Page 38 of The Secret Keeper's Daughter

Maybe it’s a good thing he revealed his true nature to me the way he did. Now I know I can only truly trust myself. In fact, it might be a good idea to leave and take this trek on my own. I’ll find my father, learn as much as I can about whatever we are, and then figure out what to do from there.

All I have to do is make it to the nearest fae metropolis. Shouldn’t be too hard. I know what direction we were going, and Harek was sure that was the right direction. I can do this, even without the sword. My glowing palm has managed to scare awayenough fae to give me confidence in intimidating any others I come across.

It’s the humans I have to worry about. My powers have no effect on them.

I should see if there are any weapons around here I can take with me. My father’s sword is probably ideal since my mother went to such great lengths to hide it from Gunnar—and me—but anything will do. It isn’t too likely I’ll run into other humans this far out in the forest, but clearly the possibility isn’t zero.

Thunk!

I freeze in place. Someone or something is outside. Shaking, I scoot toward the wall and press my ear against it.

My palm lights up to a nearly blinding orange. A mist seems to come from my skin.

What the…?

Thud!

I leap away from the wall. Whatever’s outside is close. Near enough to punch through the wood and grab me.

Now would be a great time to find a weapon. If something was here, wouldn’t Harek have told me? Not necessarily. He clearly has no problem keeping things from me.

While cupping my ear, I lift the blankets and check under the first bed, then the other. Next I look under the mattresses. Nothing. I press on each mattress—lumpy but weapon-free.

Thunk, thunk!

I jolt at the noise. That was even louder than before. There has to be something I can use to protect myself.

This little cabin is bare, hardly more than a rest stop. Did I pack anything useful?

Thwack!

Whatever that was, it was against the wall. Barely inches away, just on the other side of the wall. The wood may bemagically protected, but it’s thin enough someone could throw themselves against it and crash through.

There’s only one tiny window, and it’s on the other side of the cabin. I leap across in one stride, push aside the curtain aside, then peek out.

Nothing.

I let the fabric fall before beginning to pace, all the while listening.

Heavy footsteps sound outside, nearing the door.

My palm is now warming in addition to the strange mist. I try making a fist, but can’t. It’s too uncomfortable.

If nothing else, I can hold up my hand and scare some fae. Though I’m not convinced every fae will be scared like the ones I saw last night.

Harek is fae, and my orange glow didn’t concern him. Probably because he knew about my true identity all along and never told me.

Jerk. I’m definitely looking for a new best friend in the fae city. Someone who won’t hide the truth from me.

Thud! Crack.

A line snakes down the wall next to the bed I was in.

I cover my mouth just before crying out. Can’t let anyone know I’m in here. I run over to the wall next to the door and press my back against it.

Thud!

It’s getting closer. They’re getting closer. I’m either going to have to hide or face them.

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