Page 48 of The Secret Keeper's Daughter

“Aside from turning into a wolf every so often.”

“And bringing home more meat than anyone else inside the walls.”

“Do you parents know what I am?”

“If they do, they haven’t told me.”

“Maybe they know, and that’s why your father initially didn’t want me in your life.”

“Possibly.”

“You don’t think so?” I stop.

He gives me a sympathetic glance. “I really think they just didn’t want to get involved with fae matters, but your mother was so nice and they couldn’t say no to a baby in need—fae or otherwise.”

“They really don’t know?”

“If they do, they’ve kept it from me. And judging by the reactions of the fae who’ve seen you, they’re terrified. You’re either dangerous, or you hold the ability to become so.”

“As evidenced by the dead fae outside the cabin.”

Harek nods. “They reallymelted?”

“You don’t believe me?”

“It’s not that. I’ve never evenheardof such a thing, or of anyone absorbing another fae’s magic after killing them.”

“What are you saying?”

“You might be a really rare fae.”

My shoulders slump. “In other words, it’s going to be harder to learn about my powers.”

“Maybe, but it seems like many recognize you. It’s just a matter of getting answers from one.”

“So, I’m common. Everyone knows what I am.”

“Just because they recognize your magic doesn’t mean your kind isn’t rare. They all act like you’re the first of your kind they’ve ever seen. I’d say that counts.”

“This is so frustrating!”

Harek wraps an arm around me. “We’ll find answers. It might not be until we reach the metropolis, but we’ll get them.”

“You think so?”

“I have no doubt.”

“If only I had your confidence.”

“Trust me.” He squeezes my shoulders. “If these free roamers know what you are, the civilized ones will too. They’ll have more information, and we can sort through their libraries if we have to.”

“They have libraries? As in multiple?” My heart flutters at the thought. On the few occasions I’ve been able to spend in Skoro’s little library, I felt like I was in heaven.

“From what I hear. They have streets paved in gold, jewels decorating the signposts, and everything runs on magic.”

I blink a few times. “You could live there, but you chose Skoro?”

He chuckles. “My parents picked our establishment.”

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