Page 5 of Veil of Shadows

“Why not?”

“Elowen,” he said in a warning tone, “don’t push this.”

“Why? Are you afraid I’ll learn something else I shouldn’t? Something to use against you, perhaps? Would it even matter at this point if I’m to be caged indefinitely?”

His eyes darkened, but he didn’t reply.

I tapped my fingers on my thigh, and the urge to fidget grew as quickly as my rising temper. “Then who are your friends? The ones who are apparently guards or noble fae, yet accompany the Dark Raider on his raids? Will you at least tell me who Lander, Bowan, Trivan, Phillen, and Lars really are? I know those aren’t their real names.”

His jaw clenched. “No. The less you know, the better.” He scratched the back of his neck, his movements quick and agitated. “Believe it or not, I’m trying to protect you. Just being associated with the Dark Raider puts you at risk.”

I scoffed and abruptly stood. Pacing, I cradled my healing arm, then realized I no longer needed to, so I let it hang normally. “So not only are you breaking your promise to free me, but you’re also refusing to tell me anything about the half-breed you seek or anything personal about your friends, yet you claim it’s all for my well-being. Funny how this doesn’t feel like that.”

Standing, Jax stormed toward me, his eyes flashing ice and fire. “Itisfor your well-being, Elowen. Just being close to me puts you at risk. I’m the fuckingDark Raider, and if that ever came to light, and you were questioned...” Agony swirled in his eyes. “I care so fucking much about you. That’s why I’m not telling you anything, and believe it or not, I’m beyond sorry that I’ve put you in this position. I never wanted this for you. I wanted—” He tore a hand through his hair.

Lips parting, I stared at him.

Such raw emotion blazed in his eyes that it threatened to cut me open, but he didn’t continue. Instead, he blinked and looked away.

“Wanted what?”

He shook his head. “Nothing.”

I planted my hands on my hips. “If all of that is true, and you really do care about me, then you would trust me not to tell anyone your secrets, and you would know that I’d have the sense to avoid Mistvale fae and that I’d have the decency to guard your identity as the Dark Raider. Because I know you’re not evil, Jax. I’ve seen that. Ibelievethat even if you’ve lied about so many other things that I know I can’t trust you. But I do believe you want the best for those considered less than you. I would still protect your secret for the good of others, yet you still refuse to release me.”

I held my breath while waiting and hoping that he’d change his mind.

His face fell. “Elowen...Ican’t. Phillen and Lars are right. No matter how infinitesimal the risk is of you being questioned by a Mistvale fairy, I can’t risk it. It wouldn’t be fair to them. But itkills meto do this to you.” The energy rising from him was so potent, so visceral. Again, the sincerity of his words rang through the room.

A moment of doubt hit me.Is what he’s saying now the truth? Does he actually care about me too? Not just his friends? Even though nobody in my entire life has ever truly cared about me?Tears threatened to fill my eyes, and hope wanted to fill my chest, but in my next breath, I took a step back.

What are you doing, Elowen? This male is keeping you his prisoner. Even if he claims he doesn’t want to. Don’t forget that.

Swallowing the thickness in my throat, I blinked the tears back. “Even if that’s true, it doesn’t change anything. You’re stillchoosingto keep me as your prisoner indefinitely. You’reessentially choosing your friends over me. So if that’s the case, then leave me here if that’s what you’re so intent on doing. I’ll survive just fine in this pretty new cage with its magical enchantments. I’m sure it’ll keep me fed and sheltered, so if you ever need to call upon your lorafin again, Guardian Jax, I’ll be ready and waiting.”

His head snapped back as though I’d slapped him. “Elowen, I’mnotyour guardian. Not in that way. I don’t own you. I’ll never claim ownership over you.”

For a moment, my breath stopped. His declaration sounded so heartfelt, so honest.But isn’t keeping me here owning me?

I took another step back the second any softening occurred within me, then snapped my spine upright. I wouldnotfall for his pretty lies again. I would not believe Jax as I had my guardian. To my downfall, I’d believed that Guardian Alleron had wanted the best for me when he’d claimed such things, and that had turned out disastrously.

But Jax is nothing like Guardian Alleron. You’ve seen enough to know that.

I shoved that internal voice of reason down. I was so damned tired of being understanding to my abusers.

That stopped today.

Standing taller, I raised my chin. “Save your apologies, Jax. They mean nothing to me now. Because as much as you don’t want to admit it or take ownership for what’s happened, youaremy new guardian, and I’m your newest possession. It’s best that we both accept that for what it is.”

CHAPTER 2

I sat on the bed of my massive bedroom chambers, nibbling on my fingernail. It’d been hours since Jax had left and locked me in here. I had no idea where he’d gone and when, orif, he was coming back. I hadn’t asked. And there’d been no talk of allowing me free roam of the palace. Apparently, he was still concerned that I’d try to escape. Who knew if he’d ever trust me not to.

The only good thing about the time passing was that my injuries had fully healed. The punishments that my collar had inflicted upon my hand, wrist, and elbow during my breakout were gone. Once again, my tendons were sturdy and strong, my wrist bendable and supple, and my elbow fully functional.

If only I could fix my life as easily as my magic did my body.

Moonlight bled through the suite’s frosted windows. It was late. Nearing midnight, according to the clock, yet I couldn’t sleep.

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