Iron Flame (The Empyrean, #2)

by Rebecca Yarros

Well, in that case. “One, Xaden told me to keep my distance if I couldn’t lie to them, and two, between the land nav course—which we failed—and his duty schedule, I think leadership is keeping us apart as a punishment for not producing Andarna. And it’s coded, but he says the same in the letter he left on his bed for me.” A letter that quickly became my favorite because it delves into what his life had been like before the rebellion. It also makes me wonder what he’d be like if that was still the reality he was living in. “That’s just…weird,” Imogen says, her brow furrowing as her gaze scans the hallway for threats. “It is.” I do the same, watching every pair of hands I can see. “The timing of the last two weeks is just too coincidental for it not to be on purpose.” “Oh no, that part is completely understandable.” She side-eyes me. “Separating you two would be my first move if I was in a position of power. On your own, you’re both capable of terrifying things with those signets. Together? You’re a fucking menace. I mean it’s weird that he’s writing you letters.” “Why? I think it’s…sweet.” “Exactly. Does he strike you as a letters kind of guy?” She shakes her head. “He’s not even a talking kind of guy.” “We’re trying to work on our communication.”