The High Mountain Court (Five Crowns of Okrith #1)

by A.K. Mulford

“Never let anyone else tell you who you are, Remy, even me. No one decides how bright you shine but you.”

Remy knew how much those names dug their claws into a person. She knew how being called a witch had evolved into an insult over the years, as if she were something evil or lesser than others. And she knew how—despite how hard a person tried to not let those words sink into them—they would linger. Then a person would start to believe them to be true.

“My father is a cunning man—he sees more than most. He’d take one look at me with you and he’d know,” Hale said. “Know what?” Remy breathed. “That I’m not acting.”

His lips brushed across her temple. “Dream of me,” he whispered smugly, and she did.

“This must be the afterlife.” She smiled. “Why, because the bed is too comfortable or because your Fated is too good looking?”

“Promise me I will never have to watch you die again.” He said it as if he meant it to be a joke, but there was too much pain in his voice to pull it off. “You know I can’t promise that.” Remy stroked her hand down his forearm. “Lie to me, then,” he rasped.