INICIAR SESIÓNMarions nods in understanding. She seems satisfied enough that I don’t mention the final piece: Owen already has a second mate in Ava, so I’m sure the idea that he has a third mate in Natasha isn’t that far of a leap for him.“I didn’t realize you went to such great lengths to leave your mate to be
NatashaMy first thought when Marion started sewing the patch on my jacket that I was already wearing was that it seemed unnecessary. She could have asked me to remove my jacket, which would have allowed her easier angles and less stress about accidentally poking me with the needle.Then I thought m
“I’m just glad he doesn’t seem to hate me anymore,” I murmur. It’s the truth, even if only one of the many half-truths I’m so used to weaving.If anyone might realize I’m keeping the rest of the story to myself, it might be Marion, so before she can ask any follow-up questions that I won’t be able t
NatashaThe second I lift the flap to Marion’s tent, she lets out an exasperated exhale. “She’ll be fine for the run!”She freezes in surprise when I come through the tent flaps.“Oh,” she says. “I thought you were Sebastian.”It’s strange to see her taken off guard. She always seems so assured and
NatashaI step out of my tent, fully dressed for the day, and nearly run smack into Sebastian. We both pull back at the last second, and I feel highly aware of close we came to touching.“Sorry,” I mutter.“My fault,” he mutters back. “I was just coming to find you.”I raise my eyebrows in surprise.
Owen“What the…” Diego sputters out as I slam the door behind us. I’ve brought us into the music room which is empty save for a smattering of instruments.I stare Diego down more intensely than I mean to. “What of Natasha?”My brother seems immediately on his guard. “What of her?”“Did they believe
AmeliaAfter that, Sebastian tells the other three warriors who accompanied us from the palace to go rest up from the journey. Then he leads me after Marion toward a large tent with Erin following closely behind.The crowd around us resumes its merriment, and it looks like they’re just finishing din
AmeliaI am in a darkness so complete I could convince myself I was dead. Except I’ve been in this darkness before.Though this is my first time traveling it alone.I think I’m nearly to the end of the secret tunnel. Isaiah’s screams stopped a long time ago, urging me to turn back, to help him, even
“I’ll take first watch,” Erin offers.“This is making camp?” I question in surprise.Erin sighs. “Got used to life in the palace, did you?”Her words flood me with shame. She’s probably right.I keep my mouth shut as I lie down, curling up on the forest floor like I did the night after Owen marked m
Amelia“State your name and species,” a familiar voice prompts me in the darkness.“My name’s Amelia, and I’m human.”Silence stretches as if those surrounding me are having a silent conversation that will determine whether or not I live to see the sun rise.“Just like you, Sebastian,” I add.The so







