Onyx Storm Xaden Quotes

Xaden tilts his head, studying the king. “Violet.” My heart skips into double time. “My loyalty is to Violet first above everything, everyone else,

And he’s not my boyfriend.” Rhi snorts and Ridoc offers me a sarcastic thumbs-up. “Agreed,” Xaden says. “That’s far too casual a term for what we are.

Xaden is mine. My heart, my soul, my everything.

Lifetime. Anything less is unacceptable.” Xaden slides his hand to the back of my neck. “And her full name for the papers is Violet Sorrengail. Two Rs.

I exist for Tairn, but I live for Xaden.

And you're going to teach us how to defeat you?" Aaric asks from behind us. A corner of Xaden's mouth slowly curves upward. "I can teach you to try, but there's only one person capable of taking me down one day, and it isn't you, Graycastle.

That you’re an asshole? Absolutely.” Xaden holds up his finger. “And insulting you isn’t against the Code of Conduct. I checked.

I choose you. I choose whatever risk this brings. I see every part of you, Xaden: The good. The bad. The unforgivable. That’s what you promised, and that’s what I want—all of you. I can handle myself, even against you if I have to.

No snide remarks,” I say to Ridoc with a quick smile. “I’m proud of you.” “I kept the inside thoughts inside,” he replies with a flash of a grin as Xaden approaches.

Both,” Xaden replies. “I don’t want to be different people to you. Anyone else? Fine. Just not you. You’re stuck with all of me, and all of me is quite capable of keeping your confidence.

By Malek, I fucking love you,” Xaden says.

Xaden Riorson.” I lift my chin as if I’m answering to my father for my choice. “And he’s mine, even when he’s being a possessive ass.

Just you and me today, honey bear.” Garrick swings his arm over Xaden’s shoulder. “Don’t worry,” he leans in and whispers. “I’ll take good care of you.” He flashes a dimple.

I think I started falling for you that night in the tree when I watched you with the marked ones, but I began tumbling the day you gave me Tairn’s saddle. You’ll give some self-serving excuse, but the truth is you’re kinder than you want people to know. Maybe kinder than you know. —Recovered Correspondence of Cadet Violet Sorrengail to His Grace, Lieutenant Xaden Riorson, Sixteenth Duke of Tyrrendor

What the fuck are we going to do with that thing for the rest of the trip?” Xaden questions. “Keep Andarna from eating it.

My loyalty is to Violet first above everything, everyone else,” Xaden says. “Then Tyrrendor. Then Navarre in the moments it’s worthy—usually when Violet is in residence.

My, the Continent does have some fine-looking men.” A corner of Xaden’s mouth quirks upward, and I can’t help but silently agree with her.

I’ll be right out here”—Xaden’s tone slips into menace—“deterred by these wooden doors that hang an inch off the ground.

She’s fine,” Xaden interrupts. “I’m the one feeling a little clingy.

I don’t take kindly to blades being lifted toward Violet.” Xaden

General Aetos’s quarters. Don’t worry, Dain’s agreed to help me find it.” Xaden cracks his neck. “‘Don’t worry’ and ‘Dain’ do not belong in the same sentence.

He isn’t a soulless venin. He’s still Xaden. My Xaden,

I’ve always loved watching you on the mat.” “I know.” Xaden rolls his neck. “I’ve used it to my advantage a few times.” Of course he has.

It’s an official blessing of your legal, binding marriage,” Brennan whispers, stunned, then quickly rolls the parchment. “By the head priestess of Dunne’s temple.” “To Xaden?” Gravity bends, warping everything I thought I knew into whatever this reality is. Brennan nods. My eyes flare. We’re married?

I never loved Cat.” Xaden’s head whips up. “Sure, the idea of”—he swallows like he might puke—“Halden putting his hands on you makes me want to put him back into the wall, especially given the fact that he can touch you and I can’t, but knowing he’s been here—” Xaden puts his hand just beneath my collarbone. “Has me considering murder so there’s no chance of him worming his royal ass back in.

I want whatever you’re able to give, Xaden.

Shadows creep across the step at our feet. “It’s fine,” I quickly assure Garrick, keeping my hand entwined with Xaden’s much larger one. “I’m fine. He’s fine. All fine.

My loyalty is to Violet first above everything, everyone else,” Xaden says.

And you’re going to teach us how to defeat you?” Aaric asks from behind us. A corner of Xaden’s mouth slowly curves upward. “I can teach you to try, but there’s only one person capable of taking me down one day, and it isn’t you, Graycastle.

Xaden and I are the first of our signets to live simultaneously since the Great War?

the crowd slowly parts to the side of the hall in what I’ve come to think of as the Xaden effect.

She lost a dragon,” Mira shouts. “Not a boyfriend. It’s not a breakup.” Her gaze swings to Xaden. “No offense.” The emptiness threatens to overwhelm me again, but Tairn inundates the bond with a deluge of defiance and indignation. “Focus on now, on him if you have to.” I still have both of them: Tairn and Xaden. “None taken.” Xaden folds his arms but doesn’t look away. “We’re past the breakup stage.

You’re Xaden Riorson.” I rise up on my toes and press a kiss to his chin. “Shadow wielder.” Another at his jaw. “Duke of Tyrrendor.” My mouth brushes just beneath his earlobe. “Love of my life. You have nothing to be jealous of.

No!” Halden’s shout echoes down the hallway. “Not a fucking professor—” “Just wanted to clear that up,” Xaden interrupts, then lifts me into his arms. “We’ll see you once we’re rested.” He takes off past Tecarus, striding down the hall.

And don't think that has anything to do with this." He points to his eye. "I'm aware in the moments I lack emotion. You and Garrick don't need to share little oh no glances. I already feel it. It's like sliding over a frozen lake while a shrinking part of me screams that I'm supposed to be swimming in those pieces I've bartered away, and those feelings are right beneath the surface, but fuck is skating faster and a hell of a lot less messy. This shit?" He swings his finger back toward the house. "It's messy and painful and infuriating, and if I could choose to give this portion of myself away, so help me, Malek, I would. I get it now. It's not just the power that's addicting; it's the freedom to not feel this." "Xaden," I whisper, all but bleeding out by the time he finishes. [...] "Don't barter it away." I beg as he stares at the sea and the words spill out of me faster and faster as his eyes harden and he resurrects the defences it took me a year to break past. "The pain. The mess. Give it to me. I'll hold it. I know that sounds ludicrous, but I'll find a way." I lace our fingers. "I will hold everything you don't want to feel because I love every part of you." "You already hold my soul and now you want my pain? Getting greedy, Violence." He brings my hand to his mouth and brushes a kiss over my knuckles before letting go.

You want me the same way that I want you. Wholly. Completely. With nothing but skin between us. Heart, mind, and body.” He brushes his mouth against mine, stuttering my breath. “All I want is to lose myself in you, and I can’t. You are the only person in the world with the power to strip me of every ounce of my control, and the only person I can’t fathom losing that control with.

Do not speak of my father. I am the one who watched him die.” Xaden points

I bite back my smile. “I’m never scared of him.” Xaden’s eyes find mine, and my pulse skips. “And he’s not my boyfriend.

Let me rephrase,” Xaden says slowly. “Everyone get out now. And close the door.

You have to accept what I already have,” Xaden says to me. “The man you love no longer fully belongs to himself.

She stands at my side.” Xaden’s voice drops into that lethally calm wingleader tone, and he places his warm hand over mine. “Remember that.

You’ll have to keep secrets again,” Andarna warns. “Only the ones that protect Xaden.

I can kill him if you prefer,” Xaden offers, raising his scarred brow. “And give him another opportunity to fake his own death?

It would be a shame to kill my last living relative.” Xaden tilts his head to mirror mine, then straightens, and on today of all days, I choose not to remind him that he has two half brothers.

Our eyes meet, and for a second, it hits me how different things might have been if he’d shown the same faith in me during my first year as he did today. Not different enough to change the way I feel about Xaden, though.

mean, it was us because I pissed her off, but it wasn’t us…us, if you know what I’m saying.” I fight to keep from rolling my eyes. “Well aware,” Xaden replies. “First because I trust Violet, and second”—he glances at Ridoc in a dismissive once-over—“it wasn’t a big enough strike.” Seriously? I scoff. “Huh.” Ridoc tilts his head as if deciding something, then shakes it. “Nope. You and I are not back to dick jokes yet. Not that we were ever there. I’m still pissed.

We start down the steps, Bodhi and me taking lead. “Xaden’s going to be pissed,” I whisper so the others don’t hear. “Which is why you’re going to be the one to tell him when we pull it off,” he answers with a grimace. “He won’t kill you.

But Xaden isn’t in power. He is power.

Xaden is mine. My heart, my soul, my everything. He channeled from the earth to save me, and I’ll scour the world until I find a way to save him right back.

It’s too late to save Mom, but I’ll be damned if I let Xaden get himself killed.

Drake, you’re starting to annoy me,” Xaden warns with a sideways glance. “You should stop that.

Xaden catches the door before it can close behind Brennan, then holds it as I walk through,

Gods, I could lose Xaden just like— I can’t. I won’t. I refuse to lose him, for him to lose himself.

Halden’s jaw flexes once. Twice. Then he glares at Xaden. “You’ve been warned.” “And you’ve been informed,” Xaden replies in a tone that makes me fear for Halden’s existence.

We could really use Dain right about now,” I whisper. “I could live the rest of my life without ever hearing you say that again,” Xaden replies.

He’s my cousin,” Xaden replies, locking eyes with me. “Of course he’s exceptional.” “Hmmm. Just like you, but without the arrogance.” I cock my head to the side. “Maybe I fell for the wrong—” “It would be a shame to kill my last living relative.

I’m Xaden Riorson, the Duke of Tyrrendor.” Xaden inclines his head. “He’s probably expecting me.” Blue Sash blinks, then looks in my direction. “And you are?” Well, shit. My mouth opens— “My consort,” Xaden replies casually. “Violet Sorrengail.” What the actual fuck? My jaw snaps shut so hard my teeth click. I want our bond back and I want it back right now. He can’t just announce things like that without at least a discussion. “Are congratulations or commiserations in order?” Tairn lifts his head.

Hi there,” Xaden says as he strides toward me, the corners of his mouth curving. He’s shucked his flight jacket, too, and pushed up the sleeves of his uniform to his elbows. “Hi there.” I grin, somehow having found home thousands of miles away from the Continent.

I lower my weapons as Xaden strides toward me from the center of the room, the hilts of the two swords he keeps strapped to his back peeking above his shoulders. He’s in thick winter flight leathers, devoid of any markings but his second lieutenant rank, and speckled with tiny dots of water that tell me he’s been out in the snow.

So do you carry news? Or were you just gathered to hear Violet’s speech?” His attention jumps from person to person, no doubt cataloging the tiniest details of every shift in expression as he’s been raised to do. He’s always been the most observant of his brothers. “She was quite moving.” “We heard.” Brennan offers me a flash of a proud smile. “And saw.” “She’d be a great politician,” Aaric continues. “Or a general, maybe? Definitely nobility.” “With that speech? At least a duchess.” Xaden shifts his weight, brushing his elbow against my shoulder. I shake my head.

You don’t owe me your friends’ secrets.” My brow knits. “But twenty hours of flying gave me some time to think. You. Garrick.” I tilt my head. “And I once thought I saw Liam…” “Wield ice,” Xaden says, stroking his thumb along my chin.

My face feels like it’s been blasted by dragon fire. “How would you like this to go?” Dain asks me as Narelle glances among the three of us, her silver brows knitting. “Just like it’s gone for the last eighteen months,” Xaden answers, losing any and all trace of the niceties he showed Dain an hour ago. “Everyone assumes she’ll wind up with you, but it’s my last name she ends up wearing on her flight jacket in formation.

I forbid it.” Halden strides into the hallway, followed by two guards. He’s here, too? Oh, this is bad. “I don’t give a fuck.” Xaden pivots so he can see both men.

My consort,” Xaden replies casually. “Violet Sorrengail.” What the actual fuck?

Xaden’s fingers curl. “You’re going to be the death of me.” “So you keep saying.” I try not to think about the other ways that statement can be interpreted.

take full responsibility for my safety. You are a giant battle flag waving in the wind right now, Xaden, but you’re my battle flag, and you’d do the same thing in my position.

I honestly don’t care if you kill him,” I say to Xaden down the bond, “but you will. Wasn’t that your line when I nearly took off Cat’s head in Aretia?

Fuck,” Xaden says under his breath, then turns to me and leans into my space. “I love you more than this city. Do not die defending it.

You and I are tethered for life, Xaden Riorson. Am I expected to turn with you? Is that the only way to keep our dragons alive if you give up?

Xaden’s gaze drops to mine, and my stomach flips. It’s like I’m staring at a stranger dressed up as the man I love.

Not just Aretia, either…he gave me Tyrrendor,” Xaden says slowly, like he can’t believe it, either. And he doesn’t want it. My chest clenches. “Xaden—

Maybe it’s a good thing I can’t spend all my nighttime hours with Xaden, or I wouldn’t be flying through books like I am.

A contract marriage would be most wise,” Nairi agrees with a nod, ignoring Garrick’s words. “We could have the legalities performed in the morning at temple, and then hear what will, no doubt, be a plea for our assistance in their war tomorrow afternoon.” Wood creaks behind me. “Draw up the papers,” Xaden says, gripping my chair. Bile rises in my throat. What the fuck is he doing? Cat’s head snaps in our direction, Mira and Garrick both gawk, and Aaric continues eating. I want the damned bond back now. “Ah, there we go!” Faris claps twice. “What an excellent decision. Shall we go with three or four years?” “Lifetime. Anything less is unacceptable.” Xaden slides his hand to the back of my neck. “And her full name for the papers is Violet Sorrengail. Two Rs.” I’m torn between throwing a dagger at his chest and kissing the shit out of him. Mira stifles a grin. “My last name is tied to the title, but we could take yours,” Xaden offers, and his eyes soften just slightly when they lock on mine. “You could hyphenate,” Garrick suggests. “Or combine? Riorgail? Sorrenson?” “That is not what they meant,” I whisper at Xaden.

Xaden comes first for me." It comes out so self-sacrificial that I half expected my mother to appear and smack me upside the back of my head. "Just so we're clear. But I will never stop being the woman he fell in love with in order to morph into whatever doormat you think he requires.

spine. Xaden is mine. My heart, my soul, my everything. He channeled from the earth to save me, and I’ll scour the world until I find a way to save him right back. Even if it takes bargaining with Tecarus for access to every book on the damned Continent or capturing dark wielders one by one to question, I’ll find a cure.

Oh, shit.” Garrick’s face drains of color. “Xaden?” Talia whispers, lifting her hand, then quickly dropping it. “Is it really you?” My eyebrows hit my fucking hairline. Xaden reaches across me and wraps his hand over my hip like I need protection. “Mom.

I have you,” Xaden promises, and the bands tighten. Power floods my body as I throw open the Archives door, and heat stings my skin. Gods, if I channel too much while attached to him… “He’s been a great deal closer when you’ve wielded,” Tairn reminds me, and— Nope, not thinking about how he knows that.

So, not a professor.” Xaden’s eyes narrow, and my whole body tries to sway, held upright by Xaden’s shadows. “No!” Halden’s shout echoes down the hallway. “Not a fucking professor—” “Just wanted to clear that up,” Xaden interrupts, then lifts me into his arms. “We’ll see you once we’re rested.” He takes off past Tecarus, striding down the hall.

I startle and pull back to fight, but Xaden whips his arm around my waist and yanks me against his chest. His sword hits the table, and to my complete and utter surprise, he presses a soft kiss to the top of my forehead as an axe— Metal hits the ground. Screams sound around us, and I jerk my head left, finding Xaden’s outstretched hand mid-twist.

Look, more blades,” Xaden says. “And here I thought you were a weaponless society.

My body. My soul. My power is all right here. You love me. You will never hurt me. Let go, Xaden.

Now would be a great time for Xaden to lower his fucking shields. “The Dark One cannot unite what he broke.” “Stop calling him that.

It’s not a rebellion, and I’m not…leading.” Xaden, Dain, Rhi—they’re leaders.

You know, that whole slay-them-in-darkness thing was badass”—Ridoc lifts his finger—“but I totally had him.” “You didn’t.” Xaden

The sound of a slide whistle screeches through my head, and both Xaden and I pivot, putting our backs to the temple.

You hadn’t even seen Xaden when your dad met Malek—” Ridoc stares at me and sighs with complete exaggeration. “Hello, who is your first love?” Oh, that’s not happening.

prowling within me is the resolve stiffening my spine. Xaden is mine. My heart, my soul, my everything. He channeled from the earth to save me, and I’ll scour the world until I find a way to save him right back. Even if it takes bargaining with Tecarus for access to every book on the damned Continent or capturing dark wielders one by one to question, I’ll find a cure.

This from the same man who thinks I need to know how to kill him ?" I lift my chin. "Which is it, Xaden ? Am I too precious to get close ? Or Am I the one who needs to know which shadow is yours ?

for a second, it hits me how different things might have been if he’d shown the same faith in me during my first year as he did today. Not different enough to change the way I feel about Xaden, though.

Then Xaden plucks the blades from the man like they’re toys. “I know some of you carried blades. There’s no society in the world that doesn’t keep some kind of cutting tool, and eventually… well we all cut, don’t we?

Then Xaden plucks the blades from the man like they’re toys. “I knew some of you carried blades. There’s no society in the world that doesn’t keep some kind of cutting tool, and eventually… well we all cut, don’t we?

And then Xaden lifts his brow at me. “No exceptions, Sorrengail.” “Now this is what I’ve been waiting to see.” Caroline bounces on her toes like a child. “Do me a favor,” I say to Xaden, unfastening the conduit’s leather strap at my hip and hooking it over my wrist so the orb fits comfortably in my palm. Then I take three steps forward onto the mat and open the door to Tairn’s power with a hell of a smirk. “Don’t let me hurt you.

Seriously?” “He was going to touch you.” The glacial rage in his eyes has mine widening. “Right, because that’s the mature response.” Halden sucks in a breath, then another. “Quite. All. Right.” “It wasn’t a response, it was… It simply was.” Xaden crouches behind me as Halden pushes himself to sit upright. “Let’s get three things straight, Your Highness. First, I have remarkable hearing thanks to the shadows at your very feet. Second, I don’t control Violet. Never have. Never will. But third, and most importantly—” He lowers his voice. “She really, honestly hasn’t thought about you. At least not since the second she set eyes on me.” I’m going to fucking kill him.

Lifetime. Anything less is unacceptable.” Xaden slides his hand to the back of my neck. “And her full name for the papers is Violet Sorrengail. Two Rs.” I’m torn between throwing a dagger at his chest and kissing the shit out of him. Mira stifles a grin. “My last name is tied to the title, but we could take yours,” Xaden offers, and his eyes soften just slightly when they lock on mine. “You could hyphenate,” Garrick suggests. “Or combine? Riorgail? Sorrenson?

When this is over, we should take as much leave as they’ll give us and spend it all in Aretia. We can figure out what life is supposed to look like without the daily threat of death. You can govern the province you love during the day, then slide into bed with me at night. Or I can always join you in the Assembly chamber. You do some of your best work on that throne. —Recovered Correspondence of Cadet Violet Sorrengail to His Grace, Lieutenant Xaden Riorson, Sixteenth Duke of Tyrrendor

Xaden tilts his head, studying the king. “Violet.” My heart skips into double time. “My loyalty is to Violet first above everything, everyone else,” Xaden says. “Then Tyrrendor. Then Navarre in the moments it’s worthy—usually when Violet is in residence.

This is a closed meeting,” Lieutenant Forgot-his-name says, drawing his dimpled chin back in indignation. “I forgive you for failing to invite me,” Xaden replies, sinking into the chair on my left. I bite back a smile. He might think he’s changed, but that comment is undeniably him.

My knowledge of your tongue is why I was selected to command this mission,” their leader replies without taking his eyes off Xaden. “Love wasting my time,” Dain mutters, then shoves the small booklet I recognize as the language compendium for Unnbriel into the chest pocket of his flight jacket.

But this…whatever’s swirling in those onyx eyes is a tempest I’ve never beheld. It’s one step past fury, as though Dunne herself has stepped into his eyes and now peers back at me. He’s Xaden, but he’s…not. “Xaden?” I whisper. “It’s nothing. Really. I’ve had worse on a sparring mat.” “They’re all fucking dead.

Between Xaden’s status, the western line retreating toward Draithus, and growing resentment between the Aretian riders and Navarrians over the debate of whether or not to open our borders, this whole place feels like a bow with its string pulled tight, just waiting for the order to be fired. And we’re the arrows.

No, no. Staying down is a safer bet for everyone involved,” Xaden warns him. “She only wounded you, but I’ll kill you if you take another step toward her, and it turns out that’s bad for international relations.” I glance his way as someone descends the steps, and he arches his scarred eyebrow. “I’m giving diplomacy a try. Not sure it’s for me, though.

They don’t shake hands,” I tell Xaden quietly as we walk down the aisle. “They don’t mince or waste words. They speak in double meanings only when it’s convenient to them. They value status, wealth, knowledge, and secrets—anything that can be traded. If you break your word once, you’re never trusted again.” “Say what I mean. Don’t lie. Act like a rich, entitled dick. Got it.” He nods.

Swear you’ll sound the alarm if I go too far, that you’ll keep it safe, even if it’s from me.” “What—” I start, but the gym door opens, and I look over my shoulder to see Garrick waving a rolled parchment. “The Earl of Lewellen said you’d be in here. Orders aren’t optional, Riorson, even for nobility. We need to go.” “Promise me,” Xaden says, stroking his thumb under my ear and completely ignoring his best friend. “You’re leaving?” I swing my gaze back to Xaden’s, realizing that’s why the messenger had tracked him down. “Now?” He leans in, blocking out the rest of the world. “Promise me, Violet. Please.” He’ll never go too far, never lose his soul, so I nod. “I promise.” Xaden’s eyes slide shut for a heartbeat, and blatant relief shines from their depths when he opens them. “Thank you.” “I know you can hear me.” Garrick raises his voice. “Let’s go.” “I love you.” Xaden kisses me hard and fast, and it’s over before I can even process it’s actually happened. “I love you, too.” I grab his hand as he withdraws. “Tell me what the king gave you.” He takes a deep breath. “He gave me back my title and the seat in the Senarium.” Holy shit. My lips part. “Not just Aretia, either…he gave me Tyrrendor,” Xaden says slowly, like he can’t believe it, either. And he doesn’t want it. My chest clenches. “Xaden—” “Don’t wait up.” He presses a kiss to the inside of my wrist, then strides toward Garrick. “I’ll be back by eight a.m. to sign that accord,” he calls back over his shoulder. “Try to stay out of trouble while I’m gone.” “Be careful.” He’s the Duke of Tyrrendor.

Andarna is gone. Tairn leaves our bond wide open, giving me unfettered access to him in a way I’ve never had. He’s always been with me, but now I’m with him, too. I hear his side of the conversation when he tells the elders about Andarna’s departure. I hear him bickering with Sgaeyl over what he calls her excessive hovering, and I’m privy to the lecture he gives Xaden about making sure I eat.

Dain’s card reveals a hand, and when he offers his to the woman who walks over to him, she slaps him across the face so hard his head turns in our direction. I swallow my gasp and force a blank expression onto my face when I catch Calixta glancing my way. Message received: we can’t complain about anyone else’s gifts, either. Dain blinks twice, then thanks the woman and inclines his head. Ridoc barely stifles a snort, but quickly schools his features when I glance sideways at him. “Do not laugh,” I warn Xaden, fighting off another tide of dizziness.

When I look up, everyone is staring at me. “What? I kept the gryphons close and paired dragons with similar flight strengths”—my gaze finds Xaden’s, and he’s not amused with my group pairings—“except for ours. Tairn and Sgaeyl have the best chance of staying in contact when separated if the rest of these islands have the same level of magic. It’s better for the group if they split for the day.” He arches his scarred brow. “Just you and me today, honey bear.” Garrick swings his arm over Xaden’s shoulder. “Don’t worry,” he leans in and whispers. “I’ll take good care of you.” He flashes a dimple.

You know, that whole slay-them-in-darkness thing was badass”—Ridoc lifts his finger—“but I totally had him.” “You didn’t.” Xaden strokes his thumb over mine, and Garrick’s shoulders shake with a quiet laugh as we descend the final flight of steps to the main entrance. “I was about to have him,” Ridoc argues, shaking that finger. “You weren’t,” Xaden assures him. “How could you possibly know that?” Ridoc drops his hand. Garrick and Xaden exchange a look of sheer exasperation, and I fight a smile. “Because you were on one side of the room,” Garrick says, “but your blade was on the other.” “A problem I was in the middle of solving.” Ridoc shrugs,

Someone knocks. I startle, then quickly lock the book and shove it under my pillow before crossing to the door and opening it. Xaden stands at the threshold, his hands gripping the frame on both sides, his flight jacket unbuttoned, and his head bowed. My immediate elation is slain by logic. “What are you doing?” I whisper, trying to look past him to see if there’s anyone else in the hallway who could report him. “Did you love him?” The question is a low rumble of sound. “Someone is going to see you!” “Did. You. Love. Him?” Xaden lifts his head and pins me with a look that borders on feral. “I have to know. I can handle it. But I have to know.” “Oh, for Amari’s sake.” I grab the lapels of his flight jacket and yank him into my room, and he flicks his wrist, shutting the door behind him. The loud click tells me he’s locked it, too. “I was with Halden years ago.” “Yeah, I picked up on that.” His brow knits as he nods. “I picked up on a lot of things he was thinking.” I blink. “That’s not how your signet—” “Did you love him?” he repeats. “Holy shit.” My hands fall from his jacket. “You’re actually jealous.” “Yes, love, I’m jealous.” He splays his hand over the small of my back and tugs me toward him. “I’m jealous of the armor that holds you when I can’t, the sheets on your bed that caress your skin every night, and the blades that feel your hands. So, when the prince of our realm walks into my classroom and starts talking to the woman I love with what can only be considered intense familiarity, and then has the audacity to ask her out right in front of me, naturally, I’m going to get jealous.

Narelle tilts her head. “I did not stutter.” She looks pointedly at the armchair. “Put that back in its place.” Xaden lifts a brow but does as she asks, then crosses the small section of the room and sheathes my dagger at my hip. “Thank you,” I whisper. He brushes a kiss over my temple, then takes the empty spot at my right side. “Get off the floor, Urson—you’re bleeding everywhere. Take your sister to the back and wake her up. Did I not say you were ill-prepared to carry a weapon?” Narelle lectures as she avoids the spilled blood. “Please forgive my grandchildren. They took our task of protecting the books from any riders who aren’t…you a little too seriously.” She sinks into the chair. “Thank you, young man,” she says to Xaden, then gives him a second look before glancing at Dain. “My, the Continent does have some fine-looking men.

Sorry about that,” Xaden says, his tone implying otherwise. “I was blocking a potentially lethal blow to the first-year and seem to have knocked the wind right out of you.” I arch an eyebrow and slowly look over my shoulder at him. “Seriously?” “He was going to touch you.” The glacial rage in his eyes has mine widening. “Right, because that’s the mature response.” Halden sucks in a breath, then another. “Quite. All. Right.” “It wasn’t a response, it was… It simply was.” Xaden crouches behind me as Halden pushes himself to sit upright. “Let’s get three things straight, Your Highness. First, I have remarkable hearing thanks to the shadows at your very feet. Second, I don’t control Violet. Never have. Never will. But third, and most importantly—” He lowers his voice. “She really, honestly hasn’t thought about you. At least not since the second she set eyes on me.” I’m going to fucking kill him.

The Dark One didn’t cut it in the first place,” Tairn responds. “Stop calling him that.” My knee collapses, and I throw my arms out to steady my balance, cursing my joints as I reach Tairn’s shoulder. After an hour in the saddle at these temperatures, a pissed-off knee is nothing; I’m lucky my hips still rotate. “Stop denying the truth.” Tairn enunciates every word of the damning order as I avoid a patch of ice and prepare to dismount. “His soul is no longer his own.” “That’s a little dramatic.” I’m not getting into this argument again. “His eyes are back to normal—” “That kind of power is addictive. You know it, or you wouldn’t be pretending to sleep at night.” He twists his neck in a way that reminds me of a snake and levels a golden glare on me. “I’m sleeping.” It’s not entirely a lie, but definitely time to change the subject. “Did you make me repair my saddle to teach me a lesson?” My ass protests every scale on Tairn’s leg as I slide, then land in a fresh foot of snow. “Or because you don’t trust Xaden with my gear anymore?” “Yes.” Tairn lifts his head far over mine and blasts a torrent of fire along his wing, melting off the residual ice, and I turn away from the surge of heat that painfully contrasts my body temperature. “Tairn…” I struggle for words and look up at him. “I need to know where you stand before this meeting. With or without Empyrean approval, I can’t do any of this without you.” “Meaning, will I support the myriad of ways you plan to court death in the name of curing one who is beyond redemption?” He swivels his head in my direction again. Tension crackles along Andarna’s bond. “He’s not—” I cut off that particular argument, since the rest is sound. “Basically, yes.” He grumbles deep within his chest. “I fly without warming my wings in preparation for carrying heavier weight for longer distances. Does that not answer your question?” Meaning Andarna. Relief gusts through my lips on a swift exhale. “Thank you.” Steam rolls in billowing clouds from his nostrils. “But do not mistake my unflinching support of you, my mate, and Andarna for any form of faith in him.” Tairn lifts his head, cueing the end of the conversation.

Did you two ride a lot when you were younger?” Xaden asks as we pass by a tavern, and more than one mug of ale spills onto white tunics at the outdoor tables at the sight of us. My jaw drops and my head whips in his direction. Leather creaks, and when I glance back, sure enough, Mira is leaning forward in her saddle. “What?” Xaden looks at me, then lifts his brows and glances back at the others. Cat stares at him like he’s grown another head. Dain’s wearing two lines between his brows like he can’t quite figure out if this is a trick question, and Ridoc grins like he’s got front-row tickets to a play. Xaden’s gaze jumps to mine for a second before returning to the road as we take the fork to the right, leading to the market and port according to the rather remarkable signage jammed between the cobblestone and a large tree. “Am I not allowed to ask about your childhood?” “No,” I blurt. “Of course you are.” “It’s just that you usually act like I didn’t grow up with her,” Dain answers casually. “Like we weren’t best friends.” “I’m so fucking glad I got on this horse,” Ridoc says, gripping his reins tighter.

This discussion isn’t over,” Xaden warns as we turn our attention to the field. “Happy to win the fight again later.

Fucking yield!” The heat within me snaps outward and breaks with my voice. Lightning streaks downward and strikes to the left and right. Rock cracks. Thunder immediately follows, rattling the ground and leaving only the patter of rain and silence in its wake. I startle but manage not to nick her neck. “I yield,” Marlis whispers, her eyes wide beneath me. “I yield!” she shouts. Costa’s head whips in our direction, and Xaden slams his fist into his jaw. The fighter topples to the side, completely unconscious. “She…yields!” the commander yells, and guards rush in.

Thank you, young man,” she says to Xaden, then gives him a second look before glancing at Dain. “My, the Continent does have some fine-looking men.

Nothing about you scares me. I won’t run, Xaden.

She lost a dragon,” Mira shouts. “Not a boyfriend. It’s not a breakup.” Her gaze swings to Xaden. “No offense.

I still have both of them: Tairn and Xaden.

How about you go get me a set of crutches, and I’ll—” “How about you get down here,” Xaden says, standing where I’d expected to find Brennan. My heartbeat jolts. Gods, he looks good, staring up at me with the kind of intensity that used to rattle my nerves when I was a first-year. He lifts one arm, and shadows rush up from beneath Tairn and solidify as they wrap around my waist. “Now would be preferable.” He crooks his fingers at me. “I would do the same for any wounded rider.

Like hell am I giving him up, even though nothing about what he laid out sounds equal or balanced. “By balance, you mean Tyrrendor comes first, Xaden second, our relationship fights for third, and my personal needs are a matter of convenience.” Saying it aloud puts it all in harsh perspective.

I reach for Xaden mentally, but there’s only a thick wall of chilled onyx.

She’d be a great politician,” Aaric continues. “Or a general, maybe? Definitely nobility.” “With that speech? At least a duchess.” Xaden shifts his weight, brushing his elbow against my shoulder.

the shimmering pathway that leads to Xaden is still blocked, dimmed to an echo of its usual presence. The loss of constant connection sucks, but he doesn’t trust himself—or what he thinks he’ll become—to keep it open yet.

Do me a favor,” I say to Xaden, unfastening the conduit’s leather strap at my hip and hooking it over my wrist so the orb fits comfortably in my palm. Then I take three steps forward onto the mat and open the door to Tairn’s power with a hell of a smirk. “Don’t let me hurt you.

who fostered Xaden and Liam.

Speak for yourself,” Xaden says, swinging his leg over and dismounting next to me. “Aretia is the second most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” He hands me his reins, turning those gorgeous, gold-flecked onyx eyes into weapons capable of melting the underwear straight off my body as he looks up at me. “And my home is the first.

It’s not always me,” I whisper to Xaden, brushing my hand against his as we continue down the wide spiral staircase, approaching the second floor. Xaden scoffs, then laces his fingers with mine and brings the back of my hand to his perfectly sculpted mouth. “It is,” he replies just as quietly, punctuating the remark with a kiss.

Maybe keeping his distance works for Xaden, but I need my friends.

Good.” Ridoc nods, then rocks back on his heels and takes a deep breath. “Oh, and just so we’re clear, that strike up there wasn’t”—he gestures between us—“you know. Us.” He flinches. “I mean, it was us because I pissed her off, but it wasn’t us…us, if you know what I’m saying.” I fight to keep from rolling my eyes. “Well aware,” Xaden replies. “First because I trust Violet, and second”—he glances at Ridoc in a dismissive once-over—“it wasn’t a big enough strike.

He will,” she says in that same infuriatingly certain tone Xaden uses.

Sorry about that,” Xaden says, his tone implying otherwise. “I was blocking a potentially lethal blow to the first-year and seem to have knocked the wind right out of you.

The Duke of Tyrrendor,” Blue Sash announces loudly, gesturing to the four steps that lead up the dais on the left, “and his consort, Violet Sorrensail.” Close enough. Xaden walks up the steps first, his gaze sweeping the floor, the chairs, the table, and even the place settings before he reaches back with a hand. It’s unnecessary but sweet, so I take it and walk up after him. “It’s Sorrengail,” he corrects Blue Sash.

We heard.” Brennan offers me a flash of a proud smile. “And saw.” “She’d be a great politician,” Aaric continues. “Or a general, maybe? Definitely nobility.” “With that speech? At least a duchess.” Xaden shifts his weight, brushing his elbow against my shoulder.

If Tyrrendor does not immediately restore the flow of Talladium, the consequences will be dire not only for the province but the Continent. This is not a request—it is an order from your king. —Official Correspondence of His Majesty, King Tauri the Wise, to His Grace, Lieutenant Xaden Riorson, Sixteenth Duke of Tyrrendor

She wiggles her finger at Xaden. “I heard you saying you’d kill my grandson if he took another step toward your beloved, young man. How illogically, toxically romantic of you. Have to admit, that kind of confident violence isn’t what I pictured when Asher talked about you, but the brown hair, those…I guess they’re brown eyes, and how utterly smitten he predicted you two would eventually be for each other? Well, he described you almost perfectly, Dain Aetos.” Oh, fucking kill me now. My mouth opens, then shuts. Xaden raises both eyebrows and presses his lips between his teeth. Dain rubs the back of his neck. Mira snorts once, covers her mouth with her hand, then doubles over laughing. “I’m sorry,” she forces out and straightens, quickly masking her face and clearing her throat, but she slips again, her shoulders shaking. “I can’t. I just can’t. I need a second.” She walks behind the row of shelves, hopefully to compose herself. My face feels like it’s been blasted by dragon fire.

I choose him.” Whether she’s talking about Xaden or Tairn, my answer is the same.

Xaden is mine. My heart, my soul, my everything. He channeled from the earth to save me, and I’ll scour the world until I find a way to save him right back. Even if it takes bargaining with Tecarus for access to every book on the damned Continent or capturing dark wielders one by one to question, I’ll find a cure. “We’ll find a cure,” Andarna promises. “We will exhaust every closer resource first, but if I’m right and I somehow altered that venin inadvertently while changing my scales, then the rest of my kind should know how to master the tactic. How to change him. Cure him.” My

Did. You. Love. Him?” Xaden lifts his head and pins me with a look that borders on feral. “I have to know. I can handle it. But I have to know.

My consort,” Xaden replies casually. “Violet Sorrengail.

fight to keep from rolling my eyes. “Well aware,” Xaden replies. “First because I trust Violet, and second”—he glances at Ridoc in a dismissive once-over—“it wasn’t a big enough strike.

Xaden?” I whisper. “It’s nothing. Really. I’ve had worse on a sparring mat.” “They’re all fucking dead.

I reach for Xaden and find his shields not only up but impenetrable. Frustrating, but fine. I’m perfectly capable of fighting on my own, and I have Ridoc and Rhi with me.

Why didn't you tell me?" Guilt for even suggesting to Xaden that we stay for not realizing it, settles on my shoulders. "You live in pain. Do you feel as though you need to alert me every time your knee twinges or your joints slip?" Even his wingbeats change, becoming more staccato. "There have been several moments, even here, when your heartbeat has elevated and you have approached unconsciousness, yet you have not made special note." I lean with him as he banks left, following the centuries-old aqueduct, "That's just everyday life for me. This isn't normal for you." "Andarna shows no sign of trouble. I am inconvenienced, annoyed, and cut off from my source of power, strength, and my mate's thoughts, but I am still Tairneanach, son of Murtcuideam and Fiaclanfuil, descended from-" "All right, yes, I get it. You are superior in all ways." I interrupt him before he can get through his whole pompous lineage like I don't have it memorized by now.

Agreed,” Xaden says. “That’s far too casual a term for what we are.

Well-the-fuck-aware.” Xaden closes his eyes and leans his head back against the wall.

Xaden?” Talia whispers, lifting her hand, then quickly dropping it. “Is it really you?” My eyebrows hit my fucking hairline. Xaden reaches across me and wraps his hand over my hip like I need protection. “Mom.

Does their bond survive you turning? Does ours? You and I are tethered for life, Xaden Riorson. Am I expected to turn with you? Is that the only way to keep our dragons alive if you give up?

By balance, you mean Tyrrendor comes first, Xaden second, our relationship fights for third, and my personal needs are a matter of convenience.

She wielded lightning,” I whisper, and his brow furrows. “Xaden, I think we’re wrong. I don’t think they’re limited to lesser magics. I think maybe…they have signets, too.” “I believe you.” He doesn’t so much as flinch. “What else did you leave out?

Her dark-brown eyes settle on Xaden immediately, and they flare in blatant, palpable shock. “Is there a problem?” Faris asks. She studies Xaden with a desperate intensity that puts us firmly in awkward territory,

You. Garrick.” I tilt my head. “And I once thought I saw Liam…” “Wield ice,” Xaden says, stroking his thumb along my chin.

A corner of Xaden’s mouth slowly curves upward. “I can teach you to try, but there’s only one person capable of taking me down one day, and it isn’t you, Graycastle.” My cheeks heat as heads swing my way.

As much as I appreciate the concern,” Xaden drawls, his voice edging on icy, “you try to dictate the occupants of Violet’s bed again, and we’re going to have problems.

Well aware,” Xaden replies. “First because I trust Violet, and second”—he glances at Ridoc in a dismissive once-over—“it wasn’t a big enough strike.

Did you love him? Violet, you have to tell me.” The sharp edge of desperation in his voice does me in. “Not the way I love you,” I admit softly. He retreats until his ass hits my desk, then stares at the floor. “You loved him.” “I was eighteen.” I search my memories, trying to think of a better word to describe what I’d felt for Halden, but come up blank. “We were only together about seven months—a little before his Conscription Day until December. I was infatuated and enamored, and at the time, that rush of utter beguilement was what I knew of love. So yes, I loved him.” He grips the edge of the desk, and his knuckles pale. “Fuck. And he’s going with us. I caught that, too.” “Yes. And I get it.” I cross the distance between us. “It’s really hard for me to see you anywhere near Cat—” “I never loved Cat.” Xaden’s head whips up. “Sure, the idea of”—he swallows like he might puke—“Halden putting his hands on you makes me want to put him back into the wall, especially given the fact that he can touch you and I can’t, but knowing he’s been here—” Xaden puts his hand just beneath my collarbone. “Has me considering murder so there’s no chance of him worming his royal ass back in.” “He can’t touch me.” I lift his hand and press a kiss to the center of his callused palm before putting it back above my heart and holding it there. “This will only ever be yours. You could leave me or even meet Malek, and it still would be. I’ve made my peace with knowing there’s no getting over you.

Are you going to draw a weapon?” “We’ll see.” Xaden shrugs,

Always will.” He offers me a hint of a smile before turning toward the dormitory. When I look over to Xaden, I find him watching, his scarred eyebrow rising as his gaze jumps to Dain before finding mine again. My eyes narrow. Is that… No, it can’t be jealousy, can it?

My, the Continent does have some fine-looking men.” A corner of Xaden’s mouth quirks upward, and I can’t help but silently agree with her.

The interview ended before it began,” Mira says, twirling the stem of her goblet between her fingers. “You don’t care that Violet is the smartest person in this room. Or that Xaden tore apart Basgiath to save her, then returned to fight for Navarre because it was the right thing to do. Or that Cat lives in the most hostile environment possible to help her kingdom. You don’t care that Aaric had to step into the light he hates so we’d have a royal representative, or that Garrick has stood by Xaden’s side no matter the cost. We proved our lack of wisdom by coming here in the first place. You were never going to share your knowledge or ally yourself with us.

I take full responsibility for my safety. You are a giant battle flag waving in the wind right now, Xaden, but you’re my battle flag, and you’d do the same thing in my position.

She said to get fucked,” Xaden replies to their captain.

What could be so fucking important that you’re trying to ruin my one evening?” Xaden snaps. “A messenger came,” Dain says. “King Courtlyn has decided to keep Halden.” My stomach pitches. “Too fucking bad for Halden.” Xaden shrugs.

Thank you, young man,” she says to Xaden, then gives him a second look before glancing at Dain. “My, the Continent does have some fine-looking men.” A corner of Xaden’s mouth quirks upward, and I can’t help but silently agree with her.

My consort,” Xaden replies casually. “Violet Sorrengail.” What the actual fuck? My jaw snaps shut so hard my teeth click. I want our bond back and I want it back right now. He can’t just announce things like that without at least a discussion. “Are congratulations or commiserations in order?” Tairn lifts his head. “Shut up.” I sheathe my dagger to keep from chucking it at the man I love.

Navarre,” Courtlyn continues, “or Tyrrendor? Lie, and this discussion is over. We’ve fared quite well without the Continent.” Xaden tilts his head, studying the king. “Violet.” My heart skips into double time. “My loyalty is to Violet first above everything, everyone else,” Xaden says. “Then Tyrrendor. Then Navarre in the moments it’s worthy—usually when Violet is in residence.

Xaden is mine. My heart, my soul, my everything. He channeled from the earth to save me, and I’ll scour the world until I find a way to save him right back. Even if it takes bargaining with Tecarus for access to every book on the damned Continent or capturing dark wielders one by one to question, I’ll find a cure.

His gaze falls to me, as if I need the reminder of his proposal to join his collection as his on-call guard dog in return for the privilege of growing old with Xaden and our dragons in the peace of his estate in the isles. “That offer still stands.

Garrick pauses, then sets the forkful on the plate. “He said we could start—” He blinks once, then wobbles. “I feel…I feel—” Time seems to slow as his eyes flutter shut and he collapses, falling toward the table. “Garrick!” Xaden shouts, shoving away from the table as Aaric lunges, catching Garrick’s head before it can hit the surface. Aaric’s gaze swings wildly toward Xaden. “He isn’t breathing!

My left arm is splinted, and a beautiful gold ring with an emerald the size of my thumbnail sits on my hand. Oh gods, I know that stone. It matches the others from the Blade of Aretia upstairs on Xaden’s nightstand. Is it the missing one? “What is happening right now?” I ask slowly.

I’m guessing he’s why you’ve been so hung up on finding a cure.” Ridoc’s accusation hits me like a bucket of ice water, and I snap my gaze to his. Oh. Fuck. “Yeah.” He nods at me. “I saw his eyes turn red.” “Ridoc—” Xaden starts. “Not a single word from you, dark wielder,” Ridoc grits out, his eyes locked on mine. “Vi, you’ve got one chance to come clean and tell me what the actual fuck is going on.

Oh, and just so we’re clear, that strike up there wasn’t”—he gestures between us—“you know. Us.” He flinches. “I mean, it was us because I pissed her off, but it wasn’t us…us, if you know what I’m saying.” I fight to keep from rolling my eyes. “Well aware,” Xaden replies. “First because I trust Violet, and second”—he glances at Ridoc in a dismissive once-over—“it wasn’t a big enough strike.

Xaden’s smirk deepens, and he settles into his seat like he’s ready for a show.

You are a giant battle flag waving in the wind right now, Xaden, but you’re my battle flag,

If he only knew the truth. Gods know who they have waiting behind these doors to replace the ones we lost, but I’m already sure I can only trust two of them—Mira and Xaden.

Narelle leans forward and lifts her eyebrows. “He was having sex with a professor?” “Mom!” Leona chides. “What a fucking asshole,” Dain mutters. “Why didn’t you tell me?” “What were you going to do? Punch out the crown prince of Navarre?” I counter. Dain’s brow furrows. “Yes,” Xaden answers. “Still might.

She wiggles her finger at Xaden. “I heard you saying you’d kill my grandson if he took another step toward your beloved, young man. How illogically, toxically romantic of you. Have to admit, that kind of confident violence isn’t what I pictured when Asher talked about you, but the brown hair, those…I guess they’re brown eyes, and how utterly smitten he predicted you two would eventually be for each other? Well, he described you almost perfectly, Dain Aetos.

Xaden reaches across me and wraps his hand over my hip like I need protection. “Mom.

Trust me, she’s not impressed by titles.” Xaden looks over at Sgaeyl. “If you want to, I understand, but her death would be incredibly inconvenient. Can you pick a guard or something?

Eastern Wing has temporarily loaned us their most powerful rider to start your instruction.” My throat tightens, and my heart starts to pound. “And on that note.” Devera gestures to the door at the back of the room, and I turn so fast my vision swims. “Look who just arrived.” Xaden stands next to Professor Kaori in the doorway, casually leaning against the frame with his arms crossed, with a tiny, yet undeniable tilt to his mouth as our eyes lock.

Just so you know who to hate,” I say over my shoulder once I’m in the hall, “Xaden didn’t kill Varrish. I did.

I was about to have him,” Ridoc argues, shaking that finger. “You weren’t,” Xaden assures him. “How could you possibly know that?” Ridoc drops his hand. Garrick and Xaden exchange a look of sheer exasperation, and I fight a smile. “Because you were on one side of the room,” Garrick says, “but your blade was on the other.

You might be angry when you realize I didn’t wake you to say goodbye. But it’s only because I no longer fully trust my ability to walk away. —Recovered Correspondence of His Grace, Lieutenant Xaden Riorson, Sixteenth Duke of Tyrrendor, to Cadet Violet Sorrengail

None of them realize the sacrifice Xaden made to kill the Sage…their general.

my page marked by one of Xaden’s daggers.

No wonder he’s best friends with Xaden. They’re both excellent at dodging questions.

The last time a shadow and lightning wielder fought side by side, they managed to drive the venin back into the Barrens for a few hundred years. We’ll figure out how to do it again.” I fumble the conduit and nearly drop it. Xaden and I are the first of our signets to live simultaneously since the Great War?

Why only me?” I repeat, more than aware of the other cadets staring as I find my balance, studying me as if hoping to discover a mark, since Xaden walked away unscathed. “Xaden!” He doesn’t so much as pause his ascent. “Because you’re the only one capable of killing me.

What I need is for Xaden to be all right. If that means setting this house on fire and leaving without accomplishing anything else on this isle, then I’ll hand him a torch.

Don’t worry, Dain’s agreed to help me find it.” Xaden cracks his neck. “‘Don’t worry’ and ‘Dain’ do not belong in the same sentence.

You have to accept what I already have," Xaden says to me. "The man you love no longer fully belongs to himself." He walks past Lewellen into the great hall, taking my heart with him.

What happens to me if you turn?” My hands curl at my sides. “What happens to Tairn and Sgaeyl if you give in?” Xaden’s jaw flexes. “Do venin get once-a-week visits?” I take a step closer and lift my chin. “Does their bond survive you turning? Does ours? You and I are tethered for life, Xaden Riorson. Am I expected to turn with you? Is that the only way to keep our dragons alive if you give up?

Courtlyn only looks to be a few years older than Xaden and me. He’s handsome, with deep golden-brown skin stretched over high cheekbones and a strong jaw, cunning brown eyes, and

Xaden and I talk most nights through the bond, but he still broodily refuses to spend physical time alone with me.

Xaden tilts his head, studying the king. “Violet.” My heart skips into double time. “My loyalty is to Violet first above everything, everyone else,” Xaden says. “Then Tyrrendor. Then Navarre in the moments it’s worthy—usually when Violet is in residence.” It’s a reckless answer given what hangs in the balance, and now is absolutely not the time, but damn if it doesn’t make me love him even more.

Xaden comes first for me.” It comes out so self-sacrificial that I half expect my mother to appear and smack me upside the back of my head.

And I once thought I saw Liam…” “Wield ice,” Xaden says, stroking his thumb along my chin.

Is he fucking serious?” I glance at Xaden. “Entirely.” A corner of his mouth lifts. “Have fun eating them alive.

Tairn and Andarna are asleep, but there’s a stirring along the bond I share with Xaden. His shields are down, but the foggy barrier of sleep stands between us.

I swear to Amari, you two get one inch closer and I’m going to throw a bucket of water on you,” Mira warns, breaking the spell. I fall forward, leaning my forehead on Xaden’s chest right between my fists, and feel his laughter rumble as he closes his arms around me.

To whom do you owe your loyalty, Your Grace?" "Navarre," Courtlyn continues, "or Tyrrendor? Lie, and this discussion is over. We've fared quite well without the continent." Xaden tilts his head, studying the king. "Violet." My heart skips into double time. "My loyalty is to Violet first above everything, everyone else," Xaden says. "Then Tyrrendor. Then Navarre in the moments it's worthy - usually when Violet is in residence.