Two Twisted Crowns (The Shepherd King, #2)

by Rachel Gillig

“You’ve proven a wretched disappointment, Ravyn.” Ravyn lowered himself at the door, a final bow. “From you, Uncle, that is praise indeed.”

“But you will. You will learn, just as I did, what it feels like to lose yourself in the wood.”

Neither of them had apologized—not really. But an airing of truths, after so much malice, was the best they could do.

And Elm—no one was afraid of him. His Scythe, maybe, but not him. He was a rotted-out tree, and Ravyn the impenetrable, untouchable vines that held the pieces of him together.

“Pray she forgives you for trading that Nightmare Card for a marriage to Hauth. Because I never will.”

The Nightmare slammed his hands on the table, making Ravyn wince. “It’s hardly my fault, Elspeth,” he muttered under his breath, “that I am constantly surrounded by idiots.” He turned to Morette and Fenir. “Magic moves in families. You have two other children with the infection, do you not?”