The darkness around Maeve writhed. “The Queen Who Was Promised is no more,” she said, clicking her tongue. “Now you’re nothing but an assassin with a crown. And a commoner’s gift of magic.” Twin whips of brutal power speared for Aelin’s either side. Throwing up her shield, swinging Goldryn with her other arm, Aelin deflected, flame flashing. The shield buckled, but Goldryn burned steady. But she felt it. The familiar, unending pain. The shadows that could devour. Pressing closer. Eating away at her power. Maeve glanced to the blazing sword. “Clever of you, to imbue the sword with your own
...more
