Champion (Legend, #3)

by Marie Lu

What’s the point of keeping in touch with the girl you’re crazy about, when you’re dying?

And I’d forgotten that a boy from the streets is no match for the future Princeps.

“Where I come from, we’re more about efficiency,” he replies. “A knife like this’ll skewer food, smear butter, and slit throats all at the same time.”

“Hey—with your metal leg and half a brain, and my four leftover senses, we almost make a whole person.”

“Mom used to say that having three boys was kind of like having a pet tornado that talked back.”

I kissed him.”

I seized his collar, yanked the knife from his shoulder, and plunged it deep into his chest. Right up to the hilt.”

“Because Day chose to walk in the light.” I turn my back on him for the last time. The door opens; the cell’s bars make way for the hall, a new rotation of prison guards, freedom. “And so did Metias.”

“I hear about you a lot too,” Eden replies in a rush, “mostly from Daniel. He thinks you’re really hot.”

“Why, June,” I tease in a low, soft voice, smiling against her ear. “Are you asking me out on a date?”

“Sometimes, the sun sets earlier. Days don’t last forever, you know. But I’ll fight as hard as I can. I can promise you that.”

I’d rather step away than be reminded every day that I only have a few months left to be with you.

“You drive me insane, June,”

“Billions of people will come and go in this world,” he says softly, “but there will never be another like you.”

“Have some faith, sweetheart. The people love me.”

Tess, pale and sickly and breathing hard, clutching a rifle from one of the other fallen soldiers.

There’s a voice telling me to get up. When I look to my side, I see a boy holding out his hand to me. He has bright blue eyes, dirt on his face, and a beat-up old cap on, and at this moment, I think he might be the most beautiful boy I’ve ever seen.

He is still wearing the paper clip ring I’d once given him.

“Hi,” he says. “I’m Daniel.” “Hi,” I reply. “I’m June.”