m concerned as well. Kate’s always been hard-headed and stubborn, and it seems she’s got herself into deep trouble this time. But I don’t want to see harm befall her.”

Rihanna smiled up at him. “I know. ’Tis who you are.” She splayed her hand over his chest, above his beating heart. “Your heart hasn’t changed. You want what’s best, to do what’s right, no matter what. We’ll figure out how to break Daeanna’s control over her.” A new light glowed in her eyes, causing the heavy cloud that had settled over them to vanish. “For now, I’ll bring you to the village. Show you our world.Yourworld.”

After a harrowing rideon a white beast Rihanna labeled a Fae horse, clinging to his woman like a terrified child, they arrived in a sprawling village. Bryce observed the simple splendor of buildings that reminded him of a movie scene from a fantasy series. Wood, stone, some with windows, others with cut-outs and glassless panes. It was aplace that boasted a Renaissance feel, but incorporated many modern elements he recognized.

Not to mention, the magic that thrummed along the streets and stirred the air.

The energy sang through his bones, his blood, warm and welcoming. It was like a drug, casting him in a different frame of mind, one that his soul had locked away all of his life. Until now.

“This way.”

Rihanna folded her fingers between his and led him through the cobblestone and dirt roads. Fae strolled the pathways, many casting them solemn glances followed by bowed heads. Rihanna returned each gesture with the same precision, not missing a single greeting.

“For some reason, I expected more”—Bryce snapped his fingers in thought—“I don’t know. Joy?”

“While you finished readying for our trip, Aspen filled me in on what transpired during Liam’s announcement.” She paused and reached up on her toes, her lips brushing his ear. “He did not disclose Moira’s condition, leaving it to speculation in hopes of protecting her. Many of the people here believe she did not survive, and that ’twas why Shaye did not address his people, nor introduce his son.”

Bryce lifted his head and gazed down at Rihanna, startled by the extent of the deceit. Rihanna shook her head slightly, a vague motion he may have missed had he not been staring at her.

“I thought Fae can’t lie.”

“He spoke no untruths. Merely created an idea with careful words.” Rihanna cupped his face, holding his gaze steady. “The forces we are up against require cunning and care in planning. Trust me, beloved. These people you see around you shall never hold it against Liam or my brother.”

Bryce followed Rihanna through the streets until they came to a small wooden building. The windows were shaded, making it impossible to see inside. He caught the door from Rihanna and held it open for her as she stepped into a dimly lit space made cozy by dozens and dozens of flickering candles. Several rustic shelves and glassless cases displayed breathtaking jewelry. The deep pulse of imbued spells and powerful magic resonated within the walls, making him lightheaded as the sultry scent of spices curled up from dishes scattered throughout the room.

Shadows shifted in the opening to a back room. After a few moments, the gauzy curtain separating it from the main space was cast aside. Honey-hued eyes with an inner glow cut through the dim light to land on him, then lowered to Rihanna.

“Ri,chroi. I’d expect you to be occupied today,” Horano greeted, a relaxed smile dispersing his otherwise tense expression. He crossed the room and gathered Rihanna’s hands, gracing her knuckles with a kiss. Bryce smothered the lick of jealousy that rose within his gut, accepting a clap on his arm from Horano. This man was a close family friend, as he’d learned last night. He’d taken a dagger for Rihanna. Bryce had no cause for jealousy, only thanks. “What brings you two into town?”

“I came to check on you. Liam said your injuries were extensive due to the poison in the blade. Despite the magic he used to heal you, he suspected ’twould be a few days before you were fully recovered,” Rihanna said, reaching for Horano’s shoulder. “And I wished to thank you again for placing yourself between the blade and Moira and myself.”

A hint of a smile touched the man’s eyes. Bryce restrained the urge to pull his woman away from the other man as she eased Horano’s gold-embroidered black tunic aside, exposinga raw, angry welt between his shoulder and chest. The skin around the puncture, swollen and red, looked damn painful. Spidery lines webbed outward from the puckered skin, gray and ominous, but when Rihanna traced a single vein, Horano didn’t react.

Still, Bryce winced.