Page 23 of The Secret Keeper's Daughter

“For people not living under the thumb of a tyrant,” I mutter.

“It’s still safer in there than out here.”

“Have you been keeping something from me all these years?” I mean for it to sound like teasing, but it comes out like an accusation.

If he notices, he doesn’t show it. “Nah. Just the regular old dangers I’ve always told you about. Bloodsuckers love the night, so we’ll have to be extra careful. Shifters in their animal forms can be more unpredictable than natural animals. That sort of thing. Those are things we don’t have to deal with inside the walls.”

“True, but we aren’t defenseless.” I reach for my new weapon to test how quickly I can grab it. Not bad, but it also might not be fast enough in a life-or-death situation.

“No, but we do need to be on extra high alert.”

“Are there more of those?”

“Doors?” He tests it to make sure it’s completely closed. “A couple. Not many—just enough for people with the need to go out for their jobs. We’re sworn to secrecy.”

“You just broke that.”

“Yep. Are you ready?”

I glance over the forest once more, this time seeing more than just the beauty.

Things are hiding in there that want us dead.

My blood runs cold at the thought. Then I remember the look of terror in the eyes of that fae. The guy was legit scared of me. Maybe others will have the same reaction.

I can only hope.

Harek stares at me, reminding me he asked if I was ready. “Guess I’m going to have to be.”

“You planning on telling me your big secret?” he asks. “Especially now that I’ve shown you one that could get my family into a lot of trouble.”

I suck in a deep breath. My best friend loves me, but does he love me enough to accept me as a halfling? If not, he could run now. Return through the hidden door and never look at me again.

“You don’t have to.” He stands taller. “Let’s get started. I know a place we can sleep when daylight hits and the bloodsuckers go down for the night.”

“I’ll tell you what I learned soon, I promise. I’m not ready yet because I’m still processing the reality of it myself.”

“No judgment.”

But he is a little hurt. I can hear it in his tone.

“It’s not personal. You know I love you.”

He nods.

Guilt still stings.

“Can you tell me one thing?”

“What?”

“Does it have to do with that sword I gave you?” Harek gestures toward where I have it tucked away.

“It does.”

“I’m sure whatever you learned about your heritage must be hard to hear, especially so close to losing your mother.”

“Yeah.” Though finding out about being a halfling would be a shock whether I found out today or when my mother was in the prime of her health.

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