A Touch of Poison (Shadows of the Tenebris Court, #2)

by Clare Sager

“Because I’d be powerless to follow.”

Softly, he added, “They don’t have experience of dealing with humans and their pretty, lying mouths.”

“Locking me up is not keeping me safe. It’s torture.”

The fae lights dimmed as he left. The shadow of his feet remained at the crack beneath my door for a long while.

“I normally hate that name,” he murmured into the quiet of the practice yard, and I was suddenly all too aware that we were the only ones here. “But when you say it… it isn’t the same at all.”

Bastian!!!!!

“Well, that’s a shame.” The lilt in his voice sounded anything but disappointed. “I thought fae couldn’t lie?” “I meant for him.” His smile gentled as he took me in. “And perhaps for you. Though, hopefully not for me.”

Shooters shoot!

Did it serve you to keep quiet?”

I don’t have the luxury—the power of that choice. Yet again.”

“You’re fixing it all, aren’t you?” Brow low, mouth tight, he turned and glanced over the collection. He wrinkled his nose and sent a shadow to swipe dust off the grandfather clock’s face. “Trying to. But there are more broken things than I can keep up with.” “Has it crossed your mind that they aren’t all your responsibility?”

Hands down Bastian is legitimately the best MMC I’ve read. I just loves his characterization and just the subtle development of who he is. Like we really learning him alongside Kat and I understanddddddd the attraction!

“Bastian Marwood’s hobby is collecting broken things and trying to fix them.” He picked up a piece of vase and peered at it. “Just seems a shame to see it all thrown away. So when I find it, I rescue it.”

“Is there a reason you won’t leave us alone with Kat? Something you don’t want her to say?” He blinked and straightened, and inwardly I winced. “No, I just…” His expression tightened, shadowing his eyes. “You know she died. I’m merely—” “Only for a moment.” I sat forward and wiggled my fingers. “See? Still alive.” Bastian clenched his jaw and inclined his head, then left the room.

Leave my boo alone. He is scared! He love that girl lol. She almost DIED.

He was trying to care for me. Perhaps he hadn’t realised just how tightly he was holding on.

This line ahhhhhh swoon!

“I don’t want it.” Ella spread her hands. “Though as deaths go, it’s definitely not the worst. I just… well, it would be better than whatever this is.” She gestured from me to the door. “Because the tension between you two is…” She exhaled, cheeks puffing out. “It’s heady. Every time I leave the room, I feel the need for a cold shower.”

“To friendships forged in shitty circumstances.”

Things outside your control can rob your happiness in an instant. You can’t stop it. But don’t let the things that are in your control do the same.”

Memento mori. Death comes for our lives… but also for our happiness.

“I kneel for no one, but here I am on my knees for you.

“Be aware of it. Start arguing back. Decide whether you truly want to give up this belief—whether you’re ready to do that hard work on top of everything else. It will take time, if you do. Well, time or traumatic events.”

People just want something that will benefit them now rather than enduring the pain of wanting.”

Pasty-faced and glowering, in the doorway stood Robin.