The Chains of Fate (The Aelfyn Archives, #2)

by Samantha Amstutz

“That really explains nothing beyond your depravity.”

“When I realized Essence linked us with this bond, I knew it would only be a matter of time until you sank your claws into me and yanked the beating heart out of my chest.”

“I suppose I’ll risk you tearing out my heart if that’s the case.” His thumb brushed her bottom lip. “But I think you’ll discover I can be quite thorough.”

Tightening his grip in her hair with the slightest sting prickling her scalp, Vesryn’s voice was a rasp in her ear. “The stars made you for me.”

“That’s a shame, considering you’re more radiant than the sunrise.” Pausing

rotated over the prince’s face before guilt anchored in his features. “I just wanted you to believe it for yourself. To prove it to yourself.” Vesryn directed his attention to the storm drifting further out to sea, a break in the clouds lightening the sky. “I…only meant to help you.” “I’m not like you,” Jassyn bit out. His body quivered from too many warring feelings pulling him in every direction. A rope frayed, ready to snap. “Expelling anger in a magical tantrum doesn’t exactly help me.” Pinching the bridge of his nose, Jassyn inhaled deep breaths to calm himself, dispelling the darkness of his mood. “You have no reason to be vicious with cruelty to break me—to get the reaction you want.” Adding less forcefully, he added, “I’m already broken enough.” Vesryn averted his eyes, guilt woven into his features. “I’m…sorry. I shouldn’t have taken it so far.”

“If I were your elven prince,” Fenn continued softly, talking up to the moons, “I wouldn’t shy away from claiming the she-elf

elf with eyes like the universe, burning with stars and fire.”

Returning to her senses, Serenna pulled back to meet Fenn’s gaze. His fangs had extended. He averted his eyes, cheeks flushing a darker shade. Clenching his jaw, she watched him fight a losing battle to retract them. “Keep them out,” Serenna whispered. She didn’t want him to feel like he needed to hide what he was for her sake. He was beautiful, the way the fire shimmered against his skin breathtaking like a trail of stardust draped against the deep indigo of night.

He answered her unspoken question. “I’m right with you, she-elf.”

“I’ll always be ravenous for you, she-elf.” A storm of desire brewed in Fenn’s gaze. “I fear I’ll perish if I don’t have you again.”

“Eyes on me, she-elf,” Fenn gritted out as she tried to look over her shoulder.