Page 1 of Veil of Shadows

CHAPTER 1

Phillen pulled back a hanging tapestry in the Stonewild palace’s west tower, and a cool circular stairwell appeared. “Back we go, Elowen.”

I curled my lip at him but stepped into the stairwell. He lumbered in after me, letting the tapestry fall back in place, then began to climb the stairs.

Begrudgingly, I followed.

The feel of the stairwell’s rock interior, numerous steps, and dampness reminded me of the tunnel Jax had used to smuggle me into the palace nearly a week ago—a palace that Jax, or rather the Dark Raider, or more accurately,Prince Adarian, had apparently grown up in.

I trudged up the stairs behind the crown prince’s personal guard and carefully held my arm so I didn’t bump my self-inflicted injury. Each step felt like it brought me closer to death, but I followed Phillen because I had no choice.

“You should have just done as you were told, Elowen, and waited for him to free you.” He glowered, an expression I could actuallyseesince his mask was gone.

My eyes narrowed at Phillen, or perhaps I should start thinking of him as Nellip, since that was apparently his true name...lying bastard that he was.

On second thought, I would continue thinking of him as Phillen as a reminder of his betrayal. Ofallof their betrayals.

I scoffed and shot back, “It was threedays, you know. How was I to have known any of you would return? I thought you’d all left me to remain locked in that chambers indefinitely.”

Phillen looked to the ceiling and took a deep breath as we continued to climb the stairs. “We only just returned today. By tonight, the prince would have found a way to free you. It’s just that...things aren’t as simple as they seem. He couldn’t very well race to release you the second we stepped foot inside the palace. Fae would have noticed his abrupt absence.” The guard glared at me over his shoulder. “So, if you’d just waited, instead of pulling that stunt to escape, things would have turned out much differently.” He paused to face me, and since he was a step above me, he literally towered over me. “Speaking of which, do you know what would have happened if any of the serving staff had learned who the prince really is? Did you even think of that?”

My nostrils flared, and I curled my uninjured hand into a fist. Stars, I wanted to punch something. My voice turned syrupy when I replied, “Oh, I’m so sorry, did my desperate actions put you all in a delicate situation? Pardon me. How atrocious of me to even consider taking matters into my own hands.”

Phillen harrumphed, his aura rising in agitation, then he began climbing the stairs again, not saying another word.

Our footsteps echoed around us as we trudged back to my suite—or rather my cage—on the third floor.

Nobody was about in this forgotten stairwell. I had a feeling Phillen had chosen this route intentionally since the Dark Raider and his notorious band of criminals all knew how angry I was.They were probably afraid I would shout their crimes to anyone who would listen, even though I’d promised not to reveal their identities.

I seethed at Phillen, which he studiously ignored, but if I didn’t focus on my anger, I would likely burst into tears. Because now, my lifelong dream for freedom—when it had been on the brink of my reality nonetheless—had all come crashing down simply because I hadn’t trusted Jax to free me and instead had broken out of the enchanted chambers on my own.

Yet they could hardly blame me for doing that. Jax had promised to return with my guardian three days ago to loosen my collar so my lorafin magic could mostly be free. But he hadn’t. He’d never returned, so naturally, I thought he’d abandoned me. There was no way I could have known they’d all been called away unexpectedly for an emergent meeting with House Graniteer.

Shoulders weighing down, I continued up the stairs behind the burly guard, still cradling my arm as I tried to rally my spirit, but my soul felt crushed. Defeated. Despair filled me so poignantly that I could barely breathe, yet I followed Phillen, only because I had no other choice.

Phillen faced me again when we reached the third floor. An open arched doorway revealed the floor’s empty hall waiting behind him. “Why did you do it, Elowen?” Regret twisted his features, and I couldn’t help but notice the fight seemed to have gone out of him. “Why did you try to escape? Hepromisedto free you, and he always keeps his promises.”

My collar vibrated when a churn of anxious nerves dipped my stomach into a swirling mess. “How could I have known that? I’ve known Jax less than two weeks, and all he’s done is lie to me.” I threw my uninjured hand up, and in the process, accidentally knocked my injured arm into the wall. Pain exploded up my limb. Gasping, I cradled my elbow.

Phillen winced. “Goddess, Elowen, I know you’ve claimed you don’t need a healer, but you do.”

Panting, I huffed at the brawny, auburn-haired siltenite. “I don’t. I’ll be fine in a few hours.” I sneered and cradled my arm more. “So do with me as you will.”

He sighed heavily and nodded down the hall. “I wish it didn’t have to be this way, but I have no doubt the prince will be checking on you soon, and the last thing I want to be is the receiver of his temper if I don’t do as he says, so onward, Lorafin. We’re almost to your chambers.”

Phillen lockedme back into my suite, and once the lock engaged, a pulse of magic emanated from it. Once more, that buzz of Jax’s monumental power coated the lock, which meant none of my unlocking spells could undo it. Well, not unless I wanted to risk more injuries by traveling to the Veiled Between again and asking a semelee to lend me their power. But considering the state of my still-healing arm, which I was guessing had at least two broken bones, that currently wasn’t an option.

Caged once more, I swung away from the door and stalked across the plush chamber while cradling my injury.

Despite the extravagant décor and magical enchantments that would see to my every need, inwardly, I raged. Howled. Cried. Just when I thought for certain I wouldfinallybe free, my dream had been ripped away from me. And once again, I was a prisoner in this damned room.

I kicked at the carpet and paced a few times. Since my arm was still entirely useless, I was stuck here until I fully healed and could figure out my next move.

I padded to the couch in the sitting area and sat gingerly, then studied my injury more. My hand and wrist were swollen. Purple squishy flesh made my fingers look like sausages, but my elbow didn’t hurt as badly. Already, it was bending more normally, but bruises were still present, although they weren’t nearly as severe as the bruises I suffered from when I’d been subjected to Jax’s magic during his calling.

Shuddering, I shoved that memory aside.

I finally released my arm and lay back on the sofa to stare at the wall. I had no idea what to do now. My attempt at escaping had failed. I’d discovered the Dark Raider’s wicked secret. My collar was still in place, and according to Guardian Alleron, would be indefinitely since he’d requested that it be forged that way. And worst of all, the dream I’d been pursuing my entire life, the ability to be free if I only did as my guardian said until my thirtieth birthday, had been shattered. Guardian Alleron had never intended to free me, but I wasn’t even sure it mattered anymore because apparently Jax didn’t either.

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