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The prince raised a brow, seeming to consider her for a long moment. Then he gestured to the castle with a jerk of his chin. “My sources informed me that Elias had a certain map in his possession.”

“What kind of map?” Breckett interjected, which surprised Arabella. He’d been unusually quiet since their altercation with the ogres.

“An ancient one said to be created by the shadow fae,” Hadeon said.

“What do you need it for?” she asked.

Where did the map lead? The fae had gateways they could use to travel between the fae lands and the mortal realm. Where else could he want to go?

“I’m in search of someone who can’t be reached by the usual means of travel,” the prince said slowly, his eyes assessing her, almost feline. “However, this map is special. It was made by and for shadow fae. Only one of them can read it.”

Brows drawing together, she said, “You’re not shadow fae.”

“No, indeed,” he agreed. “It was a problem I’d planned to address once the map was in my possession. But now… I daresay we have a common goal.”

Eyes narrowing, she began putting pieces together.

Hadeon was searching for someone who wasn’t in the fae or mortal realms. To find them, he needed a map that only the shadow fae could read.

Then she made a guess.

“You’re looking for the shadow fae. Aren’t you?” When Hadeon didn’t deny it, she continued, “Your court nearly single-handedly wiped them out of existence during the fae wars. Even mortals know the stories.” Turning to her friends, she scratchedthe back of her head before saying, “The prince thinks I’m shadow fae.”

Brynne tilted her head back and laughed. It was a deep, booming sound—and one Arabella had heard countless times in the House of Obscurities over tankards of ale.

Jessamine, on the other hand, stood with pursed lips, her eyes narrowing as though deep in thought. Then she shrugged and said, “That would explain the shadow magic.”

Cora opened her mouth, closed it, and opened it again. “It would be rare for a mortal to possess fae lineage. But in case you need to hear it, we love you no matter what, Arabella.”

Hadeon snorted and raised an eyebrow in Cora’s direction. “Are you implying fae lineage is undesirable, Enchantress?”

“Association with your kind isn’t a good thing where we come from,” Jessamine cut in before Cora could reply. “Lucky for you, if Arabella is part fae, she will make your kind somewhat redeemable.”

“Just who do you think Arabella’s parents are?” Brynne asked.

Hadeon shrugged noncommittally. “I have theories about Enchantress Arabella’s parentage. And I’ll gladly provide more insight—in exchange for the map.”

Jessamine rolled her eyes. “I’ve heard better starting offers from toddlers on market day.”

Thinking quickly, Arabella said, “I’ll help you find the map if you assist us in rescuing Elias. He’s been taken by a sorcerer named Magnus.”

“No,” Hadeon said, his tone grave. “I cannot be seen in open conflict with a sorcerer, especially not one as powerful as Magnus. There are too many… political ramifications for my court that I simply cannot risk.”

Even having expected this answer, anger filled her.

“You killed some of his ogres,” she said. “How is stealing one of his prisoners any different?”

A sad smile played on Hadeon’s lips. “Killing a few ogres can be overlooked in the name of self-defense. But stealing his prized erox? Even I’ve heard about Magnus’ infatuation with Elias.”

She swallowed back the lump forming in her throat.

Getting Hadeon to help them had been a stretch. She hadn’t actually expected him to say yes. But hearing that he wouldn’t help her rescue her mate cut deeply all the same.

Stay strong, Elias,she thought.I’m coming for you soon.

“This is why we hate fae,” Jessamine spat, sharp eyes fixed on Hadeon. “You only do things that benefityou.”

Arabella placed a hand on Jessamine’s arm.