Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2)

by Rebecca Yarros

“I alone am responsible for Violet.” Xaden’s voice lowers in pure malice. “And if I’m not enough, there are not one but two dragons who have already vouched for her integrity.” Enough is enough. “She is standing right here,” I snap, and an unflattering amount of satisfaction courses through me at the number of jaws that drop in front of me. “So stop talking about me and try talking to me.” A corner of Xaden’s mouth rises, and the pride that flashes through his expression is unmistakable. “What do you want from me?” I ask them, striding into the room. “Want me to walk Parapet and prove my bravery? Done. Want me to betray my kingdom by defending Poromish citizens? Done. Want me to keep his secrets?” I gesture toward Xaden with my left hand. “Done. I kept every secret.” “Except the one that mattered.” Suri lifts an eyebrow. “We all know how you ended up in Athebyne.” Guilt clogs my throat. “That was not—” Xaden starts, rising from his chair. “Through no fault of her own.” The man nearest us with the gray beard—Felix—stands, blocking Suri from my sight as he turns toward her. “No first-year could withstand a memory reader, especially one considered a friend.” He pivots to face me. “But you have to know that you have enemies at Basgiath, now. Should you return, you must know that Aetos will not be among your friends. He will do everything he can to kill you for what you’ve seen.” “I know.” The words are thick on my tongue. Felix nods. “We are done here,” Xaden says, his gaze ca...