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Rhett eyed my general location, brow furrowed. “So let me get this straight—now that you’ve stolen one shard, you’re going to just... leave? All because the Starlit King wants tohelpyou.”

“Do you really trust him?” Ayla pressed.

Rhett frowned. “Not in trade and certainly not with your safety.”

I glanced between them. “Nothing about this so-called ‘Trade Assembly’ is trustworthy. I overheard Lord Tallus and the Starlit King talking, and there are new fae weapons, ones that the Starlit King is eager to acquire. He claims they won’t be used within the Isles, but…” I allowed the concern to hang in the air.

Ayla glanced at Rhett.

He frowned. “Iona is concerned about the weapons—so something is definitely happening. But I don’t think she knows who the intended buyer is.”

“There’s more,” I continued. “If we go to Dusk, I suspect we’ll find the seventh shard.”

Ayla turned to me, surprised. “The seventh shard?” Her gaze pierced where I stood in darkness. Beside her, Ninti tilted her head curiously.

“Something about the Starlit King prompted me to check to the west—and I can see it, vaguely. The Isle of Dusk is in that direction. And since Ayla needs time to train with Ninti, we’ll find an abandoned beach along the way. It’ll also give her a chance to step out of the spotlight for a time.”

“Okay then, let’s go,” Ayla said, already taking a step toward the guest suites.

Rhett shook his head. “Wait a second. That’s a big hunch. What about—”

“We’re doing it,” I hissed. Something worse than a starlit outburst would happen if I had to endure another day of coveting Ayla from the shadows. “If we leave tonight, we’ll be back the day after tomorrow. That gives you time to sort out everything with Iona. See if you can learn anything more about this weapon’s deal.”

Ninti nodded her agreement without saying a word.

“What about Mer’s gate?” Rhett asked.

“Those signed papers you so wonderfully provided give us free access through the duration of the event, don’t they?”

Rhett nodded, lips pursed. “So what am I supposed to say? It was one thing to say Ayla needed an afternoon nap, and now you’re asking for a full day? Everyone is curious aboutthe part-fae.”

“Which is exactly why I need to leave. This disguise isn’t foolproof.” Ayla crossed her arms. “One day, Rhett, that’s all I need.”

“Fine.” Rhett sighed. “So new plan. I’ll say you’re touring the island—perhaps you have a friend on the opposite coast, and youwant to spend a day with them, and I stayed because I’m the merchant prince.”

I rolled my eyes as he repeated his self-appointed name.

“It’s perfect,” Ayla assured him.

“Fine, I’ll do it.” Rhett nodded, frowning in my direction. “Zayne, you better keep her safe or I’ll never forgive you.”

Chapter thirteen

Umbral Star

Zayne

I had to have her.

I couldn’t imagine another night sleeping by her side without claiming her. Last evening had awoken what we shared, and now, watching the way that red dress hit her body, the way everyone watched her like she was a treat...

We couldn’t board the boat fast enough.

Quickly, I told Vanessa of our plans, instructing her to sail through the night. I barely noticed how sweetly Rimu said goodbye to Ninti, their noses touching. And when we finallyfinallypassed through the gates of Mer—the guards opening and closing them just for us—I tugged Ayla’s hand, dragging her into the small cabin.

My shadows constricted as we entered, ensuring nobody would hear the moans I planned to draw from her lips.

Honestly, Ayla didn’t seem to mind.