Natalie's P.O.V. The hot water pounded on my back as I stood in Killian's arms beneath the spray of the shower. I didn't want to talk to him about it. The horrors of that world were too much for any living creature to have to experience. I could still feel the chill that had settled deep into my b
"Natalie." One of the guards shifted their stance, moving weight from one leg to another, and my eyes shot up to him. I had seen him around before, standing closer to Killian's office, but I didn't know who he was. His eyes stayed glued above our heads as he remained alert and aware. Could he see
"I am familiar with it. It was the late king's crown." My mother continued to stare at Killian as she spoke next, and I felt goosebumps rise along my skin. "Your father had demanded to be buried in it." "You knew my father well?" Charlie chimed in, but I could see that she was uncomfortable. "I kn
Killian's P.O.V She didn't sleep last night, so I didn't sleep. I hated that she was scared, and I held her to my chest as her heart raced away with fear. Every few minutes, despite being in my arms, she would move her hands along my skin as if she were making sure I was still there and alive. Onc
Joselin and I made eye contact momentarily in silent agreement that once Talia was dealt with, Rona would have to go too. Rona didn't have to say it for everyone in the room to know it was how she had killed her own mother. The pride on her face said it for her. "How long would it take?" I asked,
Natalie's P.O.V. It was time. The war was here… or rather, we were going to it. There were a lot of people depending on me not to fail. I couldn't stay in that room. If I did, I would want to touch Killian, to know that I was safe and hadn't been transported back to the darkness. I needed to fig
"Darkness runs free." I looked around, spinning to see Thomas's back to me as he stood protectively behind me, but there was nothing else here with us. The shadow men were absent, and the hallway stayed brightly lit in color. "I don't understand. Bound in the blood, darkness runs free. What does t
Natalie's P.O.V. The tension in the room was so thick that I felt like we were swimming in it. Charlie's glare was locked on me, and I matched it with as much anger as I could muster. Killian was fuming as he sat behind his desk, staring at us like a father about to scold his daughters instead of