Page 18 of Veil of Shadows

Jax had been right about him all along. I’d made Guardian Alleron a very wealthy fairy, so much so that King Paevin was considering making him one of the ten noble Houses in Faewood by removing another. Essentially, Guardian Alleron’s time, praise, and false love had all been to better himself. Not because he genuinely loved me.

And stars and galaxy, did thathurt.

A knock came at my door, startling me.

When the door didn’t open, I tentatively called out, “Who is it?”

“It’s me.” Jax’s deep voice rang through the solid wood. “May I come in? Please?”

I twisted my hands together and quickly scrubbed at my eyes to ensure no tears had fallen. Once certain I’d gotten myself together again, I called, “Yes.”

Jax opened the door, his frame so broad and tall that he filled the space. His mask and disguise were gone.

In a blink, he stepped over the threshold and closed the door behind him. “I wanted to check on you again, but I’m sorry, am I disturbing you?”

I blinked rapidly. “No, it’s all right.”

He took a tentative step toward me, and his aura was so potent that he seemed to fill the space. My own magic responded to his, dipping and swaying toward him, as though gravity called to it. Without my collar suppressing it, it practically flew to him.

I’dneverfelt anything like that.

Startled, I plastered myself to the window.

Jax’s eyes glittered, and inky hair fell artfully across his forehead. He prowled closer, a predator to his core, yet his words were gentle when he asked, “Are you still feeling well?”

“Yes, I’m fine, my prince. You were right. I’m not going to destroy the palace, and I’m not unstable without the collar suppressing me. You don’t need to worry.”

He stood there, watching me, and once again, it felt as though he saw into me.

I quickly looked away and did my best to appear at ease and happy. “Did Guardian Alleron give you any troubles on the walk back to his chambers?”

“No.” His frown deepened. “You’re upset. Why?”

My breath stuttered out of me, and I flashed him a broad grin. “What are you talking about? I’m fine.”

He inhaled. “I canseethat you’re not, but I can also smell it. Your scent is filled with pain.”

My heart jumped, and any lingering doubt I’d had that he could scent emotions disappeared. “Is that a trait you got from your Ironcrest magic?”

“Yes, but my shifter magic too. Stags have a heightened sense of smell.”

“Hmm, so you got double the sensory magic. Lucky you.”

But my flippant reply did little to deter him. “Are you upset about your magic? Is it proving hard to control? Is that why you’re unhappy?”

I nibbled on my lower lip and tried so hard to push down the pain I was feeling. “No.”

“Then why, Elowen? Why are you sad?” He took a step closer to me, then another. Within seconds, he was only feet away. His scent clouded around me, filling my senses. A part of me wanted to lean toward him and wrap my arms around his toned waist and sink into his strength. I wanted to depend on someone. No, not someone—him. I wanted him to carry some of the heavy burden in my heart.

It was such a bizarre response to a male I’d known for such a short amount of time, so I snapped myself upright and kept my spine rigid. I reminded myself that Jax wasn’t at fault for Guardian Alleron’s betrayals, and therefore he didn’t need to shoulder that burden. It was mine, and mine alone, to carry.

A slew of emotions flittered across the prince’s face. He dipped his head and tentatively reached for me. “Let me help you, Elowen. You don’t have to do this alone.”

His quiet plea made another rush of weakness barrel through me. “Do you have mind-reading abilities too?” I quipped quietly.

A small smile curved his lips. “No, not yet at least.”

My breaths came faster. “Well, you certainly have a knack for understanding how fae feel.”

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