Glow of the Everflame (Kindred's Curse, #2)

by Penn Cole

“Leave him. Leave that stupid mortal who does not deserve you, and be with Luther.”

“There is something between you two I’ve never seen in any couple before. When you look at each other, it’s like the rest of the world ceases to exist.”

“At this point, I’m convinced even the Kindred want you together. And it’s clear you want him, too. So stop being a damn...

“You don’t have any right to ask that of me.” And just like that, his hope was dead.

Fuck she is pissing me off

“He stripped Luther of his titles,” Taran muttered, joining me at my side.

“Me.” Aemonn stepped forward, arms crossed over his chest.

“Blessed fucking Kindred,” Taran spat. “Him? You’re going to make some sniveling courtier High General? He’s never even served a day in the Royal Guard.”

“Aemonn invited her, did he tell you that?” Taran muttered. “He assigned the chairs so Luther had to sit beside her. They were working together to drive you two apart.”

I fuckinh knew he was a snake

Come, Daughter of the Forgotten.

Luther’s sword—the Sword of Corbois.

The one thing I desired most was the one thing I could never, ever have again.

“I don’t think I’m strong enough to do this. Everyone is counting on me, and I’m going to fail them, just like I failed you.”

“The darkness is closing in,” I whispered, “and I don’t have the strength to find the light.” “Then make your own.”

“You’ve got all that fancy Descended magic,” Teller said. “Maybe it’s time to stop looking for the light and start making it yourself.”

“Then keep trying. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, pick yourself back up, and try again. And don’t stop until you figure it out. That’s what the Diem Bellator I know would do.”

“I am, too. The thought of losing you...” Teller’s voice wavered, and I leaned against his shoulder.

“Fight like a gods-damned Bellator.” Somewhere, in the darkness, a flame flickered to life.

I know you can do this. We all do. You’re a Queen, and more importantly, you’re the daughter of Andrei Bellator—so go fight like it.”

Because of the bond that connected our emotions, no one had felt the brunt of my dour mood these past weeks more than Sorae—and no one seemed more relieved that I’d finally let it go.

And my heart stopped in my chest. Yes.

Better not be Luther Id be mad and disappointed plus grossed out

This small but powerful cadre had become my family. I would lay down my life for any one of them, and I knew without doubt they would do the same for me.

“I’m all dressed up with nowhere to go,” I laughed as I swallowed away the burning in my throat. “What now?”

“Luther,” I said softly.

“You’re... a sight to behold.”

“Why?” I breathed. “You were just a child—how could he do that to his own son?”

“Wait.” His hand shot to mine. “I want to tell you...”

“I’m sick of keeping things from you. I want you to know everything. Every secret I have is yours.”

Because you weren’t speaking to me. Because I was trying to win your forgiveness, and you would only have yelled at me. Because you were meeting with the man you’ve chosen over me.

“House Hanoverre agreed not to come after you if I make a bonded bargain to marry Iléana.” My hands flew out on reflex, latching to his forearms to steady my spinning head. “Luther. No.”

This deadly, uncompromising rage was not at me, but for me.

A request, and a warning, not to be careless with his best friend’s heart.

“And that didn’t tip you off that you were Descended? How deeply in denial were you?”

If I failed, I would condemn him to a lifetime with a Queen Consort who, even after years at his side, did not really see him. And you will lose him forever, my mind whispered.

I held my hand out. “Help me, Luther.”

“If I try to help you, are you going to fight me?” His grip tightened as he leaned down to my ear, his gravelly voice dropping low. “Or will you be a good girl for me again and obey?”

Luther and I were back to our dangerous game. Only this time, I was no longer afraid to play.

“Close your eyes,” he growled—an order, not a request. I let my stare linger defiantly for a moment before giving in.

All my burdens and fears dimmed and disappeared behind a heady, sinful haze that left my mind thinking only of his grip, his mouth, his body. His smile, his heart, his devotion. Everything he had come to mean to me. And what I stood to lose if I let him walk away. Please, I begged my godhood. Abandon me if you must, but not him. We have to save him.

You care about everyone here, and your magic will not hurt those you love.”

“It’s why I was able to come to your side after your father died. Even when you’d lost control, at your power’s most destructive, I dropped my shield, and it did me no harm.”

“I would have walked into the flaming heart of the sun itself,” he shot back. “If you are suffering, nothing will keep me from coming to your aid. Least of all something as trivial as death.”

The hand on my chest slid up my throat and cupped beneath my jaw. “Look,” he demanded, turning my face forward.

“You can let Diem overpower you again later, if you really insist.”

“I wish your parents could see you now—the incredible woman they raised.” My throat went tight. “Thank you,” was all I could manage to get out.

“This is what I’m fighting for. And I’ll risk everything to protect it.”

If I died tomorrow, my death—my father’s death—would not be for nothing. And that meant everything to me.

He’d left. He’d left. It might be my last week alive, and Henri, my best friend, my betrothed, my supposed King-to-be, had just... left.

“We know.” He gave me a deep, slow bow. “We believe in you, Your Majesty. Go give ‘em hell.”

“You’re going to stay here at the palace, right?” Silence. “You’re not going to take off and follow me as soon as I leave?” More silence. “No matter what trouble you sense, you’re going to stay here. Right?” Still silence. “Right?” Two reptilian eyes blinked at me. “Sorae!”

“If I don’t come back—oh, stop growling already—I’ve treasured every second with you. Be good to the next Crown. Unless it’s a Hanoverre—then chomp off their feet.”