Page 42 of The Secret Keeper's Daughter

I hesitate. Check my palm.

No glow. Does it need to recharge? I won’t be able to fight anyone off without my own orange mist.

A terrible thought strikes me—what if the black mist has canceled out my powers? Or overtaken them? Could I have just killed my own fae powers?

More footsteps. They’re heading my way.

Dread seizes me. Without my defenses, I’m helpless. Just another human, and now I don’t even have my sword, thanks to Gunnar.

I stare at my palm, willing it to glow, to mist. Anything.

It doesn’t comply.

Comeon. Do something!

The footsteps are so close, I should be able to see their owner momentarily.

I dart behind a tree, hold my breath. The sloshing is settling. At least that much is on my side. I shake my palm. Mentally yell at it.

Clearly, it has a mind of its own and doesn’t care what I want. What a fabulously useless power I have.

More footsteps. Then silence.

“Hello?” says a deep male voice.

It takes me a moment to realize it’s Harek.

My knees turn to rubber. I close my eyes for a moment then pull myself together and step out from behind the tree.

Harek aims his bow at me, his eyes flashing silver. He lowers his weapon, and his expression softens. “What are you doing out of the cabin?”

“It’s a long story.”

His eyes widen. “What happened?”

“I’m more interested in what happened toyou. Did you warn your parents in time?”

“We need to talk.”

I gasp. “Are they okay? If Gunnar hurt them?—”

“My parents are fine. Let’s go back to the cabin. It seems we both have a lot to catch up on.”

“That sounds—” The misty magic bounces inside, slamming against my ribcage. I grunt and grasp the spot.

Harek’s eyes widen. “What’s the matter?”

“It’s part of the long story.”

“Did someone hurt you?” His eyes flash silver again.

“Why have I never seen your eyes do that before today?”

He draws a deep breath. “I’m not trying to hide it around you anymore.”

“It’s good to know my best friend is finally being open with me.”

“You know it isn’t like that.”

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