Page 5 of Secrets and Starlight

As I explained, she walked to the bow, shifting her form until she was large enough to look over its edge. Her fiery gaze flashed as she took in the distant walls of Mer. “Rhett’s plan better work, because I suspect we’re exactly where we need to be.”

Zayne’s lips drew into a line. My heart pounded.

“Incoming!” Vanessa shouted from her crow’s nest.

The ship swayed, and I stumbled. Zayne reached out, grabbing my arm and catching me as water lapped over the edge of the boat. Droplets landed on Ninti’s fur and sizzled.

Above us, Vanessa’s magic brightened as she protected theUmbral Star from the surging wake of a passing boat. It rushed by, racing for the port.

The approaching ship, a vast yacht, had clearly been built for luxury. It towered over us, each deck lined with brilliantly lit balconies. Even from this distance, I could see the ship was filled with fae dressed in soft fabrics and rich colors, their court far grander, far brighter, than any I had known in Valterra.

Zayne growled, baring his teeth at the larger ship before vanishing into shadows.

I followed his lead, pulling my scarf over my red hair the best I could with my larger antlers. Ninti made herself smaller, diminishing her flames until she appeared to be more dog than wolf.

All the while, unable to help myself, I gawked at the illuminated finery. Some of the guests drank from flutes and others danced as musicians thrummed upon their instruments. There was no doubt these were guests of this so-called trade assembly.

My attention snagged on a fae male perched on the highest balcony. Tall and imposing, with giant antlers, he glared down at our little boat like we had gotten in his way. His aging features, creased brows and streaks of gray, did little to downplay his handsome face. Our gazes caught, and my stomach sickened with the onslaught of his raw power.

My hands heated, light flicking between my fingertips as uncontrolled magic burst forth. I drew my hands into fists and shoved them behind my back, begging my magic to stop.

For a terrible moment, he continued to stare down at me, his expression unreadable. And it was to my great relief when the yacht passed by, forcing his attention toward Mer.

More waves crashed against us as my heart raced, continuing long after the ship was gone.

When Zayne emerged from the shadows, the water sprite turned on him. “Was that who I thought it was?” Vanessa pressed. “I would have charged more for this mission if I had knownhe’dbe involved.”

Zayne’s eyes narrowed on the distant ship, and darkness wavered around his clenched fists. His breath steadied, deepening as it always did when he neared the Underworld.

He’s preparing to fight.

“What is it?” I demanded.

Zayne straightened. “This must be one hell of a party because the Starlit King himself is here.”

Chapter two

The Sparkling Palace of Mer

Ayla

“It’s most irregular.” The guard sighed, his gaze flicking between the thick parchment and his partner. “These were supposed to be invitations, not hastily written notes.”

Rhett waited, arms crossed as he stared at the keepers of the rocky gatehouse. Mer’s coral walls imposed above us, framing the closed gate. Beyond, the city sprawled up a hill, a palace twinkling at its peak, twilight reflected in countless windows. Along its side, the palace’s countless balconies overlooked a tall cliff, the structure imposing over the sea.

And between us and the city was a locked gate, its guardians housed upon the small island on which Rhett now stood.

“I know we were overlooked on the invitation list,” Rhett explained smoothly, “but you’ll find this document has been signed by the kings themselves, and that the Golden Apple Trading Guild has been given entry for the duration of the event.”

I still didn’t know what Rhett had done to get this document, but I played along with the ruse, sighing impatiently as I waitedon the deck of theUmbral Star. Rhett had said the gates weren’t normally closed when we planned this whole thing. This last-minute change was unnerving.

“There’s only space for one boat per guild,” the guard finally grunted, nodding toward both Rhett’s vessel and theUmbral Star.

“My crew will continue on their way, and I’ll join my cousin Aida’s ship,” Rhett explained.

Aida.Once, I thought the name was conveniently clever, but now it seemed far too close toAyla.I wished I’d chosen a different name for my travel papers—forged papers that named me as Rhett’s distant cousin.

Forging those papers seems like a lifetime ago.

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