["stay\tout\tof\tsight.\tMy\tfather\tdoesn\u2019t\tpay\twell\tfor\this\tcrops,\tand\tthe\tland-workers will\tearn\tany\textra\tcoin\tthey\tcan.\u201d \u201cEven\tselling\tout\tthe\tlocation\tof\tone\tof\tthe\tHigh\tLord\u2019s\tsons?\u201d \u201cEspecially\tthat\tway.\u201d \u201cThey\tdidn\u2019t\tlike\tyou?\u201d His\t jaw\t tightened.\t \u201cAs\t the\t youngest\t of\t seven\t sons,\t I\t wasn\u2019t\t particularly needed\t or\t wanted.\t Perhaps\t it\t was\t a\t good\t thing.\t I\t was\t able\t to\t study\t for\t longer than\t my\t father\t allowed\t my\t brothers\t before\t shoving\t them\t out\t the\t door\t to\t rule over\tsome\tterritory\twithin\tour\tlands,\tand\tI\tcould\ttrain\tfor\tas\tlong\tas\tI\tliked,\tsince no\tone\tbelieved\tI\u2019d\tbe\tdumb\tenough\tto\tkill\tmy\tway\tup\tthe\tlong\tlist\tof\theirs.\tAnd when\t I\t grew\t bored\t with\t studying\t and\t fighting\t \u2026\t I\t learned\t what\t I\t could\t of\t the land\tfrom\tits\tpeople.\tLearned\tabout\tthe\tpeople,\ttoo.\u201d He\teased\tto\this\tfeet\twith\ta\tgroan,\this\tunbound\thair\tglimmering\tas\tthe\tmidday sun\toverhead\tset\tthe\tblood\tand\twine\thues\taglow. \u201cI\u2019d\t say\t that\t sounds\t more\t High-Lord-like\t than\t the\t life\t of\t an\t idle,\t unwanted son.\u201d A\t long,\t steely\t look.\t \u201cDid\t you\t think\t it\t was\t mere\t hatred\t that\t prompted\t my brothers\tto\tdo\ttheir\tbest\tto\tbreak\tand\tkill\tme?\u201d Despite\tmyself,\ta\tshudder\trippled\tdown\tmy\tspine.\tI\tfinished\toff\tthe\tapple\tand uncoiled\t to\t my\t feet,\t plucking\t another\t off\t a\t low-hanging\t branch.\t \u201cWould\t you want\tit\u2014your\tfather\u2019s\tcrown?\u201d \u201cNo\t one\u2019s\t ever\t asked\t me\t that,\u201d\t Lucien\t mused\t as\t we\t moved\t on,\t dodging fallen,\t rotting\t apples.\t The\t air\t was\t sticky-sweet.\t \u201cThe\t bloodshed\t that\t would\t be required\t to\t earn\t that\t crown\t wouldn\u2019t\t be\t worth\t it.\t Neither\t would\t its\t festering court.\tI\u2019d\tgain\ta\tcrown\u2014only\tto\trule\tover\ta\tcrafty,\ttwo-faced\tpeople.\u201d \u201cLord\tof\tFoxes,\u201d\tI\tsaid,\tsnorting\tas\tI\tremembered\tthat\tmask\the\u2019d\tonce\tworn. \u201cBut\t you\t never\t answered\t my\t question\u2014about\t why\t the\t people\t here\t would\t sell you\tout.\u201d The\t air\t ahead\t lightened,\t and\t a\t golden\t field\t of\t barley\t undulated\t toward\t a distant\ttree\tline. \u201cAfter\tJesminda,\tthey\twould.\u201d Jesminda.\tHe\u2019d\tnever\tspoken\ther\tname. Lucien\tslid\tbetween\tthe\tswaying,\tbobbing\tstalks.\t\u201cShe\twas\tone\tof\tthem.\u201d\tThe words\twere\tbarely\t audible\tover\tthe\tsighing\tbarley.\t\u201cAnd\twhen\tI\tdidn\u2019t\tprotect","her\t \u2026\t It\t was\t a\t betrayal\t of\t their\t trust,\t too.\t I\t ran\t to\t some\t of\t their\t houses\t while fleeing\tmy\tbrothers.\tThey\tturned\tme\tout\tfor\twhat\tI\tlet\thappen\tto\ther.\u201d Waves\tof\tgold\tand\tivory\trolled\taround\tus,\tthe\tsky\ta\tcrisp,\tunmarred\tblue. \u201cI\tcan\u2019t\tblame\tthem\tfor\tit,\u201d\the\tsaid. We\tcleared\tthe\tfertile\tvalley\tby\tthe\tlate\tafternoon.\tWhen\tLucien\toffered\tto\tstop for\tthe\tnight,\tI\tinsisted\twe\tkeep\tgoing\u2014right\tinto\tthe\tsteep\tfoothills\tthat\tleaped into\tgray,\tsnowcapped\tmountains\tthat\tmarked\tthe\tstart\tof\tthe\tshared\trange\twith the\t Winter\t Court.\t If\t we\t could\t get\t over\t the\t border\t in\t a\t day\t or\t two,\t perhaps\t my powers\twould\thave\treturned\tenough\tto\tcontact\tRhys\u2014or\twinnow\tthe\trest\tof\tthe way\thome. The\thike\twasn\u2019t\tan\teasy\tone. Great,\tcraggy\tboulders\tmade\tup\tthe\tascent,\tflecked\twith\tmoss\tand\tlong,\twhite grasses\t that\t hissed\t like\t adders.\t The\t wind\t ripped\t at\t our\t hair,\t the\t temperature dropping\tthe\thigher\twe\tclimbed. Tonight\t\u2026\tWe\tmight\thave\tto\trisk\ta\tfire\ttonight.\tJust\tto\tstay\talive. Lucien\t was\t panting\t as\t we\t scaled\t a\t hulking\t boulder,\t the\t valley\t sprawling away\tbehind,\tthe\twood\ta\ttangled\triver\tof\tcolor\tbeyond\tit.\tThere\thad\tto\tbe\ta\tpass into\tthe\trange\tat\tsome\tpoint\u2014out\tof\tsight. \u201cHow\tare\tyou\tnot\twinded,\u201d\the\tpanted,\thauling\thimself\tonto\tthe\tflat\ttop. I\t shoved\t back\t the\t hair\t that\t had\t torn\t free\t of\t my\t braid\t to\t whip\t my\t face.\t \u201cI trained.\u201d \u201cI\tgathered\tthat\tmuch\tafter\tyou\ttook\ton\tDagdan\tand\twalked\taway\tfrom\tit.\u201d \u201cI\thad\tthe\telement\tof\tsurprise\ton\tmy\tside.\u201d \u201cNo,\u201d\t Lucien\t said\t quietly\t as\t I\t reached\t for\t a\t foothold\t in\t the\t next\t boulder. \u201cThat\t was\t all\t you.\u201d\t My\t nails\t barked\t as\t I\t dug\t my\t fingers\t into\t the\t rock\t and heaved\t myself\t up.\t Lucien\t added,\t \u201cYou\t had\t my\t back\u2014with\t them,\t with\t Ianthe. Thank\tyou.\u201d The\twords\thit\tsomething\tlow\tin\tmy\tgut,\tand\tI\twas\tglad\tfor\tthe\twind\tthat\tkept roaring\taround\tus,\tif\tonly\tto\thide\tthe\tburning\tin\tmy\teyes. I\tslept\u2014finally.","With\tthe\tcrackling\tfire\tin\tour\tlatest\tcave,\tthe\theat\tand\tthe\trelative\tremoteness were\tenough\tto\tfinally\tdrag\tme\tunder. And\t in\t my\t dreams,\t I\t think\t I\t swam\t through\t Lucien\u2019s\t mind,\t as\t if\t some\t small ember\tof\tmy\tpower\twas\tat\tlast\treturning. I\t dreamed\t of\t our\t cozy\t fire,\t and\t the\t craggy\t walls,\t the\t entire\t space\t barely\t big enough\tto\tfit\tus\tand\tthe\tfire.\tI\tdreamed\tof\tthe\thowling,\tdark\tnight\tbeyond,\tof\tall the\tsounds\tthat\tLucien\tso\tcarefully\tsorted\tthrough\twhile\the\tkept\twatch. His\tattention\tslid\tto\tme\tat\tone\tpoint\tand\tlingered. I\t had\t never\t known\t how\t young,\t how\t human\t I\t looked\t when\t I\t slept.\t My\t braid was\t a\t rope\t over\t my\t shoulder,\t my\t mouth\t slightly\t parted,\t my\t face\t haggard\t with days\tof\tlittle\trest\tand\tfood. I\tdreamed\tthat\the\tremoved\this\tcloak\tand\tadded\tit\tover\tmy\tblanket. Then\tI\tebbed\taway,\tflowing\tout\tof\this\thead\tas\tmy\tdreams\tshifted\tand\tsailed elsewhere.\tI\tlet\ta\tsea\tof\tstars\trock\tme\tinto\tsleep. A\thand\tgripped\tmy\tface\tso\thard\tthe\tgroaning\tof\tmy\tbones\tjolted\tme\tawake. \u201cLook\twho\twe\tfound,\u201d\ta\tcold\tmale\tvoice\tdrawled. I\tknew\tthat\tface\u2014the\tred\thair,\tthe\tpale\tskin,\tthe\tsmirk.\tKnew\tthe\tfaces\tof\tthe other\ttwo\tmales\tin\tthe\tcave,\ta\tsnarling\tLucien\tpinned\tbeneath\tthem. His\tbrothers.","CHAPTER 12 \u201cFather,\u201d\tthe\tone\tnow\tholding\ta\tknife\tto\tmy\tthroat\tsaid\tto\tLucien,\t\u201cis\trather\tput out\tthat\tyou\tdidn\u2019t\tstop\tby\tto\tsay\thello.\u201d \u201cWe\u2019re\t on\t an\t errand\t and\t can\u2019t\t be\t delayed,\u201d\t Lucien\t answered\t smoothly, mastering\thimself. That\t knife\t pressed\t a\t fraction\t harder\t into\t my\t skin\t as\t he\t let\t out\t a\t humorless laugh.\t\u201cRight.\tRumor\thas\tit\tyou\ttwo\thave\trun\toff\ttogether,\tcuckolding\tTamlin.\u201d His\tgrin\twidened.\t\u201cI\tdidn\u2019t\tthink\tyou\thad\tit\tin\tyou,\tlittle\tbrother.\u201d \u201cHe\thad\tit\tin\ther,\tit\tseems,\u201d\tone\tof\tthe\tothers\tsniggered. I\tslid\tmy\tgaze\tto\tthe\tmale\tabove\tme.\t\u201cYou\twill\trelease\tus.\u201d \u201cOur\testeemed\tfather\t wishes\tto\tsee\tyou,\u201d\the\tsaid\twith\ta\tsnake\u2019s\tsmile.\t The knife\tdidn\u2019t\twaver.\t\u201cSo\tyou\twill\tcome\twith\tus\tto\this\thome.\u201d \u201cEris,\u201d\tLucien\twarned. The\t name\t clanged\t through\t me.\t Above\t me,\t mere\t inches\t away\t \u2026\t Mor\u2019s former\t betrothed.\t The\t male\t who\t had\t abandoned\t her\t when\t he\t found\t her brutalized\tbody\ton\tthe\tborder.\tThe\tHigh\tLord\u2019s\their. I\tcould\thave\tsworn\tphantom\ttalons\tbit\tinto\tmy\tpalms. A\t day\t or\t two\t more,\t and\t I\t might\t have\t been\t able\t to\t slash\t them\t across\t his throat. But\tI\tdidn\u2019t\thave\tthat\ttime.\tI\tonly\thad\tnow.\tI\thad\tto\tmake\tit\tcount. Eris\tmerely\tsaid\tto\tme,\tcold\tand\tbored,\t\u201cGet\tup.\u201d I\tfelt\tit\tthen\u2014stirring\tawake\tas\tif\tsome\tstick\thad\tpoked\tit.\tAs\tif\tbeing\there,\tin this\tterritory,\tamongst\tits\tblooded\troyals,\thad\tsomehow\tsparked\tit\tto\tlife,\tboiling past\tthat\tpoison.\tTurning\tthat\tpoison\tto\tsteam. With\this\tknife\tstill\tangled\tagainst\tmy\tneck,\tI\tlet\tEris\thaul\tme\tto\tmy\tfeet,\tthe","other\ttwo\tdragging\tLucien\tbefore\the\tcould\tstand\ton\this\town. Make\tit\tcount.\tUse\tmy\tsurroundings. I\tcaught\tLucien\u2019s\teye. And\t he\t saw\t the\t sweat\t beading\t on\t my\t temple,\t my\t upper\t lip,\t as\t my\t blood heated. A\tslight\tbob\tof\this\tchin\twas\this\tonly\tsign\tof\tunderstanding. Eris\t would\t bring\t us\t to\t Beron,\t and\t the\t High\t Lord\t would\t either\t kill\t us\t for sport,\t sell\t us\t to\t the\t highest\t bidder,\t or\t hold\t us\t indefinitely.\t And\t after\t what\t they had\tdone\tto\tLucien\u2019s\tlover,\twhat\tthey\u2019d\tdone\tto\tMor\t\u2026 \u201cAfter\t you,\u201d\t Eris\t said\t smoothly,\t lowering\t that\t knife\t at\t last.\t He\t shoved\t me\t a step. I\u2019d\t been\twaiting.\tBalance,\t Cassian\thad\ttaught\t me,\twas\tcrucial\t to\twinning\ta fight. And\t as\t Eris\u2019s\t shove\t caused\t him\t to\t get\t on\t uneven\t footing,\t I\t turned\t my propelled\tstep\ton\thim. Twisting,\tso\tfast\the\tdidn\u2019t\tsee\tme\tget\tinto\this\topen\tguard,\tI\tdrove\tmy\telbow into\this\tnose. Eris\tstumbled\tback. Flame\tslammed\tinto\tthe\tother\ttwo,\tand\tLucien\thurtled\tout\tof\tthe\tway\tas\tthey shouted\tand\tfell\tdeeper\tinto\tthe\tcave. I\tunleashed\tevery\tdrop\tof\tthe\tflame\tin\tme,\ta\twall\tof\tit\tbetween\tus\tand\tthem. Sealing\this\tbrothers\tinside\tthe\tcave. \u201cRun,\u201d\t I\t gasped\t out,\t but\t Lucien\t was\t already\t at\t my\t side,\t a\t steadying\t hand under\t my\t arm\t as\t I\t burned\t that\t flame\t hotter\t and\t hotter.\t It\t wouldn\u2019t\t keep\t them contained\tfor\tlong,\tand\tI\tcould\tindeed\tfeel\tsomeone\u2019s\tpower\trising\tto\tchallenge mine. But\tthere\twas\tanother\tforce\tto\twield. Lucien\tunderstood\tthe\tsame\tmoment\tI\tdid. Sweat\tsimmered\ton\tLucien\u2019s\tbrow\tas\ta\tpulse\tof\tflame-licked\tpower\tslammed into\tthe\tstones\tjust\tabove\tus.\tDust\tand\tdebris\trained\tdown. I\tthrew\tany\ttrickle\tof\tmagic\tinto\tLucien\u2019s\tnext\tblow. His\tnext. As\tEris\u2019s\tlivid\tface\temerged\tfrom\tmy\tnet\tof\tflame,\tglowing\tlike\ta\tnew-forged god\tof\twrath,\tLucien\tand\tI\tbrought\tdown\tthe\tcave\tceiling.","Fire\tburst\tthrough\tthe\tsmall\tcracks\tlike\ta\tthousand\tflaming\tserpents\u2019\ttongues \u2014but\tthe\tcave-in\tdid\tnot\tso\tmuch\tas\ttremble. \u201cHurry,\u201d\t Lucien\t panted,\t and\t I\t didn\u2019t\t waste\t breath\t agreeing\t as\t we\t staggered into\tthe\tnight. Our\tpacks,\tour\tweapons,\tour\tfood\t\u2026\tall\tinside\tthat\tcave. I\thad\ttwo\tdaggers\ton\tme,\tLucien\tone.\tI\u2019d\tbeen\twearing\tmy\tcloak,\tbut\t\u2026\the\u2019d indeed\tgiven\tme\this.\tHe\tshivered\tagainst\tthe\tcold\tas\twe\tdragged\tand\tclawed\tour way\tup\tthe\tmountain\tslope,\tand\tdid\tnot\tdare\tstop. Had\tI\tstill\tremained\thuman,\tI\twould\thave\tbeen\tdead. The\t cold\t was\t bone-deep,\t the\t screaming\t wind\t lashing\t us\t like\t burning\t whips. My\tteeth\tclacked\tagainst\teach\tother,\tmy\tfingers\tso\tstiff\tI\tcould\tscarcely\tgrapple onto\tthe\ticy\tgranite\twith\teach\tmile\twe\tstaggered\tthrough\tthe\tmountains.\tPerhaps both\t of\t us\t were\t spared\t from\t an\t icy\t death\t by\t the\t kernel\t of\t flame\t that\t had\t just barely\tkindled\tinside\tour\tveins. We\t didn\u2019t\t pause\t once,\t an\t unspoken\t fear\t that\t if\t we\t did,\t the\t cold\t would\t leech any\t lingering\t warmth\t and\t we\u2019d\t never\t again\t move.\t Or\t Lucien\u2019s\t brothers\t would gain\tground. I\ttried,\tover\tand\tover,\tto\tshout\tdown\tthe\tbond\tto\tRhys.\tTo\twinnow.\tTo\tgrow wings\t and\t attempt\t to\t fly\t us\t out\t of\t the\t mountain\t pass\t we\t trudged\t through,\t the snow\t waist-deep\t and\t so\t densely\t packed\t in\t places\t we\t had\t to\t crawl\t over\t it,\t our skin\tscraped\traw\tfrom\tthe\tice. But\tthe\tfaebane\u2019s\tstifling\tgrip\tstill\theld\tthe\tmajority\tof\tmy\tpower\tin\tcheck. We\t had\t to\t be\t close\t to\t the\t Winter\t Court\t border,\t I\t told\t myself\t as\t we\t squinted against\t a\t blast\t of\t icy\t wind\t through\t the\t other\t end\t of\t the\t narrow\t mountain\t pass. Close\u2014and\tonce\twe\twere\tover\tit,\tEris\tand\tthe\tothers\twouldn\u2019t\tdare\tset\tfoot\tinto another\tcourt\u2019s\tterritory. My\t muscles\t screamed\t with\t every\t step,\t my\t boots\t soaked\t through\t with\t snow, my\tfeet\tperilously\tnumb.\tI\u2019d\tspent\tenough\thuman\twinters\tin\tthe\tforest\tto\tknow the\tdangers\tof\texposure\u2014the\tthreat\tof\tcold\tand\twet. Lucien,\ta\tstep\tbehind\tme,\tpanted\thard\tas\tthe\twalls\tof\trock\tand\tsnow\tparted\tto reveal\t a\t bitter,\t star-flecked\t night\u2014and\t more\t mountains\t beyond.\t I\t almost whimpered.","\u201cWe\u2019ve\t got\t to\t keep\t going,\u201d\t he\t said,\t snow\t crusting\t the\t stray\t strands\t of\t his hair,\tand\tI\twondered\tif\tthe\tsound\thad\tindeed\tleft\tme. Ice\ttickled\tmy\tfrozen\tnostrils.\t\u201cWe\tcan\u2019t\tlast\tlong\u2014we\tneed\tto\tget\twarm\tand rest.\u201d \u201cMy\tbrothers\u2014\u201d \u201cWe\twill\tdie\tif\twe\tcontinue.\u201d\tOr\tlose\tfingers\tand\ttoes\tat\tthe\tbest.\tI\tpointed\tto the\tmountain\tslope\tahead,\ta\thazardous\tplunge\tdown.\t\u201cWe\tcan\u2019t\trisk\tthat\tat\tnight. We\tneed\tto\tfind\ta\tcave\tand\ttry\tto\tmake\ta\tfire.\u201d \u201cWith\twhat?\u201d\the\tsnapped.\t\u201cDo\tyou\tsee\tany\twood?\u201d I\tonly\tcontinued\ton.\tArguing\tjust\twasted\tenergy\u2014and\ttime. And\tI\tdidn\u2019t\thave\tan\tanswer,\tanyway. I\twondered\tif\twe\u2019d\tmake\tit\tthrough\tthe\tnight. We\tfound\ta\tcave.\tDeep\tand\tshielded\tfrom\twind\tor\tsight.\tLucien\tand\tI\tcarefully covered\tour\ttracks,\tmaking\tsure\tthe\twind\tblew\tin\tour\tfavor,\tveiling\tour\tscents. That\t was\t where\t our\t luck\t ran\t out.\t No\t wood\t to\t be\t found;\t no\t fire\t in\t either\t of our\tveins. So\twe\tused\tour\tonly\toption:\tbody\theat.\tHuddled\tin\tthe\tfarthest\treaches\tof\tthe cave,\twe\t sat\tthigh\tto\tthigh\tand\t arm\t to\tarm\tbeneath\tmy\t cloak,\tshuddering\twith cold\tand\tdripping\twet. I\tcould\tscarcely\thear\tthe\thollow\tscream\tof\tthe\twind\tover\tmy\tchattering\tteeth. And\this. Find\t me,\t find\t me,\t find\t me,\t I\t tried\t shouting\t down\t that\t bond.\t But\t my\t mate\u2019s wry\tvoice\tdidn\u2019t\tanswer. There\twas\tonly\tthe\troaring\tvoid. \u201cTell\t me\t about\t her\u2014about\t Elain,\u201d\t Lucien\t said\t quietly.\t As\t if\t the\t death\t that squatted\tin\tthe\tdark\tbeside\tus\thad\tdrawn\this\tthoughts\tto\this\town\tmate\tas\twell. I\t debated\t not\t saying\t anything,\t shaking\t too\t hard\t to\t dredge\t up\t speech,\t but\t \u2026 \u201cShe\t loves\t her\t garden.\t Always\t loved\t growing\t things.\t Even\t when\t we\t were destitute,\tshe\tmanaged\tto\ttend\ta\tlittle\tgarden\tin\tthe\twarmer\tmonths.\tAnd\twhen\u2014 when\tour\tfortune\treturned,\tshe\t took\tto\ttending\t and\tplanting\t the\tmost\tbeautiful gardens\t you\u2019ve\t ever\t seen.\t Even\t in\t Prythian.\t It\t drove\t the\t servants\t mad,\t because they\twere\tsupposed\tto\tdo\tthe\twork\tand\tladies\twere\tonly\tmeant\tto\tclip\ta\trose\there","and\tthere,\tbut\tElain\twould\tput\ton\ta\that\tand\tgloves\tand\tkneel\tin\tthe\tdirt,\tweeding. She\tacted\tlike\ta\tpurebred\tlady\tin\tevery\tregard\tbut\tthat.\u201d Lucien\twas\tsilent\tfor\ta\tlong\tmoment.\t\u201cActed,\u201d\the\tmurmured.\t\u201cYou\ttalk\tabout her\tas\tif\tshe\u2019s\tdead.\u201d \u201cI\tdon\u2019t\tknow\twhat\tchanges\tthe\tCauldron\twrought\ton\ther.\tI\tdon\u2019t\tthink\tgoing home\tis\tan\toption.\tNo\tmatter\thow\tshe\tmight\tyearn\tto.\u201d \u201cSurely\tPrythian\tis\ta\tbetter\talternative,\twar\tor\tno.\u201d I\tsteeled\tmyself\tbefore\tsaying,\t\u201cShe\tis\tengaged,\tLucien.\u201d I\tfelt\tevery\tinch\tof\thim\tgo\tstiff\tbeside\tme.\t\u201cTo\twhom.\u201d Flat,\tcold\twords.\tWith\tthe\tthreat\tof\tviolence\tsimmering\tbeneath. \u201cTo\t a\t human\t lord\u2019s\t son.\t The\t lord\t hates\t faeries\u2014has\t dedicated\t his\t life\t and wealth\t to\t hunting\t them.\t Us.\t I\t was\t told\t that\t though\t it\u2019s\t a\t love\t match,\t her betrothed\u2019s\tfather\twas\tkeen\tto\thave\taccess\tto\ther\tconsiderable\tdowry\tto\tcontinue his\tcrusade\tagainst\tfaerie-kind.\u201d \u201cElain\tloves\tthis\tlord\u2019s\tson.\u201d\tNot\tquite\ta\tquestion. \u201cShe\t says\t she\t does.\t Nesta\u2014Nesta\t thought\t the\t father\t and\t his\t obsession\t with killing\t faeries\t was\t bad\t enough\t to\t raise\t some\t alarms.\t She\t never\t voiced\t the concern\tto\tElain.\tNeither\tdid\tI.\u201d \u201cMy\t mate\t is\t engaged\t to\t a\t human\t male.\u201d\t He\t spoke\t more\t to\t himself\t than\t to me. \u201cI\u2019m\tsorry\tif\u2014\u201d \u201cI\twant\tto\tsee\ther.\tJust\tonce.\tJust\u2014to\tknow.\u201d \u201cTo\tknow\twhat?\u201d He\thitched\tmy\tdamp\tcloak\thigher\taround\tus.\t\u201cIf\tshe\tis\tworth\tfighting\tfor.\u201d I\t couldn\u2019t\t bring\t myself\t to\t say\t she\t was,\t to\t give\t him\t that\t sort\t of\t hope\t when Elain\t might\t very\t well\t do\t everything\t in\t her\t power\t to\t hold\t to\t her\t engagement. Even\tif\timmortality\thad\talready\trendered\tit\timpossible. Lucien\t leaned\t his\t head\t back\t against\t the\t rock\t wall\t behind\t us.\t \u201cAnd\t then\t I\u2019ll ask\tyour\tmate\thow\the\tsurvived\tit\u2014knowing\tyou\twere\tengaged\tto\tsomeone\telse. Sharing\tanother\tmale\u2019s\tbed.\u201d I\ttucked\tmy\tfreezing\thands\tunder\tmy\tarms,\tgazing\ttoward\tthe\tgloom\tahead. \u201cTell\t me\t when\t you\t knew,\u201d\t he\t demanded,\t his\t knee\t pressing\t into\t mine.\t \u201cThat Rhysand\t was\t your\t mate.\t Tell\t me\t when\t you\t stopped\t loving\t Tamlin\t and\t started loving\thim\tinstead.\u201d","I\tchose\tnot\tto\tanswer. \u201cWas\tit\tgoing\ton\tbefore\tyou\teven\tleft?\u201d I\twhipped\tmy\thead\tto\thim,\teven\tif\tI\tcould\tbarely\tmake\tout\this\tfeatures\tin\tthe dark.\t\u201cI\tnever\ttouched\tRhysand\tlike\tthat\tuntil\tmonths\tlater.\u201d \u201cYou\tkissed\tUnder\tthe\tMountain.\u201d \u201cI\thad\tas\tlittle\tchoice\tin\tthat\tas\tI\tdid\tin\tthe\tdancing.\u201d \u201cAnd\tyet\tthis\tis\tthe\tmale\tyou\tnow\tlove.\u201d He\t didn\u2019t\tknow\u2014he\thad\tno\tinkling\tof\tthe\tpersonal\thistory,\tthe\tsecrets,\tthat had\t opened\t my\t heart\t to\t the\t High\t Lord\t of\t the\t Night\t Court.\t They\t were\t not\t my stories\tto\ttell. \u201cOne\t would\t think,\t Lucien,\t that\t you\u2019d\t be\t glad\t I\t fell\t in\t love\t with\t my\t mate, given\tthat\tyou\u2019re\tin\tthe\tsame\tsituation\tRhys\twas\tin\tsix\tmonths\tago.\u201d \u201cYou\tleft\tus.\u201d Us.\t Not\t Tamlin.\t Us.\t The\t words\t echoed\t into\t the\t dark,\t toward\t the\t howling wind\tand\tlashing\tsnow\tbeyond\tthe\tbend. \u201cI\t told\t you\t that\t day\t in\t the\t woods:\t you\t abandoned\t me\t long\t before\t I\t ever physically\t left.\u201d\t I\t shivered\t again,\t hating\t every\t point\t of\t contact,\t that\t I\t so desperately\t needed\t his\t warmth.\t \u201cYou\t fit\t into\t the\t Spring\t Court\t as\t little\t as\t I\t did, Lucien.\tYou\tenjoyed\tits\tpleasures\tand\tdiversions.\tBut\tdon\u2019t\tpretend\tyou\tweren\u2019t made\tfor\tsomething\tmore\tthan\tthat.\u201d His\tmetal\teye\twhirred.\t\u201cAnd\twhere,\texactly,\tdo\tyou\tbelieve\tI\twill\tfit\tin?\tThe Night\tCourt?\u201d I\tdidn\u2019t\tanswer.\tI\tdidn\u2019t\thave\tone,\thonestly.\tAs\tHigh\tLady,\tI\tcould\tlikely\toffer him\ta\tposition,\tif\twe\tsurvived\tlong\tenough\tto\tmake\tit\thome.\tI\u2019d\tdo\tit\tmostly\tto keep\t Elain\t from\t ever\t going\t to\t the\t Spring\t Court,\t but\t I\t had\t little\t doubt\t Lucien would\tbe\table\tto\thold\this\town\tagainst\tmy\tfriends.\tAnd\tsome\tsmall,\thorrible\tpart of\t me\t enjoyed\t the\t thought\t of\t taking\t one\t more\t thing\t away\t from\t Tamlin, something\tvital,\tsomething\tessential. \u201cWe\tshould\tleave\tat\tdawn,\u201d\twas\tmy\tonly\treply. We\tlasted\tthe\tnight. Every\tpart\tof\tme\twas\tstiff\tand\taching\twhen\twe\tbegan\tour\tcareful\ttrek\tdown the\tmountain.\tNot\ta\twhisper\tor\ttrace\tof\tLucien\u2019s\tbrothers\u2014or\tany\tsort\tof\tlife.","I\t didn\u2019t\t care,\t not\t when\t we\t at\t last\t passed\t over\t the\t border\t and\t into\t Winter Court\tlands. Beyond\t the\t mountain,\t a\t great\t ice-plain\t sparkled\t into\t the\t distance.\t It\t would take\t days\t to\t cross,\t but\t it\t didn\u2019t\t matter:\t I\u2019d\t awoken\t with\t enough\t power\t in\t my veins\tto\twarm\tus\twith\ta\tsmall\tfire.\tSlowly\u2014so\tslowly,\tthe\teffects\tof\tthe\tfaebane ebbed. I\t was\t willing\t to\t wager\t that\t we\u2019d\t be\t halfway\t across\t the\t ice\t by\t the\t time\t we could\twinnow\tout\tof\there.\tIf\tour\tluck\theld\tand\tno\tone\telse\tfound\tus. I\tran\tthrough\tevery\tlesson\tRhys\thad\ttaught\tme\tabout\tthe\tWinter\tCourt\tand\tits High\tLord,\tKallias. Towering,\t exquisite\t palaces,\t full\t of\t roaring\t hearths\t and\t bedecked\t in evergreens.\t Carved\t sleighs\t were\t the\t court\u2019s\t preferred\t method\t of\t transportation, hauled\t by\t velvet-antlered\t reindeer\t whose\t splayed\t hooves\t were\t ideal\t for\t the\t ice and\t snow.\t Their\t forces\t were\t well\t trained,\t but\t they\t often\t relied\t on\t the\t great, white\tbears\tthat\tstalked\tthe\trealm\tfor\tany\tunwanted\tvisitors. I\tprayed\tnone\tof\tthem\twaited\ton\tthe\tice,\ttheir\tcoats\tperfectly\tblended\tinto\tthe terrain. The\tNight\tCourt\u2019s\trelationship\twith\tWinter\twas\tfine\tenough,\tstill\ttenuous,\tas all\t our\t bonds\t were,\t after\t Amarantha.\t After\t she\u2019d\t butchered\t so\t many\t of\t them\u2014 including,\tI\tremembered\twith\tno\tsmall\tsurge\tof\tnausea,\tdozens\tof\tWinter\tCourt children. I\tcouldn\u2019t\timagine\tit\u2014the\tloss,\tthe\trage\tand\tgrief.\tI\u2019d\tnever\thad\tthe\tnerve\tto ask\t Rhys,\t in\t those\t months\t of\t training,\t who\t the\t children\t had\t belonged\t to.\t What the\t consequences\t had\t been.\t If\t it\t was\t considered\t the\t worst\t of\t Amarantha\u2019s crimes,\tor\tjust\tone\tof\tcountless\tothers. But\t despite\t any\t tentative\t bonds,\t Winter\t was\t one\t of\t the\t Seasonal\t Courts.\t It might\tside\twith\tTamlin,\twith\tTarquin.\tOur\tbest\tallies\tremained\tthe\tSolar\tCourts: Dawn\t and\t Day.\t But\t they\t lay\t far\t to\t the\t north\u2014above\t the\t demarcation\t line between\tthe\tSolar\tand\tSeasonal\tCourts.\tThat\tslice\tof\tsacred,\tunclaimed\tland\tthat held\tUnder\tthe\tMountain.\tAnd\tthe\tWeaver\u2019s\tcottage. We\u2019d\tbe\tgone\tbefore\twe\tever\thad\tto\tset\tfoot\tin\tthat\tlethal,\tancient\tforest. It\twas\tanother\tday\tand\tnight\tbefore\twe\tcleared\tthe\tmountains\tentirely\tand\tset foot\ton\tthe\tthick\tice.\tNothing\tgrew,\tand\tI\tcould\tonly\ttell\twhen\twe\twere\ton\tsolid land\t by\t the\t dense\t snow\t packed\t beneath.\t Otherwise,\t too\t frequently,\t the\t ice\t was","clear\tas\tglass\u2014revealing\tdark,\tdepthless\tlakes\tbeneath. At\t least\t we\t didn\u2019t\t encounter\t any\t of\t the\t white\t bears.\t But\t the\t real\t threat,\t we both\tquickly\trealized,\twas\tthe\tutter\tlack\tof\tshelter:\tout\ton\tthe\tice,\tthere\twas\tnone to\tbe\tfound\tagainst\tthe\twind\tand\tcold.\tAnd\tif\twe\tlit\ta\tfire\twith\tour\tfeeble\tmagic, anyone\tnearby\twould\tspot\tit.\tNo\tmatter\tthe\tpracticality\tof\tlighting\ta\tfire\tatop\ta frozen\tlake. The\tsun\twas\tjust\tslipping\tabove\tthe\thorizon,\tstaining\tthe\tplain\twith\tgold,\tthe shadows\tstill\ta\tbruised\tblue,\twhen\tLucien\tsaid,\t\u201cTonight,\twe\u2019ll\tmelt\tsome\tof\tthe ice\tpack\tenough\tto\tsoften\tit\u2014and\tbuild\ta\tshelter.\u201d I\t considered.\t We\t were\t barely\t a\t hundred\t feet\t onto\t what\t seemed\t to\t be\t an endless\tlake.\tIt\twas\timpossible\tto\ttell\twhere\tit\tended.\t\u201cYou\tthink\twe\u2019ll\tbe\tout\ton the\tice\tfor\tthat\tlong?\u201d Lucien\t frowned\t toward\t the\t dawn-stained\t horizon.\t \u201cLikely,\t but\t who\t knows how\tfar\tit\textends?\u201d\tIndeed,\tthe\tsnowdrifts\thid\tmuch\tof\tthe\tice\tbeneath. \u201cPerhaps\tthere\u2019s\tsome\tother\tway\taround\t\u2026,\u201d\tI\tmused,\tglancing\tback\ttoward our\tabandoned\tlittle\tcamp. We\tlooked\tat\tthe\tsame\ttime.\tAnd\tboth\tbeheld\tthe\tthree\tfigures\tnow\tstanding at\tthe\tlake\tedge.\tSmiling. Eris\tlifted\ta\thand\twreathed\tin\tflame. Flame\u2014to\tmelt\tthe\tice\ton\twhich\twe\tstood.","CHAPTER 13 \u201cRun,\u201d\tLucien\tbreathed. I\t didn\u2019t\t dare\t take\t my\t eyes\t off\t his\t brothers.\t Not\t as\t Eris\t lowered\t that\t hand\t to the\tfrozen\tedge\tof\tthe\tlake.\t\u201cRun\twhere,\texactly?\u201d Flesh\tmet\tice\tand\tsteam\trippled.\tThe\tice\twent\topaque,\tthawing\tin\ta\tline\tthat shot\tfor\tus\u2014 We\t ran.\t The\t slick\t ice\t made\t for\t a\t treacherous\t sprint,\t my\t ankles\t roaring\t with the\teffort\tof\tkeeping\tme\tupright. Ahead,\t the\t lake\t stretched\t on\t forever.\t And\t with\t the\t sun\t barely\t awake,\t the dangers\twould\tbe\teven\tharder\tto\tspot\u2014 \u201cFaster,\u201d\tLucien\tordered.\t\u201cDon\u2019t\tlook!\u201d\the\tbarked\tas\tI\tbegan\tto\tturn\tmy\thead to\tsee\tif\tthey\u2019d\tfollowed.\tHe\tlashed\tout\ta\thand\tto\tgrip\tmy\telbow,\tsteadying\tme before\tI\tcould\teven\tregister\tthat\tI\u2019d\tstumbled. Where\twould\twe\tgo\twhere\twould\twe\tgo\twhere\twould\twe\tgo Water\t splashed\t beneath\t my\t boots\u2014thawed\t ice.\t Eris\t had\t to\t either\t be expending\t all\t his\t power\t to\t get\t through\t millennia\t of\t ice,\t or\t was\t just\t doing\t it slowly\tto\ttorture\tus\u2014 \u201cZag,\u201d\tLucien\tpanted.\t\u201cWe\tneed\tto\u2014\u201d He\tshoved\tme\taside,\tand\tI\tstaggered,\tarms\twheeling. Just\tas\tan\tarrow\tricocheted\toff\tthe\tice\twhere\tI\u2019d\tbeen\tstanding. \u201cFaster,\u201d\tLucien\tsnapped,\tand\tI\tdidn\u2019t\thesitate. I\thurtled\tinto\ta\tflat-out\tsprint,\tLucien\tand\tI\tweaving\tin\tand\tout\tof\teach\tother\u2019s paths\t as\t those\t arrows\t continued\t firing.\t Ice\t sprayed\t where\t they\t landed,\t and\t no matter\thow\tfast\twe\tran,\tthe\tground\tbeneath\tus\tmelted\tand\tmelted\u2014 Ice.\tI\thad\tice\tin\tmy\tveins,\tand\tnow\tthat\twe\twere\tover\tthe\tborder\tof\tthe\tWinter","Court\u2014 I\t didn\u2019t\t care\t if\t they\t saw\t it\u2014my\t power.\t Kallias\u2019s\t power.\t Not\t when\t the alternatives\twere\tfar\tworse. I\t threw\t out\t a\t hand\t before\t us\t as\t a\t melting\t splotch\t began\t to\t spread,\t ice groaning. A\tspray\tof\tice\tshot\tfrom\tmy\tpalm,\tfreezing\tthe\tlake\tonce\tmore. With\t each\t pump\t of\t my\t arms\t as\t I\t ran,\t I\t fired\t that\t ice\t from\t my\t palms, solidifying\twhat\tEris\tsought\tto\tmelt\tahead\tof\tus.\tMaybe\u2014just\tmaybe\twe\tcould clear\tthe\tlake,\tand\tif\tthey\twere\tstupid\tenough\tto\tbe\tatop\tit\twhen\twe\tdid\t\u2026\tIf\tI could\tform\tice,\tI\tcould\tcertainly\tun-form\tit. I\t crossed\t paths\t with\t Lucien\t again,\t meeting\t his\t wide\t eyes\t as\t we\t did,\t and opened\tmy\tmouth\tto\ttell\thim\tmy\tplan,\twhen\tEris\tappeared. Not\tbehind.\tAhead. But\t it\t was\t the\t other\t brother\t at\t his\t side,\t arrow\t aimed\t and\t already\t flying\t for me,\twho\tdrew\tthe\tshout\tfrom\tmy\tthroat. I\tlunged\tto\tthe\tside,\trolling. Not\tfast\tenough. The\t arrow\u2019s\t edge\t sliced\t the\t shell\t of\t my\t ear,\t my\t cheek,\t leaving\t a\t stinging wake.\tLucien\tshouted,\tbut\tanother\tarrow\twas\tflying. It\twent\tclean\tthrough\tmy\tright\tforearm\tthis\ttime. Ice\t sliced\t into\t my\t face,\t my\t hands,\t as\t I\t went\t down,\t knees\t barking,\t arm shrieking\tin\tagony\tat\tthe\timpact\u2014 Behind,\tsteps\tthudded\ton\tice\tas\tthe\tthird\tbrother\tclosed\tin. I\tbit\tmy\tlip\thard\tenough\tto\tdraw\tblood\tas\tI\tripped\taway\tthe\tcloth\tof\tmy\tjacket and\t shirt\t from\t my\t forearm,\t snapped\t the\t arrow\t in\t two,\t and\t tore\t the\t pieces\t from my\tflesh.\tMy\troar\tshattered\tand\tbounced\tacross\tthe\tice. Eris\thad\ttaken\tone\tstep\ttoward\tme,\tsmiling\tlike\ta\twolf,\twhen\tI\twas\tup\tagain, my\t last\t two\t Illyrian\t knives\t in\t my\t palms,\t my\t right\t arm\t screaming\t at\t the movement\u2014 Around\tme,\tthe\tice\tbegan\tto\tmelt. \u201cThis\tcan\tend\twith\tyou\tgoing\tunder,\tbegging\tme\tto\tget\tyou\tout\tonce\tthat\tice instantly\t refreezes,\u201d\t Eris\t drawled.\t Behind\t him,\t cut\t off\t by\t his\t brothers,\t Lucien had\tdrawn\this\town\tknife\tand\tnow\tsized\tup\tthe\tother\ttwo.\t\u201cOr\tthis\tcan\tend\twith you\tagreeing\tto\ttake\tmy\thand.\tBut\teither\tway,\tyou\twill\tbe\tcoming\twith\tme.\u201d","Already,\t the\t flesh\t in\t my\t arm\t was\t knitting\t together.\t Healing\u2014from\t Dawn\u2019s powers\treawakening\tin\tmy\tveins\u2014 And\tif\tthat\twas\tworking\u2014 I\tdidn\u2019t\tgive\tEris\ttime\tto\tread\tmy\tmove. I\tsucked\tin\ta\tsharp\tbreath. White,\tblinding\tlight\terupted\tfrom\tme.\tEris\tswore,\tand\tI\tran. Not\t toward\t him,\t not\t when\t I\t was\t still\t too\t injured\t to\t wield\t my\t knives.\t But away\u2014toward\tthat\tdistant\tshore.\tHalf-blinded\tmyself,\tI\tstumbled\tand\tstaggered until\tI\twas\tclear\tof\tthe\ttreacherous,\tmelting\tsplotches,\tthen\tsprinted. I\tmade\tit\tall\tof\ttwenty\tfeet\tbefore\tEris\twinnowed\tin\tfront\tof\tme\tand\tstruck. A\tbackhanded\tblow\tto\tthe\tface,\tso\thard\tmy\tteeth\twent\tthrough\tmy\tlip. He\tstruck\tagain\tbefore\tI\tcould\teven\tfall,\ta\tpunch\tto\tmy\tgut\tthat\tripped\tthe\tair from\t my\t lungs.\t Beyond\t me,\t Lucien\t had\t unleashed\t himself\t upon\t his\t two brothers.\tMetal\tand\tfire\tblasted\tand\tcollided,\tice\tspraying. I\u2019d\t no\t sooner\t hit\t the\t ice\t than\t Eris\t grabbed\t me\t by\t the\t hair,\t right\t at\t the\t roots, the\t grip\t so\t brutal\t tears\t stung\t my\t eyes.\t But\t he\t dragged\t me\t back\t toward\t that shore,\tback\tacross\tthe\tice\u2014 I\t fought\t against\t the\t blow\t to\t my\t gut,\t fought\t to\t get\t a\t wisp\t of\t air\t down\t my throat,\t into\t my\t lungs.\t My\t boots\t scraped\t against\t the\t ice\t as\t I\t feebly\t kicked,\t yet Eris\theld\tfirm\u2014 I\tthink\tLucien\tshouted\tmy\tname. I\t opened\t my\t mouth,\t but\t a\t gag\t of\t fire\t shoved\t its\t way\t between\t my\t lips.\t It didn\u2019t\tburn,\tbut\twas\thot\tenough\tto\ttell\tme\tit\twould\tif\tEris\twilled\tit.\tEqual\tbands of\tflame\twrapped\taround\tmy\twrists,\tmy\tankles.\tMy\tthroat. I\t couldn\u2019t\t remember\u2014couldn\u2019t\t remember\t what\t to\t do,\t how\t to\t move,\t how\t to stop\tthis\u2014 Closer\tand\tcloser\tto\tthe\tshore,\tto\tthe\tawaiting\tparty\tof\tsentries\tthat\twinnowed in\tout\tof\tnowhere.\tNo,\tno,\tno\u2014 A\t shadow\t slammed\t into\t the\t earth\t before\t us,\t cracking\t the\t ice\t toward\t every horizon. Not\ta\tshadow. An\tIllyrian\twarrior. Seven\t red\t Siphons\tglinted\tover\this\tscaled\tblack\tarmor\tas\tCassian\ttucked\tin his\twings\tand\tsnarled\tat\tEris\twith\tfive\tcenturies\u2019\tworth\tof\trage.","Not\tdead.\tNot\thurt.\tWhole. His\twings\trepaired\tand\tstrong. I\t loosed\t a\t shuddering\t sob\t over\t the\t burning\t gag.\t Cassian\u2019s\t Siphons\t flickered in\tresponse,\tas\tif\tthe\tsight\tof\tme,\tat\tEris\u2019s\thand\u2014 Another\timpact\tstruck\tthe\tice\tbehind\tus.\tShadows\tskittered\tin\tits\twake. Azriel. I\tbegan\tcrying\tin\tearnest,\tsome\tleash\tI\u2019d\tkept\ton\tmyself\tsnapping\tfree\tas\tmy friends\tlanded.\tAs\tI\tsaw\tthat\tAzriel,\ttoo,\twas\talive,\twas\thealed.\tAs\tCassian\tdrew twin\t Illyrian\t blades,\t the\t sight\t of\t them\t like\t home,\t and\t said\t to\t Eris\t with\t lethal calm,\t\u201cI\tsuggest\tyou\tdrop\tmy\tlady.\u201d Eris\u2019s\tgrip\ton\tmy\thair\tonly\ttightened,\twringing\ta\twhimper\tfrom\tme. The\twrath\tthat\ttwisted\tCassian\u2019s\tface\twas\tworld-ending. But\this\thazel\teyes\tslid\tto\tmine.\tA\tsilent\tcommand. He\thad\tspent\tmonths\ttraining\tme.\tNot\tjust\tto\tattack,\tbut\tto\tdefend.\tHad\ttaught me,\tover\tand\tover,\thow\tto\tget\tfree\tof\ta\tcaptor\u2019s\tgrasp.\tHow\tto\tmanage\tnot\tonly my\tbody,\tbut\tmy\tmind. As\t if\t he\u2019d\t known\t that\t it\t was\t a\t very\t real\t possibility\t that\t this\t scenario\t would one\tday\thappen. Eris\thad\tbound\tmy\tlimbs,\tbut\u2014I\tcould\tstill\tmove\tthem.\tStill\tuse\tparts\tof\tmy magic. And\t getting\t him\t off\t balance\t long\t enough\t to\t let\t go,\t to\t let\t Cassian\t jump between\tus\tand\ttake\ton\tthe\tHigh\tLord\u2019s\tson\t\u2026 Towering\tover\tme,\tEris\tdidn\u2019t\tso\tmuch\tas\tglance\tdown\tas\tI\ttwisted,\tspinning on\tthe\tice,\tand\tslammed\tmy\tbound\tlegs\tup\tbetween\this. He\tlurched,\tbending\tover\twith\ta\tgrunt. Right\tinto\tthe\tfisted,\tbound\thands\tI\tdrove\tinto\this\tnose.\tBone\tcrunched,\tand his\thand\tsprang\tfree\tof\tmy\thair. I\trolled,\tscrambling\taway.\tCassian\twas\talready\tthere. Eris\t hardly\t had\t time\t to\t draw\t his\t sword\t as\t Cassian\t brought\t his\t own\t down upon\thim. Steel\t against\t steel\t rang\t out\t across\t the\t ice.\t Sentries\t on\t the\t shore\t unleashed arrows\tof\twood\tand\tmagic\u2014only\tto\tbounce\tagainst\ta\tshield\tof\tblue. Azriel.\t Across\t the\t ice,\t he\t and\t Lucien\t were\t engaging\t the\t other\t two\t brothers. That\t any\t of\t Lucien\u2019s\t siblings\t held\t out\t against\t the\t Illyrians\t was\t a\t testament\t to","their\town\ttraining,\tbut\u2014 I\t focused\t the\t ice\t in\t my\t veins\t on\t the\t gag\t in\t my\t mouth,\t the\t binds\t around\t my wrists\tand\tankles.\tIce\tto\tsmother\tfire,\tto\tsing\tit\tto\tsleep\t\u2026 Cassian\tand\tEris\tclashed,\tdanced\tback,\tclashed\tagain. Ropes\tof\tfire\tsnapped\tfree,\tdissolving\twith\ta\thiss\tof\tsteam. I\twas\ton\tmy\tfeet\tagain,\treaching\tfor\ta\tweapon\tI\tdid\tnot\thave.\tMy\tdaggers\thad been\tlost\tforty\tfeet\taway. Cassian\tgot\tpast\tEris\u2019s\tguard\twith\tbrutal\tefficiency.\tAnd\tEris\tscreamed\tas\tthe Illyrian\tblade\tpunched\tthrough\this\tgut. Blood,\tred\tas\trubies,\tstained\tthe\tice\tand\tsnow. For\ta\theartbeat,\tI\t saw\thow\tit\twould\tplay\tout:\tthree\tof\tBeron\u2019s\tsons\tdead\t at our\t hands.\t A\t temporary\t satisfaction\t for\t me,\t five\t centuries\t of\t satisfaction\t for Cassian,\t Azriel,\t and\t Mor,\t but\t if\t Beron\t still\t debated\t what\t side\t to\t support\t in\t this war\t\u2026 I\thad\tother\tweapons\tto\tuse. \u201cStop,\u201d\tI\tsaid. The\tword\twas\ta\tsoft,\tcold\tcommand. And\tAzriel\tand\tCassian\tobeyed. Lucien\u2019s\t other\t two\t brothers\t were\t back-to-back,\t bloody\t and\t gaping.\t Lucien himself\t was\t panting,\t sword\t still\t raised,\t as\t Azriel\t flicked\t the\t blood\t off\t his\t own blade\tand\tstalked\ttoward\tme. I\tmet\tthe\thazel\teyes\tof\tthe\tshadowsinger.\tThe\tcool\tface\tthat\thid\tsuch\tpain\u2014 and\tkindness.\tHe\thad\tcome.\tCassian\thad\tcome. The\t Illyrians\t fell\t into\t place\t beside\t me.\t Eris,\t a\t hand\t pressed\t to\t his\t gut,\t was breathing\twetly,\tglaring\tat\tus. Glaring\u2014then\t considering.\t Watching\t the\t three\t of\t us\t as\t I\t said\t to\t Eris,\t to\t his other\ttwo\tbrothers,\tto\tthe\tsentries\ton\tthe\tshore,\t\u201cYou\tall\tdeserve\tto\tdie\tfor\tthis. And\tfor\tmuch,\tmuch\tmore.\tBut\tI\tam\tgoing\tto\tspare\tyour\tmiserable\tlives.\u201d Even\twith\ta\twound\tthrough\this\tgut,\tEris\u2019s\tlip\tcurled. Cassian\tsnarled\this\twarning. I\tonly\tremoved\tthe\tglamour\tI\u2019d\tkept\ton\tmyself\tthese\tweeks.\tWith\tthe\tsleeve of\t my\t jacket\t and\t shirt\t gone,\t there\t was\t nothing\t but\t smooth\t skin\t where\t that wound\thad\tbeen.\tSmooth\tskin\tthat\tnow\tbecame\tadorned\twith\tswirls\tand\twhorls of\tink.\tThe\tmarkings\tof\tmy\tnew\ttitle\u2014and\tmy\tmating\tbond.","Lucien\u2019s\tface\tdrained\tof\tcolor\tas\the\tstrode\tfor\tus,\tstopping\ta\thealthy\tdistance from\tAzriel\u2019s\tside. \u201cI\tam\tHigh\tLady\tof\tthe\tNight\tCourt,\u201d\tI\tsaid\tquietly\tto\tthem\tall. Even\t Eris\t stopped\t sneering.\t His\t amber\t eyes\t widened,\t something\t like\t fear now\tcreeping\tinto\tthem. \u201cThere\u2019s\tno\tsuch\tthing\tas\ta\tHigh\tLady,\u201d\tone\tof\tLucien\u2019s\tbrothers\tspat. A\tfaint\tsmile\tplayed\ton\tmy\tmouth.\t\u201cThere\tis\tnow.\u201d And\tit\twas\ttime\tfor\tthe\tworld\tto\tknow\tit. I\tcaught\tCassian\u2019s\tgaze,\tfinding\tpride\tglimmering\tthere\u2014and\trelief. \u201cTake\t me\t home,\u201d\t I\t ordered\t him,\t my\t chin\t high\t and\t unwavering.\t Then\t to Azriel,\t \u201cTake\t us\t both\t home.\u201d\t I\t said\t to\t the\t Autumn\t Court\u2019s\t scions,\t \u201cWe\u2019ll\t see you\ton\tthe\tbattlefield.\u201d Let\tthem\tdecide\twhether\tit\twas\tbetter\tto\tbe\tfighting\tbeside\tus\tor\tagainst\tus. I\t turned\t to\t Cassian,\t who\t opened\t his\t arms\t and\t tucked\t me\t in\t tight\t before launching\t us\t skyward\t in\t a\t blast\t of\t wings\t and\t power.\t Beside\t us,\t Azriel\t and Lucien\tdid\tthe\tsame. When\t Eris\t and\t the\t others\t were\t nothing\t but\t specks\t of\t black\t on\t white\t below, when\twe\twere\tsailing\thigh\tand\tfast,\tCassian\tobserved,\t\u201cI\tdon\u2019t\tknow\twho\tlooks more\tuncomfortable:\tAz\tor\tLucien\tVanserra.\u201d I\tchuckled,\tglancing\tover\tmy\tshoulder\tto\twhere\tthe\tshadowsinger\tcarried\tmy friend,\tboth\tof\tthem\tmaking\ta\tpoint\tnot\tto\tspeak,\tlook,\tor\ttalk.\t\u201cVanserra?\u201d \u201cYou\tnever\tknew\this\tfamily\tname?\u201d I\tmet\tthose\tlaughing,\tfierce\thazel\teyes. Cassian\u2019s\tsmile\tsoftened.\t\u201cHello,\tFeyre.\u201d My\t throat\t tightened\t to\t the\t point\t of\t pain,\t and\t I\t threw\t my\t arms\t around\t his neck,\tembracing\thim\ttightly. \u201cI\tmissed\tyou,\ttoo,\u201d\tCassian\tmurmured,\tsqueezing\tme. We\t flew\t until\t we\t reached\t the\t border\t of\t the\t sacred,\t eighth\t territory.\t And\t when Cassian\tset\tus\tdown\tin\ta\tsnowy\tfield\tbefore\tthe\tancient\twood,\tI\ttook\tone\tlook\tat the\t blond\t female\t in\t Illyrian\t leathers\t pacing\t between\t the\t gnarled\t trees\t and launched\tinto\ta\tsprint. Mor\theld\tme\tas\ttightly\tas\tI\tgripped\ther.","\u201cWhere\tis\the?\u201d\tI\tasked,\trefusing\tto\tlet\tgo,\tto\tlift\tmy\thead\tfrom\ther\tshoulder. \u201cHe\u2014it\u2019s\t a\t long\t story.\t Far\t away,\t but\t racing\t home.\t Right\t now.\u201d\t Mor\t pulled back\tenough\tto\tscan\tmy\tface.\tHer\tmouth\ttightened\tat\tthe\tlingering\tinjuries,\tand she\t gently\t scraped\t away\t flecks\t of\t dried\t blood\t caked\t on\t my\t ear.\t \u201cHe\t picked\t up on\t you\u2014the\t bond\u2014minutes\t ago.\t The\t three\t of\t us\t were\t closest.\t I\t winnowed\t in Cassian,\t but\t with\t Eris\t and\t the\t others\t there\t \u2026\u201d\t Guilt\t dimmed\t her\t eyes. \u201cRelations\twith\tthe\tWinter\tCourt\tare\tstrained\u2014we\tthought\tif\tI\twas\tout\there\ton the\t border,\t it\t might\t keep\t Kallias\u2019s\t forces\t from\t looking\t south.\t At\t least\t long enough\tto\tget\tyou.\u201d\tAnd\tto\tavoid\tan\tinteraction\twith\tEris\tthat\tMor\twas\tperhaps not\tready\tfor. I\t shook\t my\t head\t at\t the\t shame\t still\t shadowing\t her\t usually\t bright\t features.\t \u201cI understand.\u201d\tI\tembraced\ther\tagain.\t\u201cI\tunderstand.\u201d Mor\u2019s\tanswering\tsqueeze\twas\trib-crushing. Azriel\t and\t Lucien\t landed,\t plumes\t of\t snow\t spraying\t in\t the\t former\u2019s\t wake. Mor\tand\tI\treleased\teach\tother\tat\tlast,\tmy\tfriend\u2019s\tface\tgoing\tgrave\tas\tshe\tsized up\tLucien.\tSnow\tand\tblood\tand\tdirt\tcoated\thim\u2014coated\tus\tboth. Cassian\texplained\tto\tMor,\t\u201cHe\tfought\tagainst\tEris\tand\tthe\tother\ttwo.\u201d Mor\u2019s\t throat\t bobbed,\t noting\t the\t blood\t staining\t Cassian\u2019s\t hands\u2014realizing\t it wasn\u2019t\this\town.\tScenting\tit,\tno\tdoubt,\tas\tshe\tblurted,\t\u201cEris.\tDid\tyou\u2014\u201d \u201cHe\tremains\talive,\u201d\tAzriel\tanswered,\tshadows\tcurling\taround\tthe\tclawed\ttips of\this\twings,\tso\tstark\tagainst\tthe\tsnow\tbeneath\tour\tboots.\t\u201cSo\tdo\tthe\tothers.\u201d Lucien\t was\t glancing\t between\t all\t of\t them,\t wary\t and\t quiet.\t What\t he\t knew\t of Mor\u2019s\thistory\twith\this\teldest\tbrother\t\u2026\tI\u2019d\tnever\tasked.\tNever\twanted\tto. Mor\ttossed\ther\tmass\tof\tgolden\twaves\tover\ta\tshoulder.\t\u201cThen\tlet\u2019s\tgo\thome.\u201d \u201cWhich\tone?\u201d\tI\tasked\tcarefully. Mor\tswept\ther\tattention\tover\tLucien\tonce\tmore.\tI\talmost\tpitied\tLucien\tfor\tthe weight\t in\t her\t gaze,\t the\t utter\t judgment.\t The\t stare\t of\t the\t Morrigan\u2014whose\t gift was\tpure\ttruth. Whatever\tshe\tbeheld\tin\tLucien\twas\tenough\tfor\ther\tto\tsay,\t\u201cThe\ttown\thouse. You\thave\tsomeone\twaiting\tthere\tfor\tyou.\u201d","CHAPTER 14 I\thad\tnot\tlet\tmyself\timagine\tit:\tthe\tmoment\tI\u2019d\tagain\tstand\tin\tthe\twood-paneled foyer\tof\tthe\ttown\thouse.\tWhen\tI\u2019d\thear\tthe\tsong\tof\tthe\tgulls\tsoaring\thigh\tabove Velaris,\t smell\t the\t brine\t of\t the\t Sidra\t River\t that\t wended\t through\t the\t heart\t of\t the city,\t feel\t the\t warmth\t of\t the\t sunshine\t streaming\t through\t the\t windows\t upon\t my back. Mor\t had\t winnowed\t us\t all,\t and\t now\t stood\t behind\t me,\t panting\t softly,\t as\t we watched\tLucien\tsurvey\tour\tsurroundings. His\tmetal\teye\twhirred,\twhile\tthe\tother\twarily\tscanned\tthe\trooms\tflanking\tthe foyer:\t the\t dining\t room\t and\t sitting\t room\t overlooking\t the\t little\t front\t yard\t and street;\tthen\tthe\tstairs\tto\tthe\tsecond\tlevel;\tthen\tthe\thallway\tbeside\tit\tthat\tled\tto\tthe kitchen\tand\tcourtyard\tgarden. Then\tfinally\tto\tthe\tshut\tfront\tdoor.\tTo\tthe\tcity\twaiting\tbeyond. Cassian\t took\t up\t a\t place\t against\t the\t banister,\t crossing\t his\t arms\t with\t an arrogance\tI\tknew\tmeant\ttrouble.\tAzriel\tremained\tbeside\tme,\tshadows\twreathing his\t knuckles.\tAs\tif\t battling\tHigh\tLords\u2019\tsons\twas\thow\tthey\tusually\tspent\t their days. I\t wondered\t if\t Lucien\t knew\t that\t his\t first\t words\t here\t would\t either\t damn\t or save\thim.\tI\twondered\twhat\tmy\trole\tin\tit\twould\tbe. No\u2014it\twas\tmy\tcall. High\t Lady.\t I\u2014outranked\t them,\t my\t friends.\t It\t was\t my\t call\t to\t make\t whether Lucien\twas\tallowed\tto\tkeep\this\tfreedom. But\ttheir\twatchful\tsilence\twas\tindication\tenough:\tlet\thim\tdecide\this\town\tfate. At\tlast,\tLucien\tlooked\tat\tme.\tAt\tus. He\tsaid,\t\u201cThere\tare\tchildren\tlaughing\tin\tthe\tstreets.\u201d","I\t blinked.\t He\t said\t it\t with\t such\t \u2026\t quiet\t surprise.\t As\t if\t he\t hadn\u2019t\t heard\t the sound\tin\ta\tlong,\tlong\ttime. I\topened\tmy\tmouth\tto\treply,\tbut\tsomeone\telse\tspoke\tfor\tme. \u201cThat\t they\t do\t so\t at\t all\t after\t Hybern\u2019s\t attack\t is\t testament\t to\t how\t hard\t the people\tof\tVelaris\thave\tworked\tto\trebuild.\u201d I\t whirled,\t finding\t Amren\t emerging\t from\t wherever\t she\u2019d\t been\t sitting\t in\t the other\troom,\tthe\tplush\tfurniture\thiding\ther\tsmall\tbody. She\t appeared\t exactly\t as\t she\t had\t the\t last\t time\t I\u2019d\t seen\t her:\t standing\t in\t this very\t foyer,\t warning\t us\t to\t be\t careful\t in\t Hybern.\t Her\t chin-length,\t jet-black\t hair gleamed\t in\t the\t sunlight,\t her\t silver,\t unearthly\t eyes\t unusually\t bright\t as\t they\t met mine. The\tdelicate\tfemale\tbowed\ther\thead.\tAs\tmuch\tof\ta\tgesture\tof\tobedience\tas\ta fifteen-thousand-year-old\t creature\t would\t make\t to\t a\t newly\t minted\t High\t Lady. And\t friend.\t \u201cI\t see\t you\t brought\t home\t a\t new\t pet,\u201d\t she\t said,\t nose\t crinkling\t with distaste. Something\t like\t fear\t had\t entered\t Lucien\u2019s\t eye,\t as\t if\t he,\t too,\t beheld\t the monster\tthat\tlurked\tbeneath\tthat\tbeautiful\tface. Indeed,\tit\tseemed\the\thad\theard\tof\ther\talready.\tBefore\tI\tcould\tintroduce\thim, Lucien\t bowed\t at\t the\t waist.\t Deeply.\t Cassian\t let\t out\t an\t amused\t grunt,\t and\t I\t shot him\ta\twarning\tglare. Amren\tsmiled\tslightly.\t\u201cAlready\ttrained,\tI\tsee.\u201d Lucien\t slowly\t straightened,\t as\t if\t he\t were\t standing\t before\t the\t open\t maw\t of some\tgreat\tplains-cat\the\tdid\tnot\twish\tto\tstartle\twith\tsudden\tmovements. \u201cAmren,\tthis\tis\tLucien\t\u2026\tVanserra.\u201d Lucien\tstiffened.\t\u201cI\tdon\u2019t\tuse\tmy\tfamily\u2019s\tname.\u201d\tHe\tclarified\tto\tAmren\twith another\tincline\tof\this\thead,\t\u201cLucien\twill\tdo.\u201d I\t suspected\t he\u2019d\t ceased\t using\t that\t name\t the\t moment\t his\t lover\u2019s\t heart\t had stopped\tbeating. Amren\t was\t studying\t that\t metal\t eye.\t \u201cClever\t work,\u201d\t she\t said,\t then\t surveyed me.\t\u201cLooks\tlike\tsomeone\tclawed\tyou\tup,\tgirl.\u201d The\t wound\t in\t my\t arm,\t at\t least,\t had\t healed,\t though\t a\t nasty\t red\t mark remained.\t I\t assumed\t my\t face\t wasn\u2019t\t much\t better.\t Before\t I\t could\t answer\t her, Lucien\tasked,\t\u201cWhat\tis\tthis\tplace?\u201d We\tall\tlooked\tat\thim.\t\u201cHome,\u201d\tI\tsaid.\t\u201cThis\tis\u2014my\thome.\u201d","I\t could\t see\t the\t details\t now\t sinking\t in.\t The\t lack\t of\t darkness.\t The\t lack\t of screaming.\tThe\tscent\tof\tthe\tsea\tand\tcitrus,\tnot\tblood\tand\tdecay.\tThe\tlaughter\tof children\tthat\tindeed\tcontinued. The\tgreatest\tsecret\tin\tPrythian\u2019s\thistory. \u201cThis\tis\tVelaris,\u201d\tI\texplained.\t\u201cThe\tCity\tof\tStarlight.\u201d His\tthroat\tbobbed.\t\u201cAnd\tyou\tare\tHigh\tLady\tof\tthe\tNight\tCourt.\u201d \u201cIndeed\tshe\tis.\u201d My\tblood\tstopped\tat\tthe\tvoice\tthat\tdrawled\tfrom\tbehind\tme. At\tthe\tscent\tthat\thit\tme,\tawoke\tme.\tMy\tfriends\tbegan\tsmiling. I\tturned. Rhysand\t leaned\t against\t the\t archway\t into\t the\t sitting\t room,\t arms\t crossed, wings\t nowhere\t to\t be\t seen,\t dressed\t in\t his\t usual\t immaculate\t black\t jacket\t and pants. And\tas\tthose\tviolet\teyes\tmet\tmine,\tas\tthat\tfamiliar\thalf\tsmile\tfaded\t\u2026 My\tface\tcrumpled.\tA\tsmall,\tbroken\tnoise\tcracked\tfrom\tme. Rhys\t was\t instantly\t moving,\t but\t my\t legs\t had\t already\t given\t out.\t The\t foyer carpet\tcushioned\tthe\timpact\tas\tI\tsank\tto\tmy\tknees. I\tcovered\tmy\tface\twith\tmy\thands\twhile\tthe\tpast\tmonth\tcrashed\tinto\tme. Rhys\tknelt\tbefore\tme,\tknee\tto\tknee. Gently,\the\tpulled\tmy\thands\taway\tfrom\tmy\tface.\tGently,\the\ttook\tmy\tcheeks\tin his\thands\tand\tbrushed\taway\tmy\ttears. I\t didn\u2019t\t care\t that\t we\t had\t an\t audience\t as\t I\t lifted\t my\t head\t and\t beheld\t the\t joy and\tconcern\tand\tlove\tshining\tin\tthose\tremarkable\teyes. Neither\tdid\tRhys\tas\the\tmurmured,\t\u201cMy\tlove,\u201d\tand\tkissed\tme. I\u2019d\t no\t sooner\t slid\t my\t hands\t into\t his\t hair\t than\t he\t scooped\t me\t into\t his\t arms and\t stood\t in\t one\t smooth\t movement.\t I\t pulled\t my\t mouth\t from\t his,\t glancing toward\ta\tpallid\tLucien,\tbut\tRhysand\tsaid\tto\tour\tcompanions\twithout\tso\tmuch\tas looking\tat\tthem,\t\u201cGo\tfind\tsomewhere\telse\tto\tbe\tfor\ta\twhile.\u201d He\tdidn\u2019t\twait\tto\tsee\tif\tthey\tobeyed. Rhys\twinnowed\tus\tup\tthe\tstairs\tand\tlaunched\tinto\ta\tsteady,\tswift\twalk\tdown the\t hallway.\t I\t peered\t down\t at\t the\t foyer\t in\t time\t to\t spy\t Mor\t grabbing\t Lucien\u2019s arm\tand\tnodding\tto\tthe\tothers\tbefore\tthey\tall\tvanished. \u201cDo\tyou\twant\tto\tgo\tover\twhat\thappened\tat\tthe\tSpring\tCourt?\u201d\tI\tasked,\tvoice raw,\tas\tI\tstudied\tmy\tmate\u2019s\tface.","No\t amusement,\t nothing\t but\t that\t predatory\t intensity,\t focused\t on\t my\t every breath.\t\u201cThere\tare\tother\tthings\tI\u2019d\trather\tdo\tfirst.\u201d He\tcarried\tme\tinto\tour\tbedroom\u2014once\this\troom,\tnow\tfull\tof\tour\tbelongings. It\t was\t exactly\t as\t I\u2019d\t last\t seen\t it:\t the\t enormous\t bed\t that\t he\t now\t strode\t for,\t the two\tarmoires,\tthe\tdesk\tby\tthe\twindow\tthat\toverlooked\tthe\tcourtyard\tgarden\tnow bursting\twith\tpurple\tand\tpink\tand\tblue\tamid\tthe\tlush\tgreens. I\t braced\t myself\t to\t be\t sprawled\t on\t the\t bed,\t but\t Rhys\t paused\t halfway\t across the\troom,\tthe\tdoor\tsnicking\tshut\ton\ta\tstar-kissed\twind. Slowly,\the\tset\tme\ton\tthe\tplush\tcarpet,\tblatantly\tsliding\tme\tdown\this\tbody\tas he\tdid\tso.\tAs\tif\the\twas\tas\tpowerless\tto\tresist\ttouching\tme,\tas\treluctant\tto\tlet\tgo as\tI\twas\twith\thim. And\tevery\tplace\twhere\tour\tbodies\tmet,\tall\tof\thim\tso\twarm\tand\tsolid\tand\treal \u2026\t I\t savored\t it,\t my\t throat\t tight\t as\t I\t placed\t a\t hand\t on\t his\t sculpted\t chest,\t the thunderous\t heartbeat\t beneath\t his\t black\t jacket\t echoing\t into\t my\t palm.\t The\t only sign\t of\t whatever\t torrent\t coursed\t through\t him\t as\t he\t skimmed\t his\t hands\t up\t my arms\tin\ta\tlingering\tcaress\tand\tgripped\tmy\tshoulders. His\tthumbs\tstroked\ta\tgentle\trhythm\tover\tmy\tfilthy\tclothes\tas\the\tscanned\tmy face. Beautiful.\t He\t was\t even\t more\t beautiful\t than\t I\t had\t remembered,\t dreamed\t of during\tthose\tweeks\tat\tthe\tSpring\tCourt. For\ta\tlong\tmoment,\twe\tonly\tbreathed\tin\teach\tother\u2019s\tair.\tFor\ta\tlong\tmoment, all\tI\tcould\tdo\twas\ttake\tthe\tscent\tof\thim\tdeep\tinto\tmy\tlungs,\tletting\tit\tsettle\tinside me.\tMy\tfingers\ttightened\ton\this\tjacket. Mate.\tMy\tmate. As\t if\t he\u2019d\t heard\t it\t down\t the\t bond,\t Rhys\t finally\t murmured,\t \u201cWhen\t the\t bond went\t dark,\t I\t thought\t \u2026\u201d\t Fear\u2014genuine\t terror\t shadowed\t his\t eyes,\t even\t as\t his thumbs\tcontinued\tstroking\tmy\tshoulders,\tgentle\tand\tsteady.\t\u201cBy\tthe\ttime\tI\tgot\tto the\tSpring\tCourt,\tyou\u2019d\tvanished.\tTamlin\twas\traging\tthrough\tthat\tforest,\thunting for\tyou.\tBut\tyou\thid\tyour\tscent.\tAnd\teven\tI\tcouldn\u2019t\u2014couldn\u2019t\tfind\tyou\u2014\u201d The\tsnag\tin\this\twords\twas\ta\tknife\tto\tmy\tgut.\t\u201cWe\twent\tto\tthe\tAutumn\tCourt through\tone\tof\tthe\tdoors,\u201d\tI\tsaid,\tsetting\tmy\tother\thand\ton\this\tarm.\tThe\tcorded muscles\tbeneath\tshifted\tat\tmy\ttouch.\t\u201cYou\tcouldn\u2019t\tfind\tme\tbecause\ttwo\tHybern commanders\t drugged\t my\t food\t and\t drink\t with\t faebane\u2014enough\t to\t extinguish my\tpowers.\tI\u2014I\tstill\tdon\u2019t\thave\tfull\tuse.\u201d","Cold\trage\tnow\tflickered\tacross\tthat\tbeautiful\tface\tas\this\tthumbs\thalted\ton\tmy shoulders.\t\u201cYou\tkilled\tthem.\u201d Not\tentirely\ta\tquestion,\tbut\tI\tnodded. \u201cGood.\u201d I\tswallowed.\t\u201cHas\tHybern\tsacked\tthe\tSpring\tCourt?\u201d \u201cNot\t yet.\t Whatever\t you\t did\t \u2026\t it\t worked.\t Tamlin\u2019s\t sentries\t abandoned\t him. Over\t half\t his\t people\t refused\t to\t appear\t for\t the\t Tithe\t two\t days\t ago.\t Some\t are leaving\t for\t other\t courts.\t Some\t are\t murmuring\t of\t rebellion.\t It\t seems\t you\t made yourself\t quite\t beloved.\t Holy,\t even.\u201d\t Amusement\t at\t last\t warmed\t his\t features. \u201cThey\t were\t rather\t upset\t when\t they\t believed\t he\u2019d\t allowed\t Hybern\t to\t terrorize you\tinto\tfleeing.\u201d I\ttraced\tthe\tfaint\tsilver\twhorl\tof\tembroidery\ton\tthe\tbreast\tof\this\tjacket,\tand\tI could\thave\tsworn\the\tshuddered\tbeneath\tthe\ttouch.\t\u201cI\tsuppose\tthey\u2019ll\tlearn\tsoon enough\t I\u2019m\t well\t cared\t for.\u201d\t Rhys\u2019s\t hands\t tightened\t on\t my\t shoulders\t in agreement,\t as\t if\t he\t were\t about\t to\t show\t me\t just\t how\t well\t cared\t for\t I\t was,\t but\t I angled\tmy\thead.\t\u201cWhat\tabout\tIanthe\u2014and\tJurian?\u201d Rhysand\u2019s\t powerful\t chest\t heaved\t beneath\t my\t hand\t as\t he\t blew\t out\t a\t breath. \u201cReports\tare\tmurky\ton\tboth.\tJurian,\tit\tseems,\thas\treturned\tto\tthe\thand\tthat\tfeeds him.\t Ianthe\t \u2026\u201d\t Rhys\t lifted\t his\t brows.\t \u201cI\t assume\t her\t hand\t is\t courtesy\t of\t you, and\tnot\tthe\tcommanders.\u201d \u201cShe\tfell,\u201d\tI\tsaid\tsweetly. \u201cMust\thave\tbeen\tsome\tfall,\u201d\the\tmused,\ta\tdark\tsmile\tdancing\ton\tthose\tlips\tas he\t drifted\t even\t closer,\t the\t heat\t of\t his\t body\t seeping\t into\t me\t while\t his\t hands migrated\t from\t my\t shoulders\t to\t brush\t lazy\t lines\t down\t my\t back.\t I\t bit\t my\t lip, focusing\ton\this\twords\tand\tnot\tthe\turge\tto\tarch\tinto\tthe\ttouch,\tto\tbury\tmy\tface\tin his\tchest\tand\tdo\tsome\texploring\tof\tmy\town.\t\u201cShe\u2019s\tcurrently\tconvalescing\tafter her\tordeal,\tapparently.\tWon\u2019t\tleave\ther\ttemple.\u201d It\t was\t my\t turn\t to\t murmur,\t \u201cGood.\u201d\t Perhaps\t one\t of\t those\t pretty\t acolytes\t of hers\t would\t get\t sick\t of\t her\t sanctimonious\t bullshit\t and\t smother\t Ianthe\t in\t her sleep. I\tbraced\tmy\thands\ton\this\thips,\tfully\tready\tto\tslide\tbeneath\this\tjacket,\tneeding to\t touch\t bare\t skin,\t but\t Rhys\t straightened,\t pulling\t back.\t Still\t close\t enough\t that one\tof\this\thands\tremained\ton\tmy\twaist,\tbut\tthe\tother\u2014 He\treached\tfor\tmy\tarm,\tgently\texamining\tthe\tangry\twelt\twhere\tmy\tskin\thad","been\ttorn\tby\tan\tarrow.\tDarkness\trumbled\tin\tthe\tcorner\tof\tthe\troom.\t\u201cCassian\tlet me\tinto\this\tmind\tjust\tnow\u2014to\tshow\tme\twhat\thappened\ton\tthe\tice.\u201d\tHe\tstroked\ta thumb\t over\t the\t hurt,\t the\t touch\t featherlight.\t \u201cEris\t was\t always\t a\t male\t of\t limited days.\tNow\tLucien\tmight\tfind\thimself\tcloser\tto\tinheriting\this\tfather\u2019s\tthrone\tthan he\tever\texpected\tto\tbe.\u201d My\tspine\tlocked.\t\u201cEris\tis\tprecisely\tas\thorrible\tas\tyou\tpainted\thim\tto\tbe.\u201d Rhys\u2019s\t thumb\t glided\t over\t my\t forearm\t again,\t leaving\t gooseflesh\t in\t its\t wake. A\tpromise\u2014not\tof\tthe\tretribution\the\twas\tcontemplating,\tbut\tof\twhat\tawaited\tus in\t this\t room.\t The\t bed\t a\t few\t feet\t away.\t Until\t he\t murmured,\t \u201cYou\t declared yourself\tHigh\tLady.\u201d \u201cWas\tI\tnot\tsupposed\tto?\u201d He\t released\t my\t arm\t to\t brush\t his\t knuckles\t across\t my\t cheek.\t \u201cI\u2019ve\t wanted\t to roar\tit\tfrom\tthe\trooftops\tof\tVelaris\tfrom\tthe\tmoment\tthe\tpriestess\tanointed\tyou. How\ttypical\tof\tyou\tto\tupend\tmy\tgrand\tplans.\u201d A\tsmile\ttugged\ton\tmy\tlips.\t\u201cIt\thappened\tless\tthan\tan\thour\tago.\tI\u2019m\tsure\tyou could\tgo\tcrow\tfrom\tthe\tchimney\tright\tnow\tand\teveryone\twould\tgive\tyou\tcredit for\tbreaking\tthe\tnews.\u201d His\t fingers\t threaded\t through\t my\t hair,\t tilting\t my\t face\t up.\t That\t wicked\t smile grew,\tand\tmy\ttoes\tcurled\tin\ttheir\tboots.\t\u201cThere\u2019s\tmy\tdarling\tFeyre.\u201d His\t head\t dipped,\t his\t gaze\t fixated\t on\t my\t mouth,\t hunger\t lighting\t those\t violet eyes\u2014 \u201cWhere\tare\tmy\tsisters?\u201d\tThe\tthought\tclanged\tthrough\tme,\tjarring\tas\ta\tpealing bell. Rhys\tpaused,\thand\tslipping\tfrom\tmy\thair\tas\this\tsmile\tfaded.\t\u201cAt\tthe\tHouse\tof Wind.\u201d\t He\t straightened,\t swallowing\u2014as\t if\t it\t somehow\t checked\t him.\t \u201cI\t can\u2014 take\tyou\tto\tthem.\u201d\tEvery\tword\tseemed\tto\tbe\tan\teffort. But\t he\t would,\t I\t realized.\t He\u2019d\t shove\t down\t his\t need\t for\t me\t and\t take\t me\t to them,\tif\tthat\twas\twhat\tI\twanted.\tMy\tchoice.\tIt\thad\talways\tbeen\tmy\tchoice\twith him. I\t shook\t my\t head.\t I\t wouldn\u2019t\t see\t them\u2014not\t yet.\t Not\t until\t I\t was\t steady enough\tto\tface\tthem.\t\u201cThey\u2019re\twell,\tthough?\u201d His\thesitation\ttold\tme\tenough.\t\u201cThey\u2019re\tsafe.\u201d Not\t really\t an\t answer,\t but\t I\t wasn\u2019t\t going\t to\t fool\t myself\t into\t thinking\t my sisters\t would\t be\t thriving.\t I\t leaned\t my\t brow\t against\t his\t chest.\t \u201cCassian\t and","Azriel\tare\thealed,\u201d\tI\tmurmured\tagainst\this\tjacket,\tbreathing\tin\tthe\tscent\tof\thim over\t and\t over\t as\t a\t tremor\t shuddered\t through\t me.\t \u201cYou\t told\t me\t that\u2014and\t yet\t I didn\u2019t\t\u2026\tit\tdidn\u2019t\tsink\tin.\tUntil\tnow.\u201d Rhys\t ran\t a\t hand\t down\t my\t back,\t the\t other\t sliding\t to\t grip\t my\t hip.\t \u201cAzriel healed\t within\t a\t few\t days.\t Cassian\u2019s\t wings\t \u2026\t it\t was\t complex.\t But\t he\u2019s\t been training\t every\t day\t to\t regain\t his\t strength.\t The\t healer\t had\t to\t rebuild\t most\t of\t his wings\u2014but\the\u2019ll\tbe\tfine.\u201d I\tswallowed\tdown\tthe\ttightness\tin\tmy\tthroat\tand\twrapped\tmy\tarms\taround\this waist,\tpressing\tmy\tface\twholly\tagainst\this\tchest.\tHis\thand\ttightened\ton\tmy\thip in\t answer,\t the\t other\t resting\t at\t my\t nape,\t holding\t me\t to\t him\t as\t I\t breathed,\t \u201cMor said\tyou\twere\tfar\taway\u2014that\twas\twhy\tyou\tweren\u2019t\tthere.\u201d \u201cI\u2019m\tsorry\tI\twasn\u2019t.\u201d \u201cNo,\u201d\t I\t said,\t lifting\t my\t head\t to\t scan\t his\t eyes,\t the\t guilt\t dampening\t them.\t \u201cI didn\u2019t\t mean\t it\t like\t that.\t I\t just\t \u2026\u201d\t I\t savored\t the\t feel\t of\t him\t beneath\t my\t palms. \u201cWhere\twere\tyou?\u201d Rhys\tstilled,\tand\tI\tbraced\tmyself\tas\the\tsaid\tcasually,\t\u201cI\tcouldn\u2019t\tvery\twell\tlet you\tdo\tall\tthe\twork\tto\tundermine\tour\tenemies,\tcould\tI?\u201d I\tdidn\u2019t\tsmile.\t\u201cWhere.\tWere.\tYou.\u201d \u201cWith\tAz\tonly\trecently\tback\ton\this\tfeet,\tI\ttook\tit\tupon\tmyself\tto\tdo\tsome\tof his\twork.\u201d I\tclenched\tmy\tjaw.\t\u201cSuch\tas?\u201d He\tleaned\tdown,\tnuzzling\tmy\tthroat.\t\u201cDon\u2019t\tyou\twant\tto\tcomfort\tyour\tmate, who\thas\tmissed\tyou\tterribly\tthese\tweeks?\u201d I\tplanted\ta\thand\ton\this\tface\tand\tpushed\thim\tback,\tscowling.\t\u201cI\twant\tmy\tmate to\ttell\tme\twhere\tthe\thell\the\twas.\tThen\the\tcan\tget\this\tcomfort.\u201d Rhys\t nipped\t at\t my\t fingers,\t teeth\t snapping\t playfully.\t \u201cCruel,\t beautiful female.\u201d I\twatched\thim\tbeneath\tlowered\tbrows. Rhys\trolled\this\teyes,\tsighing.\t\u201cI\twas\ton\tthe\tcontinent.\tAt\tthe\thuman\tqueens\u2019 palace.\u201d I\tchoked.\t\u201cYou\twere\twhere?\u201d \u201cTechnically,\tI\twas\tflying\tabove\tit,\tbut\u2014\u201d \u201cYou\twent\talone?\u201d He\tgaped\tat\tme.\t\u201cDespite\twhat\tour\tmistakes\tin\tHybern\tmight\thave\tsuggested,","I\tam\tcapable\tof\u2014\u201d \u201cYou\twent\tto\tthe\thuman\tworld,\tto\tour\tenemies\u2019\tcompound,\talone?\u201d \u201cI\u2019d\trather\tit\tbe\tme\tthan\tany\tof\tthe\tothers.\u201d That\thad\tbeen\this\tproblem\tfrom\tthe\tstart.\tAlways\thim,\talways\tsacrificing\u2014 \u201cWhy,\u201d\tI\tdemanded.\t\u201cWhy\trisk\tit?\tIs\tsomething\thappening?\u201d Rhys\t peered\t toward\t the\t window,\t as\t if\t he\t could\t see\t all\t the\t way\t to\t the\t mortal lands.\t His\t mouth\t tightened.\t \u201cIt\u2019s\t the\t quiet\t on\t their\t side\t of\t the\t sea\t that\t bothers me.\t No\t whisper\t of\t armies\t gathered,\t no\t other\t human\t allies\t summoned.\t Since Hybern,\t we\u2019ve\t heard\t nothing.\t So\t I\t thought\t to\t see\t for\t myself\t why\t that\t is.\u201d\t He flicked\t my\t nose,\t tugging\t me\t closer\t again.\t \u201cI\u2019d\t just\t neared\t the\t edge\t of\t their territory\twhen\tI\tfelt\tthe\tbond\tawaken\tagain.\tI\tknew\tthe\tothers\twere\tcloser,\tso\tI sent\tthem.\u201d \u201cYou\tdon\u2019t\tneed\tto\texplain.\u201d Rhys\t rested\t his\t chin\t atop\t my\t head.\t \u201cI\t wanted\t to\t be\t there\u2014to\t get\t you.\t Find you.\tBring\tyou\thome.\u201d \u201cYou\tdo\tcertainly\tenjoy\ta\tdramatic\tentrance.\u201d He\t chuckled,\t his\t breath\t warming\t my\t hair\t as\t I\t listened\t to\t the\t sound\t rumble through\this\tbody. Of\t course\t he\t would\t have\t been\t working\t against\t Hybern\t while\t I\t was\t away. Had\tI\texpected\tthem\tall\tto\tbe\tsitting\ton\ttheir\tasses\tfor\tover\ta\tmonth?\tAnd\tRhys, constantly\tplotting,\talways\ta\tstep\tahead\t\u2026\tHe\twould\thave\tused\tthis\ttime\tto\this advantage.\tI\tdebated\tasking\tabout\tit,\tbut\tright\tnow,\tbreathing\thim\tin,\tfeeling\this warmth\t\u2026\tLet\tit\twait. Rhys\tpressed\ta\tkiss\tto\tmy\thair.\t\u201cYou\u2019re\thome.\u201d A\t shuddering,\t small\t sound\t came\t out\t of\t me\t as\t I\t nodded,\t squeezing\t him tighter.\tHome.\tNot\tjust\tVelaris,\tbut\twherever\the\twas,\tour\tfamily\twas. Ebony\tclaws\tstroked\talong\tthe\tbarrier\tin\tmy\tmind\u2014in\taffection\tand\trequest. I\t lowered\t my\t shields\t for\t him,\t just\t as\t his\t own\t dropped.\t His\t mind\t curled around\tmine,\tas\tsurely\tas\this\tbody\tnow\theld\tme. \u201cI\tmissed\tyou\tevery\tmoment,\u201d\tRhys\tsaid,\tleaning\tdown\tto\tkiss\tthe\tcorner\tof my\t mouth.\t \u201cYour\t smile.\u201d\t His\t lips\t grazed\t over\t the\t shell\t of\t my\t ear\t and\t my\t back arched\t slightly.\t \u201cYour\t laugh.\u201d\t He\t pressed\t a\t kiss\t to\t my\t neck,\t right\t beneath\t my ear,\tand\tI\ttilted\tmy\thead\tto\tgive\thim\taccess,\tbiting\tdown\tthe\turge\tto\tbeg\thim\tto take\tmore,\tto\ttake\tfaster\tas\the\tmurmured,\t\u201cYour\tscent.\u201d","My\t eyes\t fluttered\t closed,\t and\t his\t hands\t coasted\t around\t my\t hips\t to\t cup\t my rear,\tsqueezing\tas\the\tbent\tto\tkiss\tthe\tcenter\tof\tmy\tthroat.\t\u201cThe\tsounds\tyou\tmake when\tI\u2019m\tinside\tyou.\u201d His\ttongue\tflicked\tover\tthe\tspot\twhere\the\u2019d\tkissed,\tand\tone\tof\tthose\tsounds indeed\tescaped\tme.\tRhys\tkissed\tthe\thollow\tof\tmy\tcollarbone,\tand\tmy\tcore\twent utterly\tmolten.\t\u201cMy\tbrave,\tbold,\tbrilliant\tmate.\u201d He\tlifted\this\thead,\tand\tit\twas\tan\teffort\tto\topen\tmy\teyes.\tTo\tmeet\this\tstare\tas his\thands\troved\tin\tlazy\tlines\tdown\tmy\tback,\tover\tmy\trear,\tthen\tup\tagain.\t\u201cI\tlove you,\u201d\the\tsaid.\tAnd\tif\tI\thadn\u2019t\talready\tbelieved\thim,\tfelt\tit\tin\tmy\tvery\tbones,\tthe light\tin\this\tface\tas\the\tsaid\tthe\twords\t\u2026 Tears\tburned\tmy\teyes\tagain,\tslipping\tfree\tbefore\tI\tcould\tcontrol\tmyself. Rhys\t leaned\t in\t to\t lick\t them\t away.\t One\t after\t another.\t As\t he\u2019d\t once\t done Under\tthe\tMountain. \u201cYou\t have\t a\t choice,\u201d\t he\t murmured\t against\t my\t cheekbone.\t \u201cEither\t I\t lick every\tinch\tof\tyou\tclean\t\u2026\u201d\tHis\thand\tgrazed\tthe\ttip\tof\tmy\tbreast,\tcircling\tlazily. As\tif\twe\thad\tdays\tand\tdays\tto\tdo\tthis.\t\u201cOr\tyou\tcan\tget\tinto\tthe\tbath\tthat\tshould be\tready\tby\tnow.\u201d I\tpulled\taway,\tlifting\ta\tbrow.\t\u201cAre\tyou\tsuggesting\tthat\tI\tsmell?\u201d Rhys\t smirked,\t and\t I\t could\t have\t sworn\t my\t core\t pounded\t in\t answer.\t \u201cNever. But\t \u2026\u201d\t His\t eyes\t darkened,\t the\t desire\t and\t amusement\t fading\t as\t he\t took\t in\t my clothes.\t\u201cThere\tis\tblood\ton\tyou.\tYours,\tand\tothers\u2019.\tI\tthought\tI\u2019d\tbe\ta\tgood\tmate and\toffer\tyou\ta\tbath\tbefore\tI\travish\tyou\twholly.\u201d I\thuffed\ta\tlaugh\tand\tbrushed\tback\this\thair,\tsavoring\tthe\tsilken,\tsable\tstrands between\t my\t fingers.\t \u201cSo\t considerate.\t Though\t I\t can\u2019t\t believe\t you\t kicked everyone\tout\tof\tthe\thouse\tso\tyou\tcould\ttake\tme\tto\tbed.\u201d \u201cOne\tof\tthe\tmany\tbenefits\tto\tbeing\tHigh\tLord.\u201d \u201cWhat\ta\tterrible\tabuse\tof\tpower.\u201d That\thalf\tsmile\tdanced\ton\this\tmouth.\t\u201cWell?\u201d \u201cAs\t much\t as\t I\u2019d\t like\t to\t see\t you\t attempt\t to\t lick\t off\t a\t week\u2019s\t worth\t of\t dirt, sweat,\tand\tblood\t\u2026\u201d\tHis\teyes\tgleamed\twith\tthe\tchallenge,\tand\tI\tlaughed\tagain. \u201cNormal\tbath,\tplease.\u201d He\thad\tthe\tnerve\tto\tlook\tvaguely\tdisappointed.\tI\tpoked\thim\tin\tthe\tchest\tas\tI pushed\t away,\t aiming\t for\t the\t large\t bathing\t room\t attached\t to\t the\t bedroom.\t The massive\tporcelain\ttub\twas\talready\tfilled\twith\tsteaming\twater,\tand\u2014","\u201cBubbles?\u201d \u201cDo\tyou\thave\ta\tmoral\tobjection\tto\tthem?\u201d I\t grinned,\t unbuttoning\t my\t jacket.\t My\t fingers\t were\t near-black\t with\t dirt\t and caked\tblood.\tI\tcringed.\t\u201cI\tmight\tneed\tmore\tthan\tone\tbath\tto\tget\tclean.\u201d He\t snapped\t his\t fingers,\t and\t my\t skin\t was\t instantly\t pristine\t again.\t I\t blinked. \u201cIf\t you\t can\t do\t that,\t then\t what\u2019s\t the\t point\t of\t the\t bath?\u201d\t He\u2019d\t done\t it\t Under\t the Mountain\tfor\tme\ta\tfew\ttimes\u2014that\tmagical\tcleaning.\tI\u2019d\tsomehow\tnever\tasked. He\t leaned\t against\t the\t doorway,\t watching\t me\t peel\t off\t my\t torn\t and\t stained jacket.\tAs\tif\tit\twere\tthe\tmost\timportant\ttask\the\u2019d\tever\tbeen\tgiven.\t\u201cThe\tessence of\t the\t dirt\t remains.\u201d\t His\t voice\t roughened\t as\t he\t tracked\t each\t movement\t of\t my fingers\twhile\tI\tunlaced\tmy\tboots.\t\u201cLike\ta\tlayer\tof\toil.\u201d Indeed,\t my\t skin,\t while\t it\t looked\t clean,\t felt\t \u2026\t unwashed.\t I\t kicked\t off\t the boots,\t letting\t them\t land\t on\t my\t filthy\t jacket.\t \u201cSo\t it\u2019s\t more\t for\t aesthetic purposes.\u201d \u201cYou\u2019re\ttaking\ttoo\tlong,\u201d\the\tsaid,\tjerking\this\tchin\ttoward\tthe\tbath. My\t breasts\t tightened\t at\t the\t slight\t growl\t lacing\t his\t words.\t He\t watched\t that, too. And\t I\t smiled\t to\t myself,\t arching\t my\t back\t a\t bit\t more\t than\t necessary\t as\t I removed\tmy\tshirt\tand\ttossed\tit\tto\tthe\tmarble\tfloor.\tSunlight\tstreamed\tin\tthrough the\t steam\t rising\t from\t the\t tub,\t casting\t the\t space\t between\t us\t in\t gold\t and\t white. Rhys\t made\t a\t low\t noise\t that\t sounded\t vaguely\t like\t a\t whimper\t as\t he\t took\t in\t my bare\ttorso.\tAs\the\ttook\tin\tmy\tbreasts,\tnow\theavy\tand\taching,\tbadly\tenough\tthat\tI had\tto\tswallow\tmy\tplea\tto\tforget\tthis\tbath\tentirely. But\tI\tpretended\tnot\tto\tnotice\tas\tI\tunbuttoned\tmy\tpants\tand\tlet\tthem\tfall\tto\tthe floor.\tAlong\twith\tmy\tundergarments. Rhys\u2019s\teyes\tsimmered. I\t smirked,\t daring\t a\t look\t at\t his\t own\t pants.\t At\t the\t evidence\t of\t what,\t exactly, this\t was\t doing\t to\t him,\t pressing\t against\t the\t black\t material\t with\t impressive demand.\tI\tsimply\tcrooned,\t\u201cToo\tbad\tthere\tisn\u2019t\troom\tin\tthe\ttub\tfor\ttwo.\u201d \u201cA\tdesign\tflaw,\tand\tone\tI\tshall\tremedy\ttomorrow.\u201d\tHis\tvoice\twas\trough,\tquiet \u2014and\tit\tslid\tinvisible\thands\tdown\tmy\tbreasts,\tbetween\tmy\tlegs. Mother\t save\t me.\t I\t somehow\t managed\t to\t walk,\t to\t climb\t into\t the\t tub. Somehow\tmanaged\tto\tremember\thow\tto\tbathe\tmyself. Rhys\tremained\tleaning\tagainst\tthe\tdoorway\tthe\tentire\ttime,\tsilently\twatching","with\tthat\tunrelenting\tfocus. I\t might\t have\t taken\t longer\t washing\t certain\t areas.\t And\t might\t have\t made\t sure he\tsaw\tit. He\tonly\tgripped\tthe\tthreshold\thard\tenough\tthat\tthe\twood\tgroaned\tbeneath\this hand. But\tRhys\tmade\tno\tmove\tto\tpounce,\teven\twhen\tI\ttoweled\toff\tand\tbrushed\tout my\ttangled\thair.\tAs\tif\tthe\trestraint\t\u2026\tit\twas\tpart\tof\tthe\tgame,\ttoo. My\t bare\t toes\t curled\t on\t the\t marble\t floor\t as\t I\t set\t down\t my\t brush\t on\t the\t sink vanity,\tevery\tinch\tof\tmy\tbody\taware\tof\twhere\the\tstood\tin\tthe\tdoorway,\taware\tof his\teyes\tupon\tme\tin\tthe\tmirror\u2019s\treflection. \u201cAll\t clean,\u201d\t I\t declared,\t my\t voice\t hoarse\t as\t I\t met\t his\t stare\t in\t the\t mirror.\t I could\thave\tsworn\tonly\tdarkness\tand\tstars\tswirled\tbeyond\this\tshoulders.\tA\tblink, and\tthey\twere\tgone.\tBut\tthe\tpredatory\thunger\ton\this\tface\t\u2026 I\tturned,\tmy\tfingers\ttrembling\tslightly\tas\tI\tclutched\tmy\ttowel\taround\tme. Rhys\t only\t extended\t a\t hand,\t his\t own\t fingers\t shaking.\t Even\t the\t towel\t was abrasive\t against\t my\t too-sensitive\t skin\t as\t I\t laid\t my\t hand\t on\t his,\t his\t calluses scraping\tas\tthey\tclosed\tover\tmy\tfingers.\tI\twanted\tthem\tscraping\tall\tover\tme. But\t he\t simply\t led\t me\t into\t the\t bedroom,\t step\t after\t step,\t the\t muscles\t of\t his broad\t back\t shifting\t beneath\t his\t jacket.\t And\t lower,\t the\t sleek,\t powerful\t cut\t of thighs,\this\tass\u2014 I\twas\tgoing\tto\tdevour\thim.\tFrom\thead\tto\ttoe.\tI\twas\tgoing\tto\tdevour\thim\u2014 But\t Rhys\t paused\t before\t the\t bed,\t releasing\t my\t hand\t and\t facing\t me\t from\t the safety\tof\ta\tstep\taway.\tAnd\tit\twas\tthe\texpression\ton\this\tface\tas\the\ttraced\ta\tstill- tender\t spot\t on\t my\t cheekbone\t that\t checked\t the\t heat\t threatening\t to\t raze\t my senses. I\tswallowed,\tmy\thair\tdripping\ton\tthe\tcarpet.\t\u201cIs\tthe\tbruise\tbad?\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s\tnearly\tgone.\u201d\tDarkness\tflickered\tin\tthe\troom\tonce\tmore. I\tscanned\tthat\tperfect\tface.\tEvery\tline\tand\tangle.\tThe\tfear\tand\trage\tand\tlove \u2014the\twisdom\tand\tcunning\tand\tstrength. I\tlet\tmy\ttowel\tdrop\tto\tthe\tcarpet. Let\t him\t look\t me\t over\t as\t I\t put\t a\t hand\t on\t his\t chest,\t his\t heart\t raging\t beneath my\tpalm. \u201cReady\t for\t ravishing.\u201d\t My\t words\t didn\u2019t\t come\t out\t with\t the\t swagger\t I\u2019d intended.","Not\t when\t Rhys\u2019s\t answering\t smile\t was\t a\t dark,\t cruel\t thing.\t \u201cI\t hardly\t know where\tto\tbegin.\tSo\tmany\tpossibilities.\u201d He\tlifted\ta\tfinger,\tand\tmy\tbreath\tcame\thard\tand\tfast\tas\the\tidly\tcircled\tone\tof my\t breasts,\t then\t the\t other.\t In\t ever-tightening\t rings.\t \u201cI\t could\t start\t here,\u201d\t he murmured. I\t clenched\t my\t thighs\t together.\t He\t noted\t the\t movement,\t that\t dark\t smile growing.\t And\t just\t before\t his\t finger\t reached\t the\t tip\t of\t my\t breast,\t just\t before\t he gave\t me\t what\t I\t was\t about\t to\t beg\t for,\t his\t finger\t slid\t upward\u2014to\t my\t chest,\t my neck,\tmy\tchin.\tRight\tto\tmy\tmouth. He\ttraced\tthe\tshape\tof\tmy\tlips,\ta\twhisper\tof\ttouch.\t\u201cOr\tI\tcould\tstart\there,\u201d\the breathed,\tslipping\tthe\ttip\tof\this\tfinger\tinto\tmy\tmouth. I\t couldn\u2019t\t help\t myself\t from\t closing\t my\t lips\t around\t him,\t from\t flicking\t my tongue\tagainst\tthe\tpad\tof\this\tfinger. But\t Rhys\t withdrew\t his\t finger\t with\t a\t soft\t groan,\t making\t a\t downward\t path. Along\tmy\tneck.\tChest.\tStraight\tover\ta\tnipple.\tHe\tpaused\tthere,\tflicking\tit\tonce, then\tsmoothed\this\tthumb\tover\tthe\tsmall\thurt. I\t was\t shaking\t now,\t barely\t able\t to\t keep\t standing\t as\t his\t finger\t continued\t past my\tbreast. He\tdrew\tpatterns\ton\tmy\tstomach,\tscanning\tmy\tface\tas\the\tpurred,\t\u201cOr\t\u2026\u201d I\t couldn\u2019t\t think\t beyond\t that\t single\t finger,\t that\t one\t point\t of\t contact\t as\t it drifted\tlower\tand\tlower,\tto\twhere\tI\twanted\thim.\t\u201cOr?\u201d\tI\tmanaged\tto\tbreathe. His\thead\tdipped,\thair\tsliding\tover\this\tbrow\tas\the\twatched\u2014we\tboth\twatched \u2014his\t broad\t finger\t venture\t down.\t \u201cOr\t I\t could\t start\t here,\u201d\t he\t said,\t the\t words guttural\tand\traw. I\tdidn\u2019t\tcare\u2014not\tas\the\tdragged\tthat\tfinger\tdown\tthe\tcenter\tof\tme.\tNot\tas\the circled\t that\t spot,\t light\t and\t taunting.\t \u201cHere\t would\t be\t nice,\u201d\t he\t observed,\t his breathing\t uneven.\t \u201cOr\t maybe\t even\t here,\u201d\t he\t finished,\t and\t plunged\t that\t finger inside\tme. I\tgroaned,\tgripping\this\tarm,\tnails\tdigging\tinto\tthe\tmuscles\tbeneath\u2014muscles that\t shifted\t as\t he\t pumped\t his\t finger\t once,\t twice.\t Then\t slid\t it\t out\t and\t drawled, brows\trising.\t\u201cWell?\tWhere\tshall\tI\tbegin,\tFeyre\tdarling?\u201d I\tcould\tbarely\tform\twords,\tthoughts.\tBut\u2014I\u2019d\thad\tenough\tof\tplaying. So\tI\ttook\tthat\tinfernal\thand\tof\this,\tguiding\tit\tto\tmy\theart,\tand\tplaced\tit\tthere, half\tover\tthe\tcurve\tof\tmy\tbreast.\tI\tmet\this\thooded\tgaze\tas\tI\tspoke\tthe\twords\tthat","I\tknew\twould\tbe\this\tundoing\tin\tthis\tlittle\tgame,\tthe\twords\tthat\twere\trising\tup\tin me\twith\tevery\tbreath.\t\u201cYou\u2019re\tmine.\u201d It\tsnapped\tthe\ttether\the\u2019d\tkept\ton\thimself. His\tclothes\tvanished\u2014all\tof\tthem\u2014and\this\tmouth\tangled\tover\tmy\town. It\twasn\u2019t\ta\tgentle\tkiss.\tWasn\u2019t\tsoft\tor\tsearching. It\t was\t a\t claiming,\t wild\t and\t unchecked\u2014it\t was\t an\t unleashing.\t And\t the\t taste of\t him\t \u2026\t the\t heat\t of\t him,\t the\t demanding\t stroke\t of\t his\t tongue\t against\t my\t own \u2026\tHome.\tI\twas\thome. My\t hands\t shot\t into\t his\t hair,\t pulling\t him\t closer\t as\t I\t answered\t each\t of\t his searing\t kisses\t with\t my\t own,\t unable\t to\t get\t enough,\t unable\t to\t touch\t and\t feel enough\tof\thim. Skin\tto\tskin,\tRhys\tnudged\tme\ttoward\tthe\tbed,\this\thands\tkneading\tmy\trear\tas I\tran\tmy\town\tover\tthe\tvelvet\tsoftness\tof\thim,\tover\tevery\thard\tplane\tand\tripple. His\t beautiful,\t mighty\t wings\t tore\t from\t his\t back,\t splaying\t wide\t before\t neatly tucking\tin. My\tthighs\thit\tthe\tbed\tbehind\tus,\tand\tRhys\tpaused,\ttrembling.\tGiving\tme\ttime to\treconsider,\teven\tnow.\tMy\theart\tstrained,\tbut\tI\tpulled\tmy\tmouth\tfrom\this.\tHeld his\tgaze\tas\tI\tlowered\tmyself\tonto\tthe\twhite\tsheets\tand\tinched\tback. Further\tand\tfurther\tonto\tthe\tbed,\tuntil\tI\twas\tbare\tbefore\thim.\tUntil\tI\ttook\tin the\tconsiderable,\tproud\tlength\tof\thim\tand\tmy\tcore\ttightened\tin\tanswer.\t\u201cRhys,\u201d\tI breathed,\this\tname\ta\tplea\ton\tmy\ttongue. His\twings\tflared,\tchest\theaving\tas\tstars\tsparked\tin\this\t eyes.\tAnd\tit\twas\tthe longing\tthere\u2014beneath\tthe\tdesire,\tbeneath\tthe\tneed\u2014it\twas\tthe\tlonging\tin\tthose beautiful\teyes\tthat\tmade\tme\tglance\tto\tthe\tmountains\ttattooed\ton\this\tknees. The\tinsignia\tof\tthis\tcourt\u2014our\tcourt.\tThe\tpromise\tthat\the\twould\tkneel\tfor\tno one\tand\tnothing\tbut\this\tcrown. And\tme. Mine\u2014he\twas\tmine.\tI\tsent\tthe\tthought\tdown\tthe\tbond. No\t playing,\t no\t delaying\u2014I\t wanted\t him\t on\t me,\t in\t me.\t I\t needed\t to\t feel\t him, hold\thim,\tshare\tbreath\twith\thim.\tHe\theard\tthe\tedge\tof\tdesperation,\tfelt\tit\tthrough the\tmating\tbond\tflowing\tbetween\tus. His\teyes\tdid\tnot\tleave\tmine\tas\the\tprowled\tover\tme,\tevery\tmovement\tgraceful as\ta\tstalking\tplains-cat.\tInterlacing\tour\tfingers,\this\tbreathing\tuneven,\tRhys\tused a\tknee\tto\tnudge\tmy\tlegs\tapart\tand\tsettle\tbetween\tthem.","Carefully,\t lovingly,\t he\t laid\t our\t joined\t hands\t beside\t my\t head\t as\t he\t guided himself\tinto\tme\tand\twhispered\tin\tmy\tear,\t\u201cYou\u2019re\tmine,\ttoo.\u201d At\tthe\tfirst\tnudge\tof\thim,\tI\tsurged\tforward\tto\tclaim\this\tmouth. I\t dragged\t my\t tongue\t over\t his\t teeth,\t swallowing\t his\t groan\t of\t pleasure\t as\t his hips\trolled\tin\tgentle\tthrusts\tand\the\tpushed\tin,\tand\tin,\tand\tin. Home.\tThis\twas\thome. And\twhen\tRhys\twas\tseated\tto\tthe\thilt,\twhen\the\tpaused\tto\tlet\tme\tadjust\tto\tthe fullness\t of\t him,\t I\t thought\t I\t might\t explode\t into\t moonlight\t and\t flame,\t thought\t I might\tdie\tfrom\tthe\tsheer\tforce\tof\twhat\tswept\tthrough\tme. My\t pants\t were\t edged\t with\t sobs\t as\t I\t dug\t my\t fingers\t into\t his\t back,\t and\t Rhys withdrew\t slightly\t to\t study\t my\t face.\t To\t read\t what\t was\t there.\t \u201cNever\t again,\u201d\t he promised\t as\t he\t pulled\t out,\t then\t thrust\t back\t in\t with\t excruciating\t slowness.\t He kissed\tmy\tbrow,\tmy\ttemple.\t\u201cMy\tdarling\tFeyre.\u201d Beyond\t words,\t I\t moved\t my\t hips,\t urging\t him\t deeper,\t harder.\t Rhys\t obliged me. With\tevery\tmovement,\tevery\tshared\tbreath,\tevery\twhispered\tendearment\tand moan,\tthat\tmating\tbond\tI\u2019d\thidden\tso\tfar\tinside\tmyself\tgrew\tbrighter.\tClearer. And\t when\t it\t again\t shone\t as\t brilliantly\t as\t adamant,\t my\t release\t cascaded through\tme,\tleaving\tmy\tskin\tglowing\tlike\ta\tnewborn\tstar\tin\tits\twake. At\tthe\tsight\tof\tit,\tright\tas\tI\tdragged\ta\tfinger\tdown\tthe\tsensitive\tinside\tof\this wing,\tRhys\tshouted\tmy\tname\tand\tfound\this\tpleasure. I\t held\t him\t through\t every\t heaving\t breath,\t held\t him\t as\t he\t at\t last\t stilled, lingering\tinside\tme,\tand\trelished\tthe\tfeel\tof\this\tskin\ton\tmine. For\t long\t minutes,\t we\t remained\t there,\t tangled\t together,\t listening\t to\t our breathing\teven\tout,\tthe\tsound\tof\tit\tfiner\tthan\tany\tmusic. After\ta\twhile,\tRhys\tlifted\this\tchest\tenough\tto\ttake\tmy\tright\thand.\tTo\texamine the\ttattoos\tinked\tthere.\tHe\tkissed\tone\tof\tthe\twhorls\tof\tnear-black\tblue\tink. His\tthroat\tbobbed.\t\u201cI\tmissed\tyou.\tEvery\tsecond,\tevery\tbreath.\tNot\tjust\tthis,\u201d he\t said,\t shifting\t his\t hips\t for\t emphasis\t and\t dragging\t a\t groan\t from\t deep\t in\t my throat,\t \u201cbut\t \u2026\t talking\t to\t you.\t Laughing\t with\t you.\t I\t missed\t having\t you\t in\t my bed,\tbut\tmissed\thaving\tyou\tas\tmy\tfriend\teven\tmore.\u201d My\teyes\tburned.\t\u201cI\tknow,\u201d\tI\tmanaged\tto\tsay,\tstroking\ta\thand\tdown\this\twings, his\t back.\t \u201cI\t know.\u201d\t I\t kissed\t his\t bare\t shoulder,\t right\t over\t a\t whorl\t of\t Illyrian tattoo.\t \u201cNever\t again,\u201d\t I\t promised\t him,\t and\t whispered\t it\t over\t and\t over\t as\t the","sunlight\tdrifted\tacross\tthe\tfloor.","CHAPTER 15 My\tsisters\thad\tbeen\tliving\tin\tthe\tHouse\tof\tWind\tsince\tthey\u2019d\tarrived\tin\tVelaris. They\t did\t not\t leave\t the\t palace\t built\t into\t the\t upper\t parts\t of\t a\t flat-topped mountain\toverlooking\tthe\tcity.\tThey\tdid\tnot\task\tfor\tanything,\tor\tanyone. So\tI\twould\tgo\tto\tthem. Lucien\t was\t waiting\t in\t the\t sitting\t room\t when\t Rhys\t and\t I\t came\t downstairs\t at last,\tmy\tmate\thaving\tgiven\tthe\tsilent\torder\tfor\tthem\tto\treturn. Unsurprisingly,\t Cassian\t and\t Azriel\t were\t casually\t seated\t in\t the\t dining\t room across\t the\t hall,\t eating\t lunch\t and\t marking\t every\t single\t breath\t Lucien\t emitted. Cassian\tsmirked\tat\tme,\tbrows\tflicking\tup. I\tshot\thim\ta\twarning\tglare\tthat\tdared\thim\tto\tcomment.\tAzriel,\tthankfully,\tjust kicked\tCassian\tunder\tthe\ttable. Cassian\tgawked\tat\tAzriel\tas\tif\tto\tdeclare\tI\twasn\u2019t\tgoing\tto\tsay\tanything\twhile I\tapproached\tthe\topen\tarchway\tinto\tthe\tsitting\troom,\tLucien\trising\tto\this\tfeet. I\tfought\tmy\tcringe\tas\tI\thalted\tin\tthe\tthreshold.\tLucien\twas\tstill\tin\this\ttravel- worn,\t filthy\t clothes.\t His\t face\t and\t hands,\t at\t least,\t were\t clean,\t but\t \u2026\t I\t should have\tgotten\thim\tsomething\telse.\tRemembered\tto\toffer\thim\u2014 The\tthought\trippled\taway\tinto\tnothing\tas\tRhys\tappeared\tat\tmy\tside. Lucien\tdid\tnot\tbother\tto\thide\tthe\tslight\tcurling\tof\this\tlip. As\tif\the\tcould\tsee\tthe\tmating\tbond\tglowing\tbetween\tRhys\tand\tme. His\teyes\u2014both\trusset\tand\tgolden\u2014slid\tdown\tmy\tbody.\tTo\tmy\thand. To\t the\t ring\t now\t on\t my\t finger,\t at\t the\t star\t sapphire\t sky-bright\t against\t the silver.\tA\tsimple\tsilver\tband\tsat\ton\tRhysand\u2019s\tmatching\tfinger. We\u2019d\t slid\t them\t onto\t each\t other\u2019s\t hands\t before\t coming\t downstairs\u2014more intimate\tand\tsearing\tthan\tany\tpublicly\tmade\tvows.","I\u2019d\ttold\tRhys\tbefore\twe\tdid\tso\tthat\tI\thad\thalf\ta\tmind\tto\tdeposit\this\tring\tat\tthe Weaver\u2019s\tcottage\tand\tmake\thim\tretrieve\tit. He\u2019d\t laughed\t and\t said\t that\t if\t I\t truly\t felt\t it\t was\t necessary\t to\t settle\t the\t score between\tus,\tperhaps\tI\tcould\tfind\tsome\tother\tcreature\tfor\thim\tto\tbattle\u2014one\tthat wouldn\u2019t\t delight\t in\t removing\t my\t favorite\t part\t from\t his\t body.\t I\u2019d\t only\t kissed him,\t murmuring\t about\t someone\t thinking\t rather\t highly\t of\t themselves,\t and\t had placed\t the\t ring\t he\u2019d\t selected\t for\t himself,\t bought\t here\t in\t Velaris\t while\t I\u2019d\t been away,\tonto\this\tfinger. Any\t joy,\t any\t lingering\t laughter\t from\t that\t moment,\t those\t silent\t vows\t \u2026\t It curled\t up\t like\t leaves\t in\t a\t fire\t as\t Lucien\t sneered\t at\t our\t rings.\t How\t close\t we stood.\tI\tswallowed. Rhys\tnoted\tit,\ttoo.\tIt\twas\timpossible\tto\tmiss. My\tmate\tleaned\tagainst\tthe\tcarved\tarchway\tand\tdrawled\tto\tLucien,\t\u201cI\tassume Cassian\t or\t Azriel\t has\t explained\t that\t if\t you\t threaten\t anyone\t in\t this\t house,\t this territory,\twe\u2019ll\tshow\tyou\tways\tto\tdie\tyou\u2019ve\tnever\teven\timagined.\u201d Indeed,\t the\t Illyrians\t smirked\t from\t where\t they\t lingered\t in\t the\t dining\t room threshold.\tAzriel\twas\tby\tfar\tthe\tmore\tterrifying\tof\tthe\tpair. Something\ttwisted\tin\tmy\tgut\tat\tthe\tthreat\u2014the\tsmooth,\tsleek\taggression. Lucien\twas\u2014had\tbeen\u2014my\tfriend.\tHe\twasn\u2019t\tmy\tenemy,\tnot\tentirely\u2014 \u201cBut,\u201d\t Rhys\t continued,\t sliding\t his\t hands\t into\t his\t pockets,\t \u201cI\t can\t understand how\tdifficult\tthis\tpast\tmonth\thas\tbeen\tfor\tyou.\tI\tknow\tFeyre\texplained\twe\taren\u2019t exactly\tas\trumor\tsuggests\t\u2026\u201d\tI\u2019d\tlet\thim\tinto\tmy\tmind\tbefore\twe\u2019d\tcome\tdown \u2014shown\t him\t all\t that\t had\t occurred\t at\t the\t Spring\t Court.\t \u201cBut\t hearing\t it\t and seeing\t it\t are\t two\t different\t things.\u201d\t He\t shrugged\t with\t one\t shoulder.\t \u201cElain\t has been\tcared\tfor.\tHer\tparticipation\tin\tlife\there\thas\tbeen\tentirely\ther\tchoice.\tNo\tone but\tus\tand\ta\tfew\ttrusted\tservants\thave\tentered\tthe\tHouse\tof\tWind.\u201d Lucien\tremained\tsilent. \u201cI\twas\tin\tlove\twith\tFeyre,\u201d\tRhys\tsaid\tquietly,\t\u201clong\tbefore\tshe\tever\treturned the\tfeeling.\u201d Lucien\tcrossed\this\tarms.\t\u201cHow\tfortunate\tthat\tyou\tgot\twhat\tyou\twanted\tin\tthe end.\u201d I\tclosed\tmy\teyes\tfor\ta\theartbeat. Cassian\tand\tAzriel\tstilled,\twaiting\tfor\tthe\torder. \u201cI\t will\t only\t say\t this\t once,\u201d\t warned\t the\t High\t Lord\t of\t the\t Night\t Court.\t Even","Lucien\t flinched.\t \u201cI\t suspected\t Feyre\t was\t my\t mate\t before\t I\t ever\t knew\t she\t was involved\t with\t Tamlin.\t And\t when\t I\t learned\t of\t it\t \u2026\t If\t it\t made\t her\t happy,\t I\t was willing\tto\tstep\tback.\u201d \u201cYou\tcame\tto\tour\thouse\tand\tstole\ther\taway\ton\ther\twedding\tday.\u201d \u201cI\t was\t going\t to\t call\t the\t wedding\t off,\u201d\t I\t cut\t in,\t taking\t a\t step\t toward\t Lucien. \u201cYou\tknew\tit.\u201d Rhysand\twent\ton\tbefore\tLucien\tcould\tsnap\ta\treply,\t\u201cI\twas\twilling\tto\tlose\tmy mate\tto\tanother\tmale.\tI\twas\twilling\tto\tlet\tthem\tmarry,\tif\tit\tbrought\ther\tjoy.\tBut what\t I\t was\t not\t willing\t to\t do\t was\t let\t her\t suffer.\t To\t let\t her\t fade\t away\t into\t a shadow.\tAnd\tthe\tmoment\tthat\tpiece\tof\tshit\tblew\tapart\this\tstudy,\tthe\tmoment\the locked\ther\tin\tthat\thouse\t\u2026\u201d\tHis\twings\tripped\tfrom\thim,\tand\tLucien\tstarted. Rhys\t bared\t his\t teeth.\t My\t limbs\t turned\t light,\t trembling\t at\t the\t dark\t power curling\t in\t the\t corners\t of\t the\t room.\t Not\t fear\u2014never\t fear\t of\t him.\t But\t at\t the shattered\t control\t as\t Rhys\t snarled\t at\t Lucien,\t \u201cMy\t mate\t may\t one\t day\t find\t it\t in herself\t to\t forgive\t him.\t Forgive\t you.\t But\t I\t will\t never\t forget\t how\t it\t felt\t to\t sense her\t terror\t in\t those\t moments.\u201d\t My\t cheeks\t heated,\t especially\t as\t Cassian\t and Azriel\t stalked\t closer,\t those\t hazel\t eyes\t now\t filled\t with\t a\t mix\t of\t sympathy\t and wrath. I\t had\t never\t talked\t about\t it\t to\t them\u2014what\t had\t gone\t on\t that\t day\t Tamlin\t had destroyed\this\tstudy,\tor\tthe\tday\the\u2019d\tsealed\tme\tinside\tthe\tmanor.\tI\u2019d\tnever\tasked Rhys\tif\the\u2019d\tinformed\tthem.\tFrom\tthe\tfury\trippling\tfrom\tCassian,\tthe\tcold\trage seeping\tfrom\tAzriel\t\u2026\tI\tdidn\u2019t\tthink\tso. Lucien,\t to\t his\t credit,\t didn\u2019t\t back\t away\t a\t step.\t From\t Rhys,\t or\t me,\t or\t the Illyrians. The\t Clever\t Fox\t Stares\t Down\t Winged\t Death.\t The\t painting\t flashed\t into\t my mind. \u201cSo,\t again,\t I\t will\t say\t this\t only\t once,\u201d\t Rhys\t went\t on,\t his\t expression smoothing\tinto\tlethal\tcalm,\tdragging\tme\tfrom\tthe\tcolors\tand\tlight\tand\tshadows gathering\t in\t my\t mind.\t \u201cFeyre\t did\t not\t dishonor\t or\t betray\t Tamlin.\t I\t revealed\t the mating\t bond\t months\t later\u2014and\t she\t gave\t me\t hell\t for\t it,\t don\u2019t\t worry.\t But\t now that\t you\u2019ve\t found\t your\t mate\t in\t a\t similar\t situation,\t perhaps\t you\t will\t try\t to understand\t how\t it\t felt.\t And\t if\t you\t can\u2019t\t be\t bothered,\t then\t I\t hope\t you\u2019re\t wise enough\t to\t keep\t your\t mouth\t shut,\t because\t the\t next\t time\t you\t look\t at\t my\t mate with\tthat\tdisdain\tand\tdisgust,\tI\twon\u2019t\tbother\tto\texplain\tit\tagain,\tand\tI\twill\trip\tout","your\tfucking\tthroat.\u201d Rhys\tsaid\tit\tso\tmildly\tthat\tthe\tthreat\ttook\ta\tsecond\tto\tregister.\tTo\tsettle\tin\tme like\ta\tstone\tplunked\tinto\ta\tpool. Lucien\t only\t shifted\t on\t his\t feet.\t Wary.\t Considering.\t I\t counted\t the\t heartbeats, debating\t how\t much\t I\u2019d\t interfere\t if\t he\t said\t something\t truly\t stupid,\t when\t he\t at last\tmurmured,\t\u201cThere\tis\ta\tlonger\tstory\tto\tbe\ttold,\tit\tseems.\u201d Smart\tanswer.\tThe\trage\tebbed\tfrom\tRhys\u2019s\tface\u2014and\tCassian\u2019s\tand\tAzriel\u2019s shoulders\trelaxed\tever\tso\tslightly. Just\tonce,\tLucien\thad\tsaid\tto\tme,\tduring\tthose\tdays\ton\tthe\trun.\tThat\twas\tall he\twanted\u2014to\tsee\tElain\tonly\tonce. And\t then\t \u2026\t I\u2019d\t have\t to\t figure\t out\t what\t to\t do\t with\t him.\t Unless\t my\t mate already\thad\tsome\tplan\tin\tmotion. One\tlook\tat\tRhys,\twho\tlifted\this\tbrows\tas\tif\tto\tsay\tHe\u2019s\tall\tyours,\ttold\tme\tit was\tmy\tcall.\tBut\tuntil\tthen\t\u2026\tI\tcleared\tmy\tthroat. \u201cI\u2019m\t going\t to\t see\t my\t sisters\t up\t at\t the\t House,\u201d\t I\t said\t to\t Lucien,\t whose\t eyes snapped\tto\tmine,\tthe\tmetal\tone\ttightening\tand\twhirring.\tI\tforced\ta\tgrim\tsmile\tto my\tface.\t\u201cWould\tyou\tlike\tto\tcome?\u201d Lucien\t weighed\t my\t offer\u2014and\t the\t three\t males\t monitoring\t his\t every\t blink and\tbreath. He\tonly\tnodded.\tAnother\twise\tdecision. We\t were\t gone\t within\t minutes,\t the\t quick\t walk\t up\t to\t the\t roof\t of\t the\t town house\t serving\t as\t Lucien\u2019s\t tour\t of\t my\t home.\t I\t didn\u2019t\t bother\t to\t point\t out\t the bedrooms.\tLucien\tcertainly\tdidn\u2019t\task. Azriel\t left\t us\t as\t we\t took\t to\t the\t skies,\t murmuring\t that\t he\t had\t some\t pressing business\t to\t attend\t to.\t From\t the\t glare\t Cassian\t gave\t him,\t I\t wondered\t if\t the shadowsinger\thad\tinvented\tit\tto\tavoid\tcarrying\tLucien\tto\tthe\tHouse\tof\tWind,\tbut Rhys\u2019s\tsubtle\tnod\tto\tAzriel\ttold\tme\tenough. There\twere\tindeed\tmatters\tafoot.\tPlans\tin\tmotion,\tas\tthey\talways\twere.\tAnd once\tI\tfinished\tvisiting\tmy\tsisters\t\u2026\tI\u2019d\tget\tanswers\tof\tmy\town. So\tCassian\tbore\ta\tstone-faced\tLucien\tinto\tthe\tskies,\tand\tRhys\tswept\tme\tinto his\tarms,\tshooting\tus\tgracefully\tinto\tthe\tcloudless\tblue. With\tevery\twing\tbeat,\twith\tevery\tdeep\tinhale\tof\tthe\tcitrus-and-salt\tbreeze\t\u2026 some\ttightness\tin\tmy\tbody\tuncoiled. Even\t if\t every\t wing\t beat\t brought\t us\t closer\t to\t the\t House\t looming\t above","Velaris.\tTo\tmy\tsisters. The\tHouse\tof\tWind\thad\tbeen\tcarved\tinto\tthe\tred,\tsun-warmed\tstone\tof\tthe\tflat- topped\tmountains\tthat\tlurked\tover\tone\tedge\tof\tthe\tcity,\twith\tcountless\tbalconies and\t patios\t jutting\t to\t overhang\t the\t thousand-foot\t drop\t to\t the\t valley\t floor. Velaris\u2019s\t winding\t streets\t flowed\t right\t to\t the\t sheer\t wall\t of\t the\t mountain\t itself, and\t snaking\t through\t it\t wove\t the\t Sidra,\t a\t glittering,\t bright\t band\t in\t the\t midday sun. As\twe\tlanded\ton\tthe\tveranda\tthat\tedged\tour\tusual\tdining\troom,\tCassian\tand Lucien\talighting\tbehind\tus,\tI\tlet\tit\tsink\tin:\tthe\tcity\tand\tthe\triver\tand\tthe\tdistant sea,\tthe\tjagged\tmountains\ton\tthe\tother\tside\tof\tVelaris\tand\tthe\tblazing\tblue\tof\tthe sky\tabove.\tAnd\tthe\tHouse\tof\tWind,\tmy\tother\thome.\tThe\tgrand,\tformal\tsister\tto the\t town\t house\u2014our\t public\t home,\t I\t supposed.\t Where\t we\t would\t hold\t meetings and\treceive\tguests\twho\tweren\u2019t\tfamily. A\t far\t more\t pleasant\t alternative\t to\t my\t other\t residence.\t The\t Court\t of Nightmares.\t At\t least\t there,\t I\t could\t stay\t in\t the\t moonstone\t palace\t high\t atop\t the mountain\tunder\twhich\tthe\tHewn\tCity\thad\tbeen\tbuilt.\tThough\tthe\tpeople\tI\u2019d\trule over\t\u2026\tI\tshut\tthem\tfrom\tmy\tthoughts\tas\tI\tadjusted\tmy\tbraid,\ttucking\tin\tstrands that\t had\t been\t whipped\t free\t by\t the\t gentle\t wind\t Rhys\t had\t allowed\t through\t his shield\twhile\tflying. Lucien\t just\t walked\t to\t the\t balcony\t rail\t and\t stared\t out.\t I\t didn\u2019t\t quite\t blame him. I\tglanced\tover\ta\tshoulder\tto\twhere\tRhys\tand\tCassian\tnow\tstood.\tRhys\tlifted\ta brow. Wait\tinside. Rhys\u2019s\tsmile\twas\tsharp.\tSo\tyou\twon\u2019t\thave\tany\twitnesses\twhen\tyou\tpush\thim over\tthe\trailing? I\t gave\t him\t an\t incredulous\t look\t and\t strode\t for\t Lucien,\t Rhys\u2019s\t murmur\t to Cassian\t about\t getting\t a\t drink\t in\t the\t dining\t room\t the\t only\t indication\t of\t their departure.\tThat,\tand\tthe\t near-silent\topening\tand\tclosing\tof\tthe\tglass\tdoors\tthat led\t into\t the\t dining\t room\t beyond.\t The\t same\t room\t where\t I\u2019d\t first\t met\t most\t of them\u2014my\tnew\tfamily. I\t came\t up\t beside\t Lucien,\t the\t wind\t ripping\t strands\t of\t his\t red\t hair\t free\t from","where\the\u2019d\ttied\tit\tat\this\tnape. \u201cThis\tisn\u2019t\twhat\tI\texpected,\u201d\the\tsaid,\ttaking\tin\tthe\tsprawl\tof\tVelaris. \u201cThe\tcity\tis\tstill\trebuilding\tafter\tthe\tHybern\tattack.\u201d His\teyes\tdropped\tto\tthe\tcarved\tbalcony\trail.\t\u201cEven\tthough\twe\thad\tno\tpart\tin that\t\u2026\tI\u2019m\tsorry.\tBut\u2014that\u2019s\tnot\twhat\tI\tmeant.\u201d\tHe\tglanced\tbehind\tus,\tto\twhere Rhys\tand\tCassian\twaited\tinside\tthe\tdining\troom,\tdrinks\tnow\tin\thand,\tleaning\tall too\tcasually\tagainst\tthe\tgiant\toak\ttable\tin\tits\tcenter. They\t became\t immensely\t interested\t in\t some\t spot\t or\t stain\t on\t the\t surface between\tthem. I\tscowled\tat\tthem,\tbut\tswallowed.\tAnd\teven\tthough\tmy\tsisters\twaited\tinside, even\tthough\tthe\turge\tto\tsee\tthem\twas\tso\ttangible\tI\twouldn\u2019t\thave\tbeen\tsurprised to\tfind\ta\trope\ttugging\tme\tinto\tthe\tHouse,\tI\tsaid\tto\tLucien,\t\u201cRhys\tsaved\tmy\tlife on\tCalanmai.\u201d So\t I\t told\t him.\t All\t of\t it\u2014the\t story\t that\t perhaps\t would\t help\t him\t understand. And\t realize\t how\t truly\t safe\t Elain\t was\u2014he\t now\t was.\t I\t eventually\t summoned Rhys\tto\texplain\this\town\thistory\u2014and\the\tgave\tLucien\tthe\tbarest\tdetails.\tNone\tof the\t vulnerable,\t sorrowful\t bits\t that\t had\t reduced\t me\t to\t tears\t in\t that\t mountain cabin.\tBut\tit\tpainted\ta\tclear\tenough\tpicture. Lucien\t said\t nothing\t while\t Rhys\t spoke.\t Or\t when\t I\t continued\t with\t my\t tale, Cassian\toften\tchiming\tin\twith\this\town\taccount\tof\thow\tit\u2019d\tbeen\tto\tlive\twith\ttwo mated-yet-un-mated\tpeople,\tto\tpretend\tRhys\twasn\u2019t\tcourting\tme,\tto\twelcome\tme into\ttheir\tlittle\tcircle. I\t didn\u2019t\t know\t how\t long\t had\t passed\t when\t we\t finished,\t though\t Rhys\t and Cassian\tused\tthe\ttime\tto\tunabashedly\tsun\ttheir\twings\tby\tthe\topen\tbalcony\tledge. I\tleft\toff\tour\tstory\tat\tHybern\u2014at\tthe\tday\tI\u2019d\tgone\tback\tto\tthe\tSpring\tCourt. Silence\t fell,\t and\t Rhys\t and\t Cassian\t again\t walked\t away,\t understanding\t the emotion\t swimming\t in\t Lucien\u2019s\t eye\u2014the\t meaning\t of\t the\t long\t breath\t he\t blew out. When\twe\twere\talone,\tLucien\trubbed\this\teyes.\t\u201cI\u2019ve\tseen\tRhysand\tdo\tsuch\t\u2026 horrible\tthings,\tseen\thim\tplay\tthe\tdark\tprince\tover\tand\tover.\tAnd\tyet\tyou\ttell\tme it\twas\tall\ta\tlie.\tA\tmask.\tAll\tto\tprotect\tthis\tplace,\tthese\tpeople.\tAnd\tI\twould\thave laughed\t at\t you\t for\t believing\t it,\t and\t yet\t \u2026\t this\t city\t exists.\t Untouched\u2014or\t until recently,\tI\tsuppose.\tEven\tthe\tDawn\tCourt\u2019s\tcities\tare\tnothing\tso\tlovely\tas\tthis.\u201d \u201cLucien\u2014\u201d","\u201cAnd\tyou\tlove\thim.\tAnd\the\u2014he\ttruly\tdoes\tlove\tyou.\u201d\tLucien\tdragged\ta\thand through\t his\t red\t hair.\t \u201cAnd\t all\t these\t people\t I\t have\t spent\t my\t centuries\t hating, even\tfearing\t\u2026\tThey\tare\tyour\tfamily.\u201d \u201cI\tthink\tAmren\twould\tprobably\tdeny\tthat\tshe\tfeels\tany\taffection\tfor\tus\u2014\u201d \u201cAmren\t is\t a\t bedtime\t story\t they\t told\t us\t as\t younglings\t to\t make\t us\t behave. Amren\twas\twho\twould\tdrink\tmy\tblood\tand\tcarry\tme\tto\thell\tif\tI\tacted\tout\tof\tline. And\tyet\tthere\tshe\twas,\tacting\tmore\tlike\ta\tcranky\told\taunt\tthan\tanything.\u201d \u201cWe\tdon\u2019t\u2014we\tdon\u2019t\tenforce\tprotocol\tand\trank\there.\u201d \u201cObviously.\tRhys\tlives\tin\ta\ttown\thouse,\tby\tthe\tCauldron.\u201d\tHe\twaved\tan\tarm to\tencompass\tthe\tcity. I\tdidn\u2019t\tknow\twhat\tto\tsay,\tso\tI\tkept\tsilent. \u201cI\thadn\u2019t\trealized\tI\twas\ta\tvillain\tin\tyour\tnarrative,\u201d\tLucien\tbreathed. \u201cYou\tweren\u2019t.\u201d\tNot\tentirely. The\tsun\tdanced\ton\tthe\tdistant\tsea,\tturning\tthe\thorizon\tinto\ta\tglittering\tsprawl of\tlight. \u201cShe\t doesn\u2019t\t know\t anything\t about\t you.\t Only\t the\t basics\t that\t Rhys\t gave\t her: you\t are\t a\t High\t Lord\u2019s\t son,\t serving\t in\t the\t Spring\t Court.\t And\t you\t helped\t me Under\tthe\tMountain.\tNothing\telse.\u201d I\tdidn\u2019t\tadd\tthat\tRhys\thad\ttold\tme\tmy\tsister\thadn\u2019t\tasked\tabout\thim\tat\tall. I\tstraightened.\t\u201cI\twould\tlike\tto\tsee\tthem\tfirst.\tI\tknow\tyou\u2019re\tanxious\u2014\u201d \u201cJust\tdo\tit,\u201d\tLucien\tsaid,\tbracing\this\tforearms\ton\tthe\tstone\trail\tof\tthe\tveranda. \u201cCome\tget\tme\twhen\tshe\u2019s\tready.\u201d I\talmost\tpatted\this\tshoulder\u2014almost\tsaid\tsomething\treassuring. But\twords\tfailed\tme\tagain\tas\tI\theaded\tfor\tthe\tdim\tinterior\tof\tthe\tHouse. Rhys\t had\t given\t Nesta\t and\t Elain\t a\t suite\t of\t connecting\t rooms,\t all\t with\t views overlooking\tthe\tcity\tand\triver\tand\tdistant\tmountains\tbeyond. But\tit\twas\tin\tthe\tfamily\tlibrary\tthat\tRhys\ttracked\tdown\tNesta. There\t was\t a\t coiled,\t razor-sharp\t tension\t in\t Cassian\t as\t the\t three\t of\t us\t strode down\t the\t stairways\t of\t the\t House,\t the\t red\t stone\t halls\t dim\t and\t echoing\t with\t the rustle\tof\tCassian\u2019s\twings\tand\tthe\tfaint\thowl\tof\twind\trattling\tat\tevery\twindow.\tA tension\t that\t grew\t more\t taut\t with\t every\t step\t toward\t the\t double\t doors\t of\t the library.\t I\t hadn\u2019t\t asked\t if\t they\t had\t seen\t each\t other,\t or\t spoken,\t since\t that\t day\t in","Hybern. Cassian\tvolunteered\tno\tinformation. And\t I\t might\t have\t asked\t Rhys\t down\t the\t bond\t had\t he\t not\t opened\t one\t of\t the doors. Had\t I\t not\t immediately\t spied\t Nesta\t curled\t in\t an\t armchair,\t a\t book\t on\t her knees,\tlooking\u2014for\tonce\u2014very\tun-Nesta-like.\tCasual.\tPerhaps\trelaxed. Perfectly\tcontent\tto\tbe\talone. The\t moment\t my\t shoes\t scuffed\t against\t the\t stone\t floor,\t she\t shot\t straight\t up, back\t going\t stiff,\t closing\t her\t book\t with\t a\t muffled\t thud.\t Yet\t her\t gray-blue\t eyes didn\u2019t\tso\tmuch\tas\twiden\tas\tthey\tbeheld\tme. As\tI\ttook\ther\tin. Nesta\thad\tbeen\tbeautiful\tas\ta\thuman\twoman. As\tHigh\tFae,\tshe\twas\tdevastating. From\tthe\tutter\tstillness\twith\twhich\tCassian\tstood\tbeside\tme,\tI\twondered\tif\the thought\tthe\tsame\tthing. She\twas\tin\ta\tpewter-colored\tgown,\tits\tmake\tsimple,\tyet\tthe\tmaterial\tfine.\tHer hair\twas\tbraided\tover\tthe\tcrown\tof\ther\thead,\taccentuating\ther\tlong,\tpale\tneck\u2014a neck\t Cassian\u2019s\t eyes\t darted\t to,\t then\t quickly\t away\t from,\t as\t she\t sized\t us\t up\t and said\tto\tme,\t\u201cYou\u2019re\tback.\u201d With\ther\thair\tstyled\tlike\tthat,\tit\thid\tthe\tpointed\tears.\tBut\tthere\twas\tnothing\tto hide\t the\t ethereal\t grace\t as\t she\t took\t one\t step.\t As\t her\t focus\t again\t returned\t to Cassian\tand\tshe\tadded,\t\u201cWhat\tdo\tyou\twant?\u201d I\t felt\t the\t blow\t like\t a\t punch\t to\t my\t gut.\t \u201cAt\t least\t immortality\t hasn\u2019t\t changed some\tthings\tabout\tyou.\u201d Nesta\u2019s\tlook\twas\tnothing\tshort\tof\ticy.\t\u201cIs\tthere\ta\tpurpose\tto\tthis\tvisit,\tor\tmay I\treturn\tto\tmy\tbook?\u201d Rhys\u2019s\t hand\t brushed\t mine\t in\t silent\t comfort.\t But\t his\t face\t \u2026\t hard\t as\t stone. And\teven\tless\tamused. But\tCassian\tsauntered\tover\t to\tNesta,\ta\thalf\tsmile\tspreading\tacross\t his\tface. She\t stood\t stiffly\t while\t he\t picked\t up\t the\t book,\t read\t the\t title,\t and\t chuckled.\t \u201cI wouldn\u2019t\thave\tpegged\tyou\tfor\ta\tromance\treader.\u201d She\tgave\thim\ta\twithering\tglare. Cassian\t leafed\t through\t the\t pages\t and\t drawled\t to\t me,\t \u201cYou\t haven\u2019t\t missed much\twhile\tyou\twere\toff\tdestroying\tour\tenemies,\tFeyre.\tIt\u2019s\tmostly\tbeen\tthis.\u201d","Nesta\twhirled\tto\tme.\t\u201cYou\u2014accomplished\tit?\u201d I\tclenched\tmy\tjaw.\t\u201cWe\u2019ll\tsee\thow\tit\tplays\tout.\tI\tmade\tsure\tIanthe\tsuffered.\u201d At\tthe\thint\tof\trage\tand\tfear\tthat\tcrept\tinto\tNesta\u2019s\teyes,\tI\tamended,\t\u201cNot\tenough, though.\u201d I\t glanced\t at\t her\t hand\u2014the\t one\t she\u2019d\t pointed\t with\t at\t the\t King\t of\t Hybern. Rhys\t had\t mentioned\t no\t signs\t of\t special\t powers\t from\t either\t of\t my\t sisters.\t Yet that\t day\t in\t Hybern,\t when\t Nesta\t had\t opened\t her\t eyes\t \u2026\t I\t had\t seen\t it.\t Seen something\tgreat\tand\tterrible\twithin\tthem. \u201cAnd,\t again,\t why\t are\t you\t here?\u201d\t She\t snatched\t her\t book\t from\t Cassian,\t who allowed\t her\t to\t do\t so,\t but\t remained\t standing\t beside\t her.\t Watching\t every\t breath, every\tblink. \u201cI\twanted\tto\tsee\tyou,\u201d\tI\tsaid\tquietly.\t\u201cSee\thow\tyou\twere\tdoing.\u201d \u201cSee\t if\t I\u2019ve\t accepted\t my\t lot\t and\t found\t myself\t grateful\t for\t becoming\t one\t of them?\u201d I\t steeled\t my\t spine.\t \u201cYou\u2019re\t my\t sister.\t I\t watched\t them\t hurt\t you.\t I\t wanted\t to see\tif\tyou\twere\tall\tright.\u201d A\tlow,\tbitter\tlaugh.\tBut\tshe\tturned\tto\tCassian,\tlooked\thim\tover\tas\tif\tshe\twere a\tqueen\ton\ta\tthrone,\tand\tthen\tdeclared\tto\tall\tof\tus,\t\u201cWhat\tdo\tI\tcare?\tI\tget\tto\tbe young\t and\t beautiful\t forever,\t and\t I\t never\t have\t to\t go\t back\t to\t those\t sycophantic fools\t over\t the\t wall.\t I\t get\t to\t do\t as\t I\t wish,\t since\t apparently\t no\t one\t here\t has\t any regard\t for\t rules\t or\t manners\t or\t our\t traditions.\t Perhaps\t I\t should\t thank\t you\t for dragging\tme\tinto\tthis.\u201d Rhys\t put\t a\t hand\t on\t the\t small\t of\t my\t back\t before\t the\t words\t even\t struck\t their target. Nesta\t snorted.\t \u201cBut\t it\u2019s\t not\t me\t you\t should\t be\t checking\t on.\t I\t had\t as\t little\t at stake\ton\tthe\tother\tside\tof\tthe\twall\tas\tI\tdo\there.\u201d\tHate\trippled\tover\ther\tfeatures\u2014 enough\thate\tthat\tI\tfelt\tsick.\tNesta\thissed.\t\u201cShe\twill\tnot\tleave\ther\troom.\tShe\twill not\tstop\tcrying.\tShe\twill\tnot\teat,\tor\tsleep,\tor\tdrink.\u201d Rhys\u2019s\tjaw\tclenched.\t\u201cI\thave\tasked\tyou\tover\tand\tover\tif\tyou\tneeded\u2014\u201d \u201cWhy\tshould\tI\tallow\tany\tof\tyou\u201d\u2014the\tlast\tword\twas\tshot\tat\tCassian\twith\tas much\t venom\t as\t a\t pit\t viper\u2014\u201cto\t get\t near\t her?\t It\t is\t no\t one\u2019s\t business\t but\t our own.\u201d \u201cElain\u2019s\tmate\tis\there,\u201d\tI\tsaid. And\tit\twas\tthe\twrong\tthing\tto\tutter\tin\tNesta\u2019s\tpresence.","She\twent\twhite\twith\trage. \u201cHe\tis\tno\tsuch\tthing\tto\ther,\u201d\tshe\tsnarled,\tadvancing\ton\tme\tenough\tthat\tRhys slid\ta\tshield\tinto\tplace\tbetween\tus. As\tif\the,\ttoo,\thad\tglimpsed\tthat\tmighty\tpower\tin\ther\teyes\tthat\tday\tin\tHybern. And\tdid\tnot\tknow\thow\tit\twould\tmanifest. \u201cIf\tyou\tbring\tthat\tmale\tanywhere\tnear\ther,\tI\u2019ll\u2014\u201d \u201cYou\u2019ll\t what?\u201d\t Cassian\t crooned,\t trailing\t her\t at\t a\t casual\t pace\t as\t she\t stopped perhaps\tfive\tfeet\tfrom\tme.\tHe\tlifted\ta\tbrow\tas\tshe\twhirled\ton\thim.\t\u201cYou\twon\u2019t join\tme\tfor\tpractice,\tso\tyou\tsure\tas\thell\taren\u2019t\tgoing\tto\thold\tyour\town\tin\ta\tfight. You\t won\u2019t\t talk\t about\t your\t powers,\t so\t you\t certainly\t aren\u2019t\t going\t to\t be\t able\t to wield\tthem.\tAnd\tyou\u2014\u201d \u201cShut\t your\t mouth,\u201d\t she\t snapped,\t every\t inch\t the\t conquering\t empress.\t \u201cI\t told you\tto\tstay\tthe\thell\taway\tfrom\tme,\tand\tif\tyou\u2014\u201d \u201cYou\t come\t between\t a\t male\t and\t his\t mate,\t Nesta\t Archeron,\t and\t you\u2019re\t going to\tlearn\tabout\tthe\tconsequences\tthe\thard\tway.\u201d Nesta\u2019s\tnostrils\tflared.\tCassian\tonly\tgave\ther\ta\tcrooked\tgrin. I\t cut\t in,\t \u201cIf\t Elain\t is\t not\t up\t for\t it,\t then\t she\t won\u2019t\t see\t him.\t I\t won\u2019t\t force\t the meeting\ton\ther.\tBut\the\tdoes\twish\tto\tsee\ther,\tNesta.\tI\u2019ll\task\ton\this\tbehalf,\tbut\tthe decision\twill\tbe\thers.\u201d \u201cThe\tmale\twho\tsold\tus\tout\tto\tHybern.\u201d \u201cIt\u2019s\tmore\tcomplicated\tthan\tthat.\u201d \u201cWell,\tit\twill\tcertainly\tbe\tmore\tcomplicated\twhen\tFather\treturns\tand\tfinds\tus gone.\tWhat\tdo\tyou\tplan\tto\ttell\thim\tabout\tall\tthis?\u201d \u201cSeeing\tas\the\thasn\u2019t\tsent\tword\tfrom\tthe\tcontinent\tin\tmonths,\tI\u2019ll\tworry\tabout that\tlater,\u201d\tI\tsniped\tback.\tAnd\tthank\tthe\tCauldron\tfor\tit\u2014that\the\twas\toff\ttrading in\tsome\tlucrative\tterritory. Nesta\t only\t shook\t her\t head,\t turning\t toward\t the\t chair\t and\t her\t book.\t \u201cI\t don\u2019t care.\tDo\twhat\tyou\twant.\u201d A\t stinging\t dismissal,\t if\t not\t admission\t that\t she\t still\t trusted\t me\t enough\t to consider\t Elain\u2019s\t needs\t first.\t Rhys\t jerked\t his\t chin\t at\t Cassian\t in\t a\t silent\t order\t to leave,\tand\tas\tI\tfollowed\tthem,\tI\tsaid\tsoftly,\t\u201cI\u2019m\tsorry,\tNesta.\u201d She\t didn\u2019t\t answer\t as\t she\t sat\t stiffly\t in\t her\t chair,\t picked\t up\t her\t book,\t and dutifully\tignored\tus.\tA\tblow\tto\tthe\tface\twould\thave\tbeen\tbetter. When\tI\tlooked\tahead,\tI\tfound\tCassian\tstaring\tback\tat\tNesta\tas\twell.","I\twondered\twhy\tno\tone\thad\tyet\tmentioned\twhat\tnow\tshone\tin\tCassian\u2019s\teyes as\the\tgazed\tat\tmy\tsister. The\tsorrow.\tAnd\tthe\tlonging. The\tsuite\twas\tfilled\twith\tsunlight. Every\t curtain\t shoved\t back\t as\t far\t as\t it\t could\t go,\t to\t let\t in\t as\t much\t sun\t as possible. As\tif\tany\tbit\tof\tdarkness\twas\tabhorrent.\tAs\tif\tto\tchase\tit\taway. And\t seated\t in\t a\t small\t chair\t before\t the\t sunniest\t of\t the\t windows,\t her\t back\t to us,\twas\tElain. Where\t Nesta\t had\t been\t in\t contented\t silence\t before\t we\t found\t her,\t Elain\u2019s silence\twas\t\u2026\thollow. Empty. Her\thair\twas\tdown\u2014not\teven\tbraided.\tI\tcouldn\u2019t\tremember\tthe\tlast\ttime\tI\u2019d seen\tit\tunbound.\tShe\twore\ta\tmoon-white\tsilk\tdressing\trobe. She\tdid\tnot\tlook,\tor\tspeak,\tor\teven\tflinch\tas\twe\tentered. Her\t too-thin\t arms\t rested\t on\t her\t chair.\t That\t iron\t engagement\t ring\t still encircled\ther\tfinger. Her\tskin\twas\tso\tpale\tit\tlooked\tlike\tfresh\tsnow\tin\tthe\tharsh\tlight. I\trealized\tthen\tthat\tthe\tcolor\tof\tdeath,\tof\tsorrow,\twas\twhite. The\tlack\tof\tcolor.\tOf\tvibrancy. I\tleft\tCassian\tand\tRhys\tby\tthe\tdoor. Nesta\u2019s\trage\twas\tbetter\tthan\tthis\t\u2026\tshell. This\tvoid. My\tbreath\tcaught\tas\tI\tedged\taround\ther\tchair.\tBeheld\tthe\tcity\tview\tshe\tstared so\tblankly\tat. Then\tbeheld\tthe\thollowed-out\tcheeks,\tthe\tbloodless\tlips,\tthe\tbrown\teyes\tthat had\tonce\tbeen\trich\tand\twarm,\tand\tnow\tseemed\tutterly\tdull.\tLike\tgrave\tdirt. She\tdidn\u2019t\tso\tmuch\tas\tlook\tat\tme\tas\tI\tsaid\tsoftly,\t\u201cElain?\u201d I\tdidn\u2019t\tdare\treach\tfor\ther\thand. I\tdidn\u2019t\tdare\tget\ttoo\tclose. I\thad\tdone\tthis.\tI\thad\tbrought\tthis\tupon\tthem\u2014 \u201cI\u2019m\tback,\u201d\tI\tadded\ta\tbit\tlimply.\tUselessly.","All\tshe\tsaid\twas,\t\u201cI\twant\tto\tgo\thome.\u201d I\tclosed\tmy\teyes,\tmy\tchest\tunbearably\ttight.\t\u201cI\tknow.\u201d \u201cHe\u2019ll\tbe\tlooking\tfor\tme,\u201d\tshe\twhispered. \u201cI\tknow,\u201d\tI\tsaid\tagain.\tNot\tLucien\u2014she\twasn\u2019t\ttalking\tabout\thim\tat\tall. \u201cWe\twere\tsupposed\tto\tbe\tmarried\tnext\tweek.\u201d I\tput\ta\thand\ton\tmy\tchest,\tas\tif\tit\u2019d\tstop\tthe\tcracking\tin\tthere.\t\u201cI\u2019m\tsorry.\u201d Nothing.\t Not\t even\t a\t flicker\t of\t emotion.\t \u201cEveryone\t keeps\t saying\t that.\u201d\t Her thumb\tbrushed\tthe\tring\ton\ther\tfinger.\t\u201cBut\tit\tdoesn\u2019t\tfix\tanything,\tdoes\tit?\u201d I\t couldn\u2019t\t get\t enough\t air\t in.\t I\t couldn\u2019t\u2014I\t couldn\u2019t\t breathe,\t looking\t at\t this broken,\tcarved-out\tthing\tmy\tsister\thad\tbecome.\tWhat\tI\u2019d\trobbed\ther\tof,\twhat\tI\u2019d taken\tfrom\ther\u2014 Rhys\twas\tthere,\tan\tarm\tsliding\taround\tmy\twaist.\t\u201cCan\twe\tget\tyou\tanything, Elain?\u201d\tHe\tspoke\twith\tsuch\tgentleness\tI\tcould\tbarely\tstand\tit. \u201cI\twant\tto\tgo\thome,\u201d\tshe\trepeated. I\tcouldn\u2019t\task\ther\u2014about\tLucien.\tNot\tnow.\tNot\tyet. I\t turned\t away,\t fully\t prepared\t to\t bolt\t and\t completely\t fall\t apart\t in\t another room,\tanother\tsection\tof\tthe\tHouse.\tBut\tLucien\twas\tstanding\tin\tthe\tdoorway. And\t from\t the\t devastation\t on\t his\t face,\t I\t knew\t he\u2019d\t heard\t every\t word.\t Seen and\theard\tand\tfelt\tthe\thollowness\tand\tdespair\tradiating\tfrom\ther. Elain\t had\t always\t been\t gentle\t and\t sweet\u2014and\t I\t had\t considered\t it\t a\t different sort\t of\t strength.\t A\t better\t strength.\t To\t look\t at\t the\t hardness\t of\t the\t world\t and choose,\tover\tand\tover,\tto\tlove,\tto\tbe\tkind.\tShe\thad\tbeen\talways\tso\tfull\tof\tlight. Perhaps\tthat\twas\twhy\tshe\tnow\tkept\tall\tthe\tcurtains\topen.\tTo\tfill\tthe\tvoid\tthat existed\twhere\tall\tof\tthat\tlight\thad\tonce\tbeen. And\tnow\tnothing\tremained.","CHAPTER 16 Rhysand\tsilently\tled\tLucien\tto\tthe\tsuite\the\u2019d\tbe\toccupying\tat\tthe\topposite\tend\tof the\t House\t of\t Wind.\t Cassian\t and\t I\t trailed\t behind,\t none\t of\t us\t speaking\t until\t my mate\t opened\t a\t set\t of\t onyx\t doors\t to\t reveal\t a\t sunny\t sitting\t room\t carved\t from more\tred\tstone.\tBeyond\tthe\twall\tof\twindows,\tthe\tcity\tflowed\tfar\tbelow,\tthe\tview stretching\tto\tthe\tdistant\tjagged\tmountains\tand\tglittering\tsea. Rhys\tpaused\tin\tthe\tcenter\tof\ta\tmidnight-blue\thandwoven\trug\tand\tgestured\tto the\tsealed\tdoors\ton\this\tleft.\t\u201cBedroom.\u201d\tHe\twaved\ta\tlazy\thand\ttoward\tthe\tsingle door\ton\tthe\topposite\twall.\t\u201cBathing\troom.\u201d Lucien\tsurveyed\tit\tall\twith\tcool\tindifference.\tWhat\the\tfelt\tabout\tElain,\twhat he\tplanned\tto\tdo\t\u2026\tI\tdidn\u2019t\twant\tto\task. \u201cI\tassume\tyou\u2019ll\tneed\tclothes,\u201d\tRhys\twent\ton,\tnodding\ttoward\tLucien\u2019s\tfilthy jacket\t and\t pants\u2014which\t he\u2019d\t worn\t for\t the\t past\t week\t while\t we\t scrambled through\t territories.\t Indeed,\t that\t was\t \u2026\t blood\t splattered\t in\t several\t spots.\t \u201cAny preferences\tfor\tattire?\u201d That\t drew\t Lucien\u2019s\t attention,\t the\t male\t shifting\t enough\t to\t take\t in\t Rhys\u2014to note\tCassian\tand\tme\tlurking\tin\tthe\tdoorway.\t\u201cIs\tthere\ta\tcost?\u201d \u201cIf\tyou\u2019re\ttrying\tto\tsay\tthat\tyou\thave\tno\tmoney,\tdon\u2019t\tworry\u2014the\tclothes\tare complimentary.\u201d\t Rhys\t gave\t him\t a\t half\t smile.\t \u201cIf\t you\u2019re\t trying\t to\t ask\t if\t this\t is some\t sort\t of\t bribe\t \u2026\u201d\t A\t shrug.\t \u201cYou\t are\t a\t High\t Lord\u2019s\t son.\t It\t would\t be\t bad manners\tnot\tto\thouse\tand\tclothe\tyou\tin\tyour\ttime\tof\tneed.\u201d Lucien\tbristled. Stop\tbaiting\thim,\tI\tshot\tdown\tthe\tbond. But\tit\u2019s\tso\tfun,\tcame\tthe\tpurred\treply. Something\thad\trattled\thim.\tRattled\tRhys\tenough\tthat\ttaunting\tLucien\twas\tan","easy\tway\tto\ttake\tthe\tedge\toff.\tI\tstepped\tcloser,\tCassian\tremaining\tbehind\tme\tas\tI told\t Lucien,\t \u201cWe\u2019ll\t be\t back\t for\t dinner\t in\t a\t few\t hours.\t Rest\t a\t while\u2014bathe.\t If you\tneed\tanything,\tpull\tthat\trope\tby\tthe\tdoor.\u201d Lucien\t stiffened\u2014not\t at\t what\t I\u2019d\t said,\t I\t realized,\t but\t at\t the\t tone.\t A\t hostess. But\the\tasked,\t\u201cWhat\tof\u2014Elain?\u201d Your\tcall,\tRhys\toffered. \u201cI\t need\t to\t think\t about\t it,\u201d\t I\t answered\t plainly.\t \u201cUntil\t I\t figure\t out\t what\t to\t do with\t her,\t with\t Nesta,\t stay\t out\t of\t their\t way.\u201d\t I\t added\t perhaps\t too\t tightly,\t \u201cThis house\t is\t warded\t against\t winnowing,\t both\t from\t outside\t and\t within.\t There\u2019s\t one way\tout\u2014the\tstairs\tto\tthe\tcity.\tIt,\ttoo,\tis\twarded\u2014and\tguarded.\tPlease\tdon\u2019t\tdo anything\tstupid.\u201d \u201cSo\tam\tI\ta\tprisoner?\u201d I\tcould\tfeel\tthe\tresponse\tsimmering\tin\tRhys,\tbut\tI\tshook\tmy\thead.\t\u201cNo.\tBut understand\twhile\tyou\tmay\tbe\ther\tmate,\tElain\tis\tmy\tsister.\tI\u2019ll\tdo\twhat\tI\tmust\tto protect\ther\tfrom\tfurther\tharm.\u201d \u201cI\twould\tnever\thurt\ther.\u201d A\tbleak\tsort\tof\thonesty\tin\this\twords. I\tsimply\tnodded,\tloosening\ta\tbreath,\tand\tmet\tRhysand\u2019s\tstare\tin\tsilent\turging. My\tmate\tgave\tno\tindication\tof\tmy\twordless\tplea\tas\the\tsaid,\t\u201cYou\tare\tfree\tto wander\twhere\tyou\twish,\tinto\tthe\tcity\titself\tif\tyou\tfeel\tlike\tbraving\tthe\tstairs,\tbut there\tare\ttwo\tconditions:\tyou\tare\tnot\tto\ttake\teither\tsister,\tand\tyou\tare\tnot\tto\tenter their\t floor.\tIf\tyou\t require\ta\t book\tfrom\t the\tlibrary,\tyou\twill\task\t the\tservants.\tIf you\twish\tto\tspeak\tto\tElain\tor\tNesta,\tyou\twill\talso\task\tthe\tservants,\twho\twill\task us.\tIf\tyou\tdisregard\tthose\trules,\tI\u2019ll\tlock\tyou\tin\ta\troom\twith\tAmren.\u201d Then\t Rhys\t turned\t away,\t hands\t sliding\t into\t his\t pockets\t as\t he\t offered\t his hooked\telbow\tto\tme.\tI\tlooped\tmy\tarm\tthrough\this,\tbut\tsaid\tto\tLucien,\t\u201cWe\u2019ll\tsee you\tin\ta\tfew\thours.\u201d We\twere\talmost\tto\tthe\tdoor,\tCassian\talready\tin\tthe\thall,\twhen\tLucien\tsaid\tto me,\t\u201cThank\tyou.\u201d I\tdidn\u2019t\tdare\task\thim\tfor\twhat. We\tflew\tright\tto\tAmren\u2019s\tloft,\tmore\tthan\ta\tfew\tpeople\twaving\tas\twe\tsoared\tover the\trooftops\tof\tVelaris.\tMy\tsmile\twasn\u2019t\tfaked\twhen\tI\twaved\tback\tto\tthem\u2014my","people.\tRhys\tonly\theld\tme\ta\tbit\ttighter\twhile\tI\tdid\tso,\this\town\tsmile\tas\tbright\tas the\tsun\ton\tthe\tSidra. Mor\t and\t Azriel\t were\t already\t waiting\t inside\t Amren\u2019s\t apartment,\t seated\t like scolded\t children\t on\t the\t threadbare\t divan\t against\t the\t wall\t while\t the\t dark-haired female\tflipped\tthrough\tthe\tpages\tof\tbooks\tsprawled\taround\ther\ton\tthe\tfloor. Mor\t gave\t me\t a\t grateful,\t relieved\t look\t as\t we\t entered,\t Azriel\u2019s\t own\t face revealing\tnothing\twhile\the\tstood,\tkeeping\ta\tcareful,\ttoo-casual\tdistance\tfrom\ther side.\tBut\tit\twas\tAmren\twho\tsaid\tfrom\tthe\tfloor,\t\u201cYou\tshould\tkill\tBeron\tand\this sons\t and\t set\t up\t the\t handsome\t one\t as\t High\t Lord\t of\t Autumn,\t self-imposed\t exile or\tno.\tIt\twill\tmake\tlife\teasier.\u201d \u201cI\u2019ll\t take\t that\t into\t consideration,\u201d\t Rhys\t said,\t striding\t toward\t her\t while\t I remained\twith\tthe\tothers.\tIf\tthey\twere\thanging\tback\t\u2026\tAmren\thad\tto\tbe\tin\tsome mood. I\tblew\tout\ta\tbreath.\t\u201cWho\telse\tthinks\tit\u2019s\ta\tterrible\tidea\tto\tleave\tthe\tthree\tof them\tup\tat\tthe\tHouse\tof\tWind?\u201d Cassian\traised\this\thand\tas\tRhys\tand\tMor\tchuckled.\tThe\tHigh\tLord\u2019s\tgeneral said,\t\u201cI\tgive\thim\tan\thour\tbefore\the\ttries\tto\tsee\ther.\u201d \u201cThirty\tminutes,\u201d\tMor\tcountered,\tsitting\tback\tdown\ton\tthe\tdivan\tand\tcrossing her\tlegs. I\t cringed.\t \u201cI\t guarantee\t Nesta\t is\t now\t guarding\t Elain.\t I\t think\t she\t might honestly\tkill\thim\tif\the\tso\tmuch\tas\ttries\tto\ttouch\ther.\u201d \u201cNot\twithout\ttraining\tshe\twon\u2019t,\u201d\tCassian\tgrumbled,\ttucking\tin\this\twings\tas he\tclaimed\tthe\tseat\tbeside\tMor\tthat\tAzriel\thad\tvacated.\tThe\tshadowsinger\tdidn\u2019t so\t much\t as\t look\t at\t it.\t No,\t Azriel\t just\t walked\t to\t the\t wall\t beside\t Cassian\t and leaned\tagainst\tthe\twood\tpaneling. But\t Rhys\t and\t the\t others\t remained\t quiet\t enough\t that\t I\t knew\t to\t proceed carefully\tas\tI\tasked\tCassian,\t\u201cNesta\tspoke\tas\tif\tyou\u2019ve\tbeen\tup\tat\tthe\tHouse\t\u2026 often.\tYou\u2019ve\toffered\tto\ttrain\ther?\u201d Cassian\u2019s\t hazel\t eyes\t shuttered\t as\t he\t crossed\t a\t booted\t ankle\t over\t another, stretching\this\tmuscled\tlegs\tbefore\thim.\t\u201cI\tgo\tup\tthere\tevery\tother\tday.\tIt\u2019s\tgood exercise\tfor\tmy\twings.\u201d\tThose\twings\tshifted\tin\temphasis.\tNot\ta\tscratch\tmarred them. \u201cAnd?\u201d \u201cAnd\t what\t you\t saw\t in\t the\t library\t is\t a\t pleasanter\t version\t of\t the\t conversation","we\talways\thave.\u201d Mor\u2019s\t lips\t pressed\t into\t a\t thin\t line,\t as\t if\t she\t was\t trying\t her\t best\t not\t to\t say anything.\tAzriel\t was\t trying\this\tbest\tto\tshoot\ta\twarning\t stare\t at\tMor\tto\tremind her\t to\t indeed\t keep\t her\t mouth\t shut.\t As\t if\t they\u2019d\t already\t discussed\t this.\t Many times. \u201cI\t don\u2019t\t blame\t her,\u201d\t Cassian\t said,\t shrugging\t despite\t his\t words.\t \u201cShe\t was\u2014 violated.\t Her\t body\t stopped\t belonging\t wholly\t to\t her.\u201d\t His\t jaw\t clenched.\t Even Amren\tdidn\u2019t\tdare\tsay\tanything.\t\u201cAnd\tI\tam\tgoing\tto\tpeel\tthe\tKing\tof\tHybern\u2019s skin\toff\this\tbones\tthe\tnext\ttime\tI\tsee\thim.\u201d His\tSiphons\tflickered\tin\tanswer. Rhys\tsaid\tcasually,\t\u201cI\u2019m\tsure\tthe\tking\twill\tthoroughly\tenjoy\tthe\texperience.\u201d Cassian\tglowered.\t\u201cI\tmean\tit.\u201d \u201cOh,\t I\t have\t no\t doubt\t that\t you\t do.\u201d\t Rhys\u2019s\t violet\t eyes\t were\t dazzling\t in\t the dimness\t of\t the\t loft.\t \u201cBut\t before\t you\t lose\t yourself\t in\t plans\t for\t revenge,\t do remember\tthat\twe\thave\ta\twar\tto\tplan\tfirst.\u201d \u201cAsshole.\u201d A\tcorner\tof\tmy\tmate\u2019s\tmouth\ttugged\tupward.\tAnd\u2014Rhys\twas\tgoading\thim, working\tCassian\tinto\ta\ttemper\tto\tkeep\tthat\tbrittle\tedge\tof\tguilt\tfrom\tconsuming him.\tThe\tothers\tletting\thim\ttake\ton\tthe\ttask,\tlikely\thaving\tdone\tit\tseveral\ttimes themselves\tthese\tweeks.\t\u201cI\tam\tmost\tdefinitely\tthat,\u201d\tRhys\tsaid,\t\u201cbut\tthe\tfact\tstill remains\tthat\trevenge\tis\tsecondary\tto\twinning\tthis\twar.\u201d Cassian\t opened\t his\t mouth\t as\t if\t he\u2019d\t keep\t arguing,\t but\t Rhys\t peered\t at\t the books\tscattered\ton\tthe\tlush\tcarpet.\t\u201cNothing?\u201d\the\tasked\tAmren. \u201cI\tdon\u2019t\tknow\twhy\tyou\tsent\tthose\ttwo\tbuffoons\u201d\u2014a\tnarrowed\tglance\ttoward Mor\tand\tAzriel\u2014\u201cto\tmonitor\tme.\u201d\tSo\tthis\twas\twhere\tAzriel\thad\tgone\u2014right\tto the\tloft.\tTo\tno\tdoubt\tspare\tMor\tfrom\tenduring\tAmren\tDuty\talone.\tBut\tAmren\u2019s tone\t \u2026\t cranky,\t yes,\t but\t perhaps\t a\t bit\t of\t a\t front,\t too.\t To\t banish\t that\t too-fragile gleam\tin\tCassian\u2019s\teyes. \u201cWe\u2019re\tnot\tmonitoring\tyou,\u201d\tMor\tsaid,\ttapping\ther\tfoot\ton\tthe\tcarpet.\t\u201cWe\u2019re monitoring\tthe\tBook.\u201d And\tas\tshe\tsaid\tit\t\u2026\tI\tfelt\tit.\tHeard\tit. Amren\thad\tplaced\tthe\tBook\tof\tBreathings\ton\ther\tnightstand. A\tglass\tof\told\tblood\tatop\tit. I\t didn\u2019t\t know\t whether\t to\t laugh\t or\t cringe.\t The\t latter\t won\t out\t as\t the\t Book","murmured,\tHello,\tsweet-faced\tliar.\tHello,\tprincess\twith\u2014 \u201cOh,\t be\t quiet,\u201d\t Amren\t hissed\t toward\t the\t Book,\t who\u2014shut\t up.\t \u201cOdious thing,\u201d\tshe\tmuttered,\tand\twent\tback\tto\tthe\ttome\tbefore\ther. Rhys\t gave\t me\t a\t wry\t smile.\t \u201cSince\t the\t two\t halves\t of\t the\t Book\t were\t joined back\ttogether,\tit\thas\tbeen\t\u2026\tknown\tto\tspeak\tevery\tnow\tand\tthen.\u201d \u201cWhat\tdoes\tit\tsay?\u201d \u201cUtter\t nonsense,\u201d\t Amren\t spat,\t scowling\t at\t the\t Book.\t \u201cIt\t just\t likes\t to\t hear itself\ttalk.\tLike\tmost\tof\tthe\tpeople\tcramping\tup\tmy\tapartment.\u201d Cassian\tsmirked.\t\u201cDid\tsomeone\tforget\tto\tfeed\tAmren\tagain?\u201d She\tpointed\ta\twarning\tfinger\tat\thim\twithout\tso\tmuch\tas\tlooking\tup.\t\u201cIs\tthere a\treason,\tRhysand,\twhy\tyou\tdragged\tyour\tyapping\tpack\tinto\tmy\thome?\u201d Her\t home\t was\t little\t more\t than\t a\t giant,\t converted\t attic,\t but\t none\t of\t us\t dared argue\t as\t Mor,\t Cassian,\t and\t Azriel\t finally\t came\t closer,\t forming\t a\t small\t circle around\tAmren\u2019s\tsprawl\tin\tthe\tcenter\tof\tthe\troom. Rhys\t said\t to\t me,\t \u201cThe\t information\t you\t got\t from\t Dagdan\t and\t Brannagh confirms\twhat\twe\u2019ve\tbeen\tgathering\tourselves\twhile\tyou\twere\tgone.\tEspecially Hybern\u2019s\tpotential\tallies\tin\tother\tterritories\u2014on\tthe\tcontinent.\u201d \u201cVultures,\u201d\tMor\tmuttered,\tand\tCassian\tlooked\tinclined\tto\tagree. But\tRhys\u2014Rhys\thad\tindeed\tbeen\tspying,\twhile\tAzriel\thad\tbeen\u2014 Rhys\tsnorted.\t\u201cI\tcan\tstay\thidden,\tmate.\u201d I\tglared\tat\thim,\tbut\tAzriel\tcut\tin.\t\u201cHaving\tHybern\u2019s\tmovements\tconfirmed\tby you,\tFeyre,\tis\twhat\twe\tneeded.\u201d \u201cWhy?\u201d Cassian\t crossed\t his\t arms.\t \u201cWe\t barely\t stand\t a\t chance\t of\t surviving\t Hybern\u2019s armies\ton\tour\town.\tIf\tarmies\tfrom\tVallahan,\tMontesere,\tand\tRask\tjoin\tthem\t\u2026\u201d He\tdrew\ta\tline\tacross\this\ttan\tthroat. Mor\telbowed\thim\tin\tthe\tribs.\tCassian\tnudged\ther\tright\tback\tas\tAzriel\tshook his\thead\tat\tboth\tof\tthem,\tshadows\tcoiling\taround\tthe\ttips\tof\this\twings. \u201cAre\t those\t three\t territories\t \u2026\t that\t powerful?\u201d\t Perhaps\t it\t was\t a\t foolish question,\tshowing\thow\tlittle\tI\tknew\tof\tthe\tfaerie\tlands\ton\tthe\tcontinent\u2014 \u201cYes,\u201d\tAzriel\tsaid,\tno\tjudgment\tin\this\thazel\teyes.\t\u201cVallahan\thas\tthe\tnumbers, Montesere\thas\tthe\tmoney,\tand\tRask\t\u2026\tit\tis\tlarge\tenough\tto\thave\tboth.\u201d \u201cAnd\twe\thave\tno\tpotential\tallies\tamongst\tthe\tother\toverseas\tterritories?\u201d Rhys\t pulled\t at\t a\t stray\t thread\t on\t the\t cuff\t of\t his\t black\t jacket.\t \u201cNot\t ones\t that"]
Search
Read the Text Version
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
- 7
- 8
- 9
- 10
- 11
- 12
- 13
- 14
- 15
- 16
- 17
- 18
- 19
- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
- 24
- 25
- 26
- 27
- 28
- 29
- 30
- 31
- 32
- 33
- 34
- 35
- 36
- 37
- 38
- 39
- 40
- 41
- 42
- 43
- 44
- 45
- 46
- 47
- 48
- 49
- 50
- 51
- 52
- 53
- 54
- 55
- 56
- 57
- 58
- 59
- 60
- 61
- 62
- 63
- 64
- 65
- 66
- 67
- 68
- 69
- 70
- 71
- 72
- 73
- 74
- 75
- 76
- 77
- 78
- 79
- 80
- 81
- 82
- 83
- 84
- 85
- 86
- 87
- 88
- 89
- 90
- 91
- 92
- 93
- 94
- 95
- 96
- 97
- 98
- 99
- 100
- 101
- 102
- 103
- 104
- 105
- 106
- 107
- 108
- 109
- 110
- 111
- 112
- 113
- 114
- 115
- 116
- 117
- 118
- 119
- 120
- 121
- 122
- 123
- 124
- 125
- 126
- 127
- 128
- 129
- 130
- 131
- 132
- 133
- 134
- 135
- 136
- 137
- 138
- 139
- 140
- 141
- 142
- 143
- 144
- 145
- 146
- 147
- 148
- 149
- 150
- 151
- 152
- 153
- 154
- 155
- 156
- 157
- 158
- 159
- 160
- 161
- 162
- 163
- 164
- 165
- 166
- 167
- 168
- 169
- 170
- 171
- 172
- 173
- 174
- 175
- 176
- 177
- 178
- 179
- 180
- 181
- 182
- 183
- 184
- 185
- 186
- 187
- 188
- 189
- 190
- 191
- 192
- 193
- 194
- 195
- 196
- 197
- 198
- 199
- 200
- 201
- 202
- 203
- 204
- 205
- 206
- 207
- 208
- 209
- 210
- 211
- 212
- 213
- 214
- 215
- 216
- 217
- 218
- 219
- 220
- 221
- 222
- 223
- 224
- 225
- 226
- 227
- 228
- 229
- 230
- 231
- 232
- 233
- 234
- 235
- 236
- 237
- 238
- 239
- 240
- 241
- 242
- 243
- 244
- 245
- 246
- 247
- 248
- 249
- 250
- 251
- 252
- 253
- 254
- 255
- 256
- 257
- 258
- 259
- 260
- 261
- 262
- 263
- 264
- 265
- 266
- 267
- 268
- 269
- 270
- 271
- 272
- 273
- 274
- 275
- 276
- 277
- 278
- 279
- 280
- 281
- 282
- 283
- 284
- 285
- 286
- 287
- 288
- 289
- 290
- 291
- 292
- 293
- 294
- 295
- 296
- 297
- 298
- 299
- 300
- 301
- 302
- 303
- 304
- 305
- 306
- 307
- 308
- 309
- 310
- 311
- 312
- 313
- 314
- 315
- 316
- 317
- 318
- 319
- 320
- 321
- 322
- 323
- 324
- 325
- 326
- 327
- 328
- 329
- 330
- 331
- 332
- 333
- 334
- 335
- 336
- 337
- 338
- 339
- 340
- 341
- 342
- 343
- 344
- 345
- 346
- 347
- 348
- 349
- 350
- 351
- 352
- 353
- 354
- 355
- 356
- 357
- 358
- 359
- 360
- 361
- 362
- 363
- 364
- 365
- 366
- 367
- 368
- 369
- 370
- 371
- 372
- 373
- 374
- 375
- 376
- 377
- 378
- 379
- 380
- 381
- 382
- 383
- 384
- 385
- 386
- 387
- 388
- 389
- 390
- 391
- 392
- 393
- 394
- 395
- 396
- 397
- 398
- 399
- 400
- 401
- 402
- 403
- 404
- 405
- 406
- 407
- 408
- 409
- 410
- 411
- 412
- 413
- 414
- 415
- 416
- 417
- 418
- 419
- 420
- 421
- 422
- 423
- 424
- 425
- 426
- 427
- 428
- 429
- 430
- 431
- 432
- 433
- 434
- 435
- 436
- 437
- 438
- 439
- 440
- 441
- 442
- 443
- 444
- 445
- 446
- 447
- 448
- 449
- 450
- 451
- 452
- 453
- 454
- 455
- 456
- 457
- 458
- 459
- 460
- 461
- 462
- 463
- 464
- 465
- 466
- 467
- 468
- 469
- 470
- 471
- 472
- 473
- 474
- 475
- 476
- 477
- 478
- 479
- 480
- 481
- 482
- 483
- 484
- 485
- 486
- 487
- 488
- 489
- 490
- 491
- 492
- 493
- 494
- 495
- 496
- 497
- 498
- 499
- 500
- 501
- 502
- 503
- 504
- 505
- 506
- 507
- 508
- 509
- 510
- 511
- 512
- 513
- 514
- 515
- 516
- 517
- 518
- 519
- 520
- 521
- 522
- 523
- 524
- 525
- 526
- 527
- 528
- 529
- 530
- 531
- 532
- 533
- 534
- 535
- 536
- 537
- 538
- 539
- 540
- 541
- 542
- 543
- 544
- 545
- 546
- 547
- 548
- 549
- 550
- 551
- 552
- 553
- 554
- 555
- 556
- 557
- 558
- 559
- 560
- 561
- 562
- 563
- 564
- 565
- 566
- 567
- 568
- 569
- 570
- 571
- 572
- 573
- 574
- 575
- 576
- 577
- 578
- 579
- 580
- 581
- 582
- 583
- 584
- 585
- 586
- 587
- 588
- 589
- 590
- 591
- 592
- 593
- 594
- 595
- 596
- 597
- 598
- 599
- 600
- 601
- 602
- 603
- 604
- 605
- 606
- 607
- 608
- 609
- 610
- 611
- 612
- 613
- 614
- 615
- 616
- 617
- 618
- 619
- 620
- 621
