At the front edge, Vedran’s brow knits in concentration. He is weaving a massive spell with the help of one woman in the village who knew a few charms. It doesn’t have to hold for long—just long enough for us to launch all our ships before anyone on the far side notices we’re moving—but clearly, eve
FinnAfter a day of my mark aching, Xandra returns to our room. She doesn’t mention what happened. Since not mentioning things is my specialty, I decide to follow her lead.And for one night, that feels almost normal.But a second day passes. A third. I train with Elian and Ingrid in out-of-the-way
For the first time, with my hair pulled back like hers usually is, I can see pieces of what he means. I have her cheekbones, though the skin has been fletched away from mine by stress and weeks of nausea. The fine point of my chin, which I’ve always resented, is aristocratic on her face. And my eyes
“Luna Maris.” A crisp voice, military, but not one I recognize. I can’t see them either. “There is news from Tansy Beach.”“Tell me.”“King Alden ills. He coughs into a handkerchief that he hides quickly and remains often in bed. Rumor says that he has been complaining of headaches.”My stomach fall
XandraI roll over in a softer bed than I’ve slept on in weeks and face the first rays of morning sun. Straw still crunches under my cheek. This bed is thicker, but it is made of all the same materials as the thin one Finn and I—My mark sears, and I close my eyes again. Yesterday, I thought somethi
She rolls her hips against me, and I start moving. Her heartbeat, fast but not frenetic, under my palm sets our pace. She groans, begging for more, faster, but she won’t release her grip on my arm long enough to use her words.Of course, she doesn’t have to. I want to see her explode, fall apart. My