The Dagger and the Flame (The City of Fantome, #1)

by Catherine Doyle

Why was he worried? Why did he save her? Why did he kiss her? Why did he look so achingly handsome soaking wet?

He followed her line of sight. ‘Do you want to see my scar, Seraphine?’

‘Wicked game,’ he breathed against her lips. ‘Have you ever kissed anyone in a church, Seraphine?’

They took off, winding up the stairs and out of earshot. Sera held her breath, expecting more people to arrive, but silence fell. Ransom broke it with a whisper. ‘Two more minutes.’ She frowned. They had the journal, and now the coast was clear. ‘Why do we need to wait—?’ ‘For this,’ he said, kissing her.

avarice.

‘You came back,’ she called out. He cocked his head. ‘After that kiss, did you really think I could stay away?’

didn’t know better, I’d swear you were luring me into this forest to kill me.’ ‘I can think of far better things to do with you in this forest,’ she tossed over her shoulder, swinging her hips for good measure. He stifled a groan. ‘You promised not to tempt me.’

She made her tongue work, forcing the words out before shame got the better of her. ‘Because Gaspard Dufort is my father.’ Silence swept through the clearing.

‘If I even dare to move right now, I’m afraid I might tear this entire forest down so I can shove every fucking branch down that bastard’s throat.’

His words were all gravel. ‘How many minutes do you want, Seraphine?’ ‘As many as you can spare.’

He blinked the haze from his eyes. ‘Run away with me, Seraphine.’ Her breath caught. ‘W-what?’ ‘Run away with me,’ he said, with devasting simplicity. ‘Tonight. Tomorrow. Yesterday. I don’t care.’ He gently brushed the hair from her eyes. ‘We have the same dream. Let’s chase it together.’

‘Keep your fucking hands off her!’ said Ransom, dodging the next blow before landing one of his own with a sickening crack.

And I realize now that all these years I wasn’t wishing for freedom. I was wishing for you.’

When the time comes, you will rise far above this wicked city and become a flame in the dark. You will be the Aurore, Seraphine.