Page 15 of The Secret Keeper's Daughter

“How much have the bandits stolen from you guys?”

“Nothing yet, but today was close. I don’t know how you heard the noise outside.” He studies me. “Does that have anything to do with your secret?”

How do I answer that? I don’t know anything about how I heard something he didn’t. Does it have anything to do with my mysterious powers?

“Don’t tell me. That’s fine.” He turns back to the stew.

I watch him and consider telling him. It’s a risk, but if anyone will accept me as half fae, it’s him.

My palm glows orange. It’s a bright burst, more obvious than the times before.

If Harek was looking my way, he’d know.

A scuffling noise sounds outside the wall.

That fae must be back.

Could he be my father? Does he know about my mother’s death and now wants to know me?

Or he might want to get rid of me. He, like everyone else, might see my true nature as an abomination.

My father has never wanted anything to do with me before.

There’s only one way to find out.

I race outside.

Chapter

Six

When I reachthe other side of the house, the same tall man from before stands reaching for the shed.

“Who are you?” I demand. My palm grows brighter with each step closer to him I take.

He whips around, his eyes widening again.

“You’re…”

“What?” I demand. “What am I?”

His gaze darts between my eyes and my hand.

“Tell me!”

“It’s impossible.” He shakes his head.

“What is?”

“How?” He glares at me.

“What are you talking about?” I throw my hands in the air.

His eye narrow. “Is this a trick?”

“I don’t even know what you’re talking about!”

“Liar.” His tone holds a sharp bite.

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