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?”
RavenThe ballroom was awash in the golden light of the braziers, casting flickering shadows across the swirling dancers. Long gowns swished across the floor, cloaks dragging behind muscular shoulders.Neil’s cloak enveloped us both as he held me against his chest. It didn’t smell like the coppery t
“I won’t go easy on you, Raven,” Castor said with a tiny smile. “Eric is right; you are a little big for your breeches this morning.”Eric scoffed. “She got into the Queen’s good graces last night, and thinks she runs the castle.”My face reddened at that, but I knew they were right. Between that an
RavenI must be crazy, I thought as I ran those laps.Outwardly, I complained nonstop about the punishment. I made sure to throw Eric and Neil and even occasionally Castor whatever insults would come to mind as I passed them on the track.But on the inside…I couldn’t stop thinking about the way his
“Where are you going?”I was halfway across the courtyard when the sound of Neil’s voice stopped me in my tracks. I turned to see him leaning against a pillar, shirtless as if he’d just been on patrol or something—like that first day we met.“The forest,” I said, pulling my shoulders back. “To gathe
Raven“It smells awful in here.” I tugged against Neil’s grip on my hand, digging my heels into the dirt. My nose wrinkled at the scent of something I couldn’t quite place—whatever it was, it smelled like death. And rotten eggs.“Stop struggling,” Neil growled, clearly annoyed with me. “It’s just a
The pilot, though…“Maybe there are alligators, too,” Neil continued, taking another step closer. There was a tiny smirk tugging at his lips, and the torches made him look even more impish. “Or perhaps piranhas.”“Stop—”“Hm. Or maybe there are sirens beneath the water who will drag you under and fe
“Isn’t it?” I felt my palms begin to itch. “One minute you’re… you’re kissing me up against a tavern, and the next you’re treating me like I’m nothing!” “Raven—” “I’ve had enough!” I wiped at my eyes angrily. “I am so fucking sick of men like you and Nathan treating me like an object to be used
Raven I stared in horror at the sight before me. My horse was now laying on the ground, her leg twisted awkwardly, the arrow I had loosed embedded deep into her knee. Blood seeped around the shaft, staining her glossy coat a dark crimson. Panic surged through me as I scrambled off the ground and
As I stared at his retreating form, his shoulders rigid, I felt frustration bubble up inside of me. I knew that what we did last night was a mistake, but he was acting like a moody teenager. “Start at the beginning of the course,” he said, plopping down on the stump and folding his arms. I opene
Raven The morning sun cast long shadows across the training yard as I swung the wooden sword in a wide arc, sweat dripping down my forehead. My muscles screamed in protest from a morning spent training, but I gritted my teeth and continued the routine Ember had drilled into me. Block, parry, str
I just knew I wanted him. Even if we were outside a dingy tavern in the middle of the night, inches from being spotted, I didn’t care. Wanting my mate was the most natural thing in the world. A soft moan escaped me as I shut my eyes, feeling his warmth press into me. The heat between my thighs pul
Raven The sudden press of Neil’s lips against mine felt like a lightning strike, electricity coursing through my body. For a second, I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think—I could only feel the searing warmth of Neil’s mouth on mine and the roughness of his grip around my wrists. But just as quickly
He gave a short nod, apparently satisfied. A few moments later, the guards returned with drinks. Castor and Eric were in the midst of recounting the battle, ale sloshing out of mugs as they gestured wildly. “And then Neil dove right into the heart of the fight,” Castor was saying. “One rogue after
Raven The tavern was dimly lit and packed, the air smelling thickly of alcohol and smoke. It seemed the entire village was there tonight, celebrating the warriors returning safely. We made our way to a table in the corner, our cloaks up to shield our faces despite the crowded atmosphere. The gua
Ember remained silent, studying me with an amused glint in her eyes. “But at least here,” I muttered, swinging again and managing to force her to step back, “Lycan women are honest about their intentions. You don’t pretend to be best friends while plotting behind someone’s back.” As I took anoth