Page 2 of Secrets and Starlight

Leo lowered her head back into the water, and when she next spoke, her tone was softer.“Sister, I will speak frankly. Perhaps you should return to me, where it is safe. Leave Gloom and the fae to their fates.”

I looked at my feet, glancing at the critters. I’d expected this, certain Leo would never understand. “I have to stay.”

“Your companion could destroy you as easily as these shard bearers control Gloom. You trust her too much.”

“Ayla would never—”

“Ayla is young.”

“But—”

“Stop meddling in the ways of fae. They are too dangerous, and I do not want to see you hurt.”

My chest ached. “Last time, my presence mattered, and I suspect it’ll matter again. I didn’t choose Ayla lightly, and I suspect she’s the lynchpin in the times to come. Even if she is... uncertain.”

“Explain.”

“Ayla has awoken her magic, and with its explosive start, she tethered herself to the Shadow Prince.”

“A tether? Are you certain?”

“My own power contributed to its formation. Ayla is hesitant to accept it, but Zayne speaks of it. It’s only a matter of time until it grows stronger, and when it does…”

Without saying more, Leo started paddling her fins, swimming forward.

“Where are you headed?” I asked, examining our surroundings anew and realizing these waters were farther north than the ones Leo usually frequented.

“Toward Mer.”

“Don’t! I told you, I want to stay! I’ll—”

“I will not interfere, but if you insist on chasing danger, I will not be far away. I hated how long you vanished into Gloom. It was… boring without you.”

“That’s the closest you’ve ever come to saying I’m your favorite sister.”

“Do not let it go to your head.”

For a wonderful moment, I laughed before lowering my tone. “Thank you. It’s reassuring to know you won’t be far away.”

“What you have shared is worrisome.”

“On that, we agree wholeheartedly.”

Chapter one

The Uninvited Guests

Ayla

I lifted a hand to my brow, squinting at the purple horizon of the approaching sunset. My heart raced at the sight of land.

Mer.

We had arrived.

Coral reefs rose from the sea, surrounding the isle, protecting it with a wall of brilliant teals and vibrant oranges. Such a splendid destination for a dangerous mission.

Behind me, the boat’s floorboards creaked as my heart fluttered. I turned in time to see Zayne joining me at the bow, shadows rippling behind him. “Are you excited, Princess?”

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