Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2)

by Rebecca Yarros

“You court death?” Tairn asks, pushing past my shields. “I needed to confirm a secret that isn’t mine to share,” I answer. “Please don’t push.” Tairn’s talons flex in the icy slush beside me. I turn to Xaden. “I don’t want to leave you, and I have about a million questions as to why you think they’re coming for you, but if I don’t…” Every fiber of my being rebels at the notion of leaving him. Leaning in, he lifts his hand to the nape of my neck. “You and I both know you can’t raise the wards and stay to fight. When we were in Resson, I held them back while you fought. I trusted you to handle yourself. Now trust me to handle myself while you get the wards up before more people die. End this.” He kisses me hard and quick, then looks at me like this will be the last time he ever sees me. “I love you.” Oh…gods. No. I refuse to accept the goodbye in his tone. “You will stay alive,” I order Xaden, then glance to the waiting horde, the figure of the Sage who is nearly to the ground, taking his time as if this is all a game he’s already won, and finally to Tairn. “Stay with him.” Tairn growls, raising his lip over his fangs.