RavenI collapsed again the moment I crossed the finish line. My legs literally gave out from under me; I physically couldn’t keep going.Eric and Neil walked up to me, Eric’s eyes wide as saucers. “You did it,” Eric said, almost as if he didn’t believe it. “You really did it.”My body trembled as I
“Mate,” I felt my wolf growl inside of me, same as she had when we’d kissed the other night. “I need my mate…”In those moments, the world narrowed down to the two of us. I felt compelled by my wolf, more compelled than I ever had before, to move closer to Neil.And I did.He didn’t pull back as I p
Raven & NeilRaven“Please! Have mercy!”The screams echoed through the forest, each more frantic and guttural than the last. I ran as fast I could toward the source of the noise, not caring if I was soaking wet in my underwear or if branches whipped at my bare skin.Someone was in trouble. Whatever
…NeilI was surprised when Raven, in the midst of crying, suddenly wiped away her tears and asked if she could cook the fish she’d caught.All of us were surprised, in fact.I didn’t know if it was just a coping mechanism or if she truly bounced back so quickly, but after some thought, I figured it
Raven“You will be meeting the Lycan King and Queen today.”Great, I thought as Ember carefully pulled my hair back into two ornate braids, affixing small golden cuffs around the end of each. That was just what I needed; to spend a day having to blend in with people who executed their own.After all
“I do not share a mother with my brothers.”The answer took me by surprise. I had no idea that Neil was an illegitimate child—since he apparently still had a right to battle for the throne, then it never occurred to me.“It’s complicated,” he added, sensing my confusion.With that, he turned to Edri
HannahI whirled around at the sound of the voice, meeting the sharp gaze of a beautiful woman across the room.She had silver hair that was coiled neatly into a plait around her head, on top of which sat a delicate golden crown that matched her shimmering golden gown. Her eyes were the color of hon
Hannah’s eyes were wide as saucers. “My Queen—”“Hush, Hannah. Do not make a fool of yourself.” The queen corked the bottle and handed it to her servant, who pocketed it. Hannah seemed to tremble with rage, but finally went silent. The queen asked, “You’re well-versed in making perfumes, I take it?”
Hannah rolled her eyes and stepped back. I didn’t lower my knife. “And that’s exactly why you are weak,” she said. “A tragedy like that would make a strong queen, not weaken her. If you were worthy, you would have used that pain to grow stronger. Instead, all it has done is make you look pathetic.”
Raven For the second time since I had met Hannah, she had a blade pressed to my throat. And if the infuriating curl to her lips was any indication, she was loving this little power imbalance. But I had learned from our last encounter, and I was prepared. “You seem to enjoy holding a knife to my
But as quickly as it had come, it was gone, and his gaze returned to the floor. I quickly realized I had been lingering longer than the other fiancées and everyone’s eyes had turned to me. My face heated, and I quickly scurried away, joining the other two women off to the side. The ceremony ended
Raven The throne room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop, despite the fact that Lycans filled every available space. Buttery yellow sunlight spilled through the large stained glass windows, casting patterns of deep reds and golds across the stone floors. I had only been in this room during t
He didn’t reply, but I felt his fingers press a little more firmly against my waist, pulling me just a fraction closer as he led me through another spin. The music shifted, the tempo quickening, and I was glad for it. It let me focus on matching his movements rather than the confusing swirl of emoti
Raven Neil led me toward the dance floor, which had cleared of people during the fight. The music began to play the moment we set foot in the center of the circle, a lively and upbeat tune that thrummed up through the soles of my feet. Someone in the crowd whistled as Neil tugged me closer, and
Ember gestured toward the ring, where Neil and his opponent were still sparring relentlessly. “In Lycan tradition, the ultimate victor of fights like these will choose whoever cheered the loudest to dance with after the fight… and maybe even take home.” Ember’s lip curled a little at that last bit.
Raven As the victor challenged Neil, the whole village square seemed to freeze. Conversations dropped off, laughter died down, and suddenly, all eyes turned to Neil, who was still standing quietly beside me. His expression didn’t change, but something flickered in his gaze. I couldn’t tell if he
At that, Ember’s gaze darkened, and I could sense the resentment bubbling just below the surface. She shook her head and took another big gulp of her ale. It was strange, seeing her be so open about something like this. After all, Ember was the last person I’d expect to be open about… well, much o