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
AmeliaI am frozen, rooted to this spot in the darkness. A patchwork camp lies out of hearing range to my left, an uninhabited forest even farther to my right. Behind me, behind Marion, extending in either direction between the forest and the camp, there’s nothing.Endless grass sways under the star
“The other Quarters,” Marions answers. “That was one of our problems last time we revolted against the kingdom. I was trying to organize and lead too many humans by myself.”Sebastian’s breath comes out heavy. He doesn’t like how much Marion is revealing to me.“Over the past two decades,” she goes
Natasha“You’re sure?” a hushed voice pulls at the edge of my consciousness.“Irrefutably.” Marion’s voice has me rushing to wake up, though I know better than to open my eyes. Whoever is speaking might say something they don’t want me to hear if they think I’m asleep still.“And you can’t tell us w
NatashaI’m already in my training gear, so I use the time that Marion and Sebastian take to argue over whether or not I’m joining him to braid back my hair in a French braid. It takes much less time than it used to since it’s so short now.It’s Sebastian saying, “Please don’t make her prove she can







