My fingers gripped his sweater more. “Then we can do a fairy bargain that promises I won’t be able to tell anyone!”
He slowly shook his head. “A fairy bargain only ensures you’re punished if you speak. It can’t stop you from talking if a Mistvale fairy commands you.”
I released his sweater and threw my hand up. “But what are the chances of that happening? I’ll stay away from Mistvale. I’ll never speak to anyone from there who may have the power to do that. I promise. Please, Jax.Please.”
But Phillen’s glare on Jax held firm, and Lars leaned closer to Jax and whispered, “Phillen’s right. We can’t take that chance, no matter how small. You promised us, Jax.”
Prince Adarian’s jaw locked, and his attention collided with mine. Another flash of raw emotion flitted through his eyes. Aching regret meshed with a flash of...fear.
My head snapped back as I struggled to understand that, but then he uttered, “I’m sorry, Elowen. I’m so sorry.”
And Iknew. I knew to the bottom of my heart that any chance of a new life, freedom, and independence had just disappeared from my grasp like mist on the wind.
And with a crashing realization, understanding dawned on me.
My freedom was entirely lost.
Because I’d uncovered the identity of the Dark Raider, I was now a liability to them all. And one look at Jax’s intent expression told me that despite our deal, he wasn’t going to let me go.
“You’re not going to free me, are you?” I choked.
Jax’s eyes dimmed, and slowly, he shook his head. He reached for me, tried to touch me, but I whipped back.
“No, younevertouch me again!”
His eyes shuttered, and his jaw locked, but I held my ground as my shoulders heaved in a quiet sob.
Jax wouldn’t release me now. And given all that I knew, any hope I’d once had of being free of my caged life disappeared like a dream. A coveted, hopeful,stupiddream.
I was so foolish to think my life would ever be anything else, because the crown prince of Stonewild Kingdom was now my new guardian. Forever, Jax would have to keep me close. Confined. Watched.Owned.
And I would never be allowed to escape or be free.
My collar rattled violently at my throat as hatred for himinstantly ignited inside me. Dark, burning hatred at what he was forcing on me erupted like a volcano within.
And when I seethed and cast my rage toward the prince, that fleeting flash of fear I’d witnessed earlier vanished, and in its place, the heir to the throne emerged.
An icy mask descended over his features. The prince’s shoulders straightened, and his aura swelled. And his next words confirmed all that I feared.
“Nellip, escort Elowen back to her chambers. She’s not to leave there again until I command it.”
