The Aspect of Essence (The Aelfyn Archives, #1)

by Samantha Amstutz

He’d never understand why some people delighted in the suffering of others. Maybe they’re so miserable themselves that projecting their pain is all they have left.

There was no point in dreaming about realities that didn’t exist—having a life that was his own. Every time his handlers summoned him away, Jassyn descended further into something unrecognizable. The masks he had to wear, the illusions he had to curate to survive—none of it was him. And he loathed everything about it.

I’m so tired of feeling.

As if sensing some imminent threat, the hairs on Serenna’s arms lifted. She froze in the middle of cutting another strip of cloth. A subtle tug, like the pull of a gentle current, flowed through her. A deep voice, reeking of delight, rang out. “Oh, look who it is.”

Vesryn’s thought brushed her mind, softer than a feather’s caress gliding across her cheek. I like your human emotions.

It’s like seeing a kaleidoscope of colors when I’ve been living in black and white. Letting the human side of you feel is nothing to be ashamed of. I’m sorry I used that against you.

“Whatever this is…” The muscles of his jaw strained. “It’s more than a bond to me.”

Vesryn’s skill as a warrior was utterly devastating—he was a celestial prince of death.