Willow“Bryony never stopped hoping you would come back. And it’s because of her, I will listen to what you have to say,” Ivy declares. “We will speak alone in my home.”Relief washes over me. “Thank you, Ivy.”She raises a hand to stop me. “Only you. He can’t come into the village.”Glancing down m
Ivy’s fingernail traces the rim of the teacup, her expression contemplative. “What else would King Kane be able to offer for this alliance?”“The man that came with me would be able to tell you more,” I explain. “He is King Kane’s right hand man.”“And you are friends with this man?”If I could blus
Rainer presents the contracts we’ve written, and we sign them, Ivy using her magic to make sure I cannot back out of her terms even if I want to. Her magic pricks into my skin like needles. I force myself not to wince until she finishes casting the spell. When all is done, there is a chain of glowin
KaneA few days after the alliance with Willow’s former coven is finalized, Ivy is going to meet up with the high priestesses of covens she is associated with. Surprisingly, she’s taking me with her. When I ask her why she wants me there, knowing how the witches will not positively react to me, she
She leans back against the altar, her hands on the bluestone behind her for support. “What is it you need clarification on?”“I’ve had questions ever since I met Emory and felt the undeniable pull between us. When she became pregnant and she learned that I’m her mate, it seemed to go against everyth
“We do,” I answer. “We need blood to survive, but besides that, we eat plenty of food, even though we don’t need it.”Food is a safe, neutral topic and we discuss the differences and similarities in the food we eat. Vampires usually have access to more expensive food while witches make do with more
LexThe days blur together in that dark cell. I can barely do anything but sleep. Somebody brings me blood on occassion. My ribs are broken, and they are trying to heal, but I need more blood.My nose has healed, and it feels crooked, which will marr my looks forever if I don’t have it reset soon. T
“What-”I watch in shock as she places the needle in her vein, andcrimson blood starts dripping into the bag. When it’s full enough, she offers it to me, and the hunger spurns me on, practically burning my throat. I take the bag and drink, her blood salty and vibrant. After starving for days, her bl
Fractured memories of the night I nearly drank myself to death careen to the forefront of my mind. There was a woman. I don’t remember her face or her name. I was so far gone with drink and self-loathing that I gave in to whatever kind of attention and stimulations she had to offer. It was consensua
ColeThe letter came in the dead of night, rain-soaked and smeared, but I’d know her handwriting anywhere, in any condition. She’d written that she needed to see me, urgently, that it couldn’t wait, and she couldn’t explain why, not in a letter, not at the risk of what she needed to tell me going pu
EmeldaIt’s a quiet night. A long, silent walk from the castle. I needed this quiet, this stillness in the late summer air. Ravenfell comes into view beyond the trees, twinkling in the darkness. I smile, shaking my head as I look down at my shoes. I can still feel the weight of the twins in my arms
MichaelI haven’t been to Scarlet Thunder in… years. I didn’t realize how long it’s been until I pulled up to the back of the castle, somewhat startled by how small it looks compared to my memories from my childhood. Not that it's a small castle, but I'm much bigger now. I step out of my car, my fac
Faye“Oh, Faye, this is beautiful,” Emory says as she walks around the wide room on the second floor of the newly constructed manor. She runs her fingers over the pale blue and pink floral wallpaper and white trim, her jade eyes sparkling as she takes in the lace curtains and soft cream carpet. “I l
EmeldaIn the week since the twins were born, I’ve been busy with the final touches on my cottage. I spent days this past spring digging in the front garden, planting herbs and vegetables, and fixing the front path. I hired a group of shifters to replace the roof and update the inside, installing ne
Emelda“Thank you,” I say, hurrying at a near run as a maid takes my cloak. The castle is buzzing with nervous energy but remains quiet with even the maids tiptoeing around, trying not to make a sound. I’d remained in Ravenfell for the birth. I spent all night and most of this morning at Alma’s hou
FayeSomething’s wrong. Something has to be wrong. “You’re doing great. Keep pushing, Faye. You’ve got this,” Alma says, her face glistening with sweat and determination while I roar in pain. Michael clutches my hand, his other hand bracing my inner thigh as I bear down with all the strength I hav
Michael“It could be hours–or a day,” Alma says quietly as she arranges her tonics on a table just outside the bedroom where Faye’s finally getting some rest. “It’s been hours already,” I tell her, motioning toward the window in my suite in the castle where moonlight drifts through the panes, casti