The Wraith King (The Rise of Northgall, #1)

by Juliette Cross

He opened my left thigh, his grip firm but not painful. I couldn’t help noting the claws of two fingers of his right hand were filed blunt. I quickly realized why

A sharp pain stung both my wrists on the underside. I gasped and jolted upright. Hava had left the room, probably to fetch hot water, so I was alone to witness the newly burned markings into my skin. They were a tiny zigzag rune I didn’t know, the exact same on both wrists. I wiped at the gold paint partially hiding them to see them better. I had no idea a moon fae could receive demon runes from the gods. “It’s never happened before,” I whispered to myself, staring down at the tiny, jagged markings right over my thin veins. Yes. I was on the right path. As Mizrah of Northgall, I would set it all right.

“It means protector of the gods’ heart and home. That last sign means both heart and home.”

‘The Moon is round, lovely, and bright, blessing her kind, far and wide. One day soon, a new night will come and the moon will be done. Shadow, fire, and beast will reign. Moon children will fall to a plague. Only the god-touched will find the way. Only the anointed will save the day.’”

“Because I was afraid of what I’d do to you if I got you alone again. I know how badly you despise me for forcing you into this union. And I saw the pain and grief on your face when I fucked you. But Vix save me,” I growled, holding her ethereal gaze, “none of that matters when you’re near me. All I want to do is bury myself deep and get lost in the oblivion of your body. When you’re near, I care about nothing but wanting that soul-shaking sensation again of being so deep inside you. This craving is pure madness,”

“I swear upon Vix himself, I will keep only one mate—my mizrah. For as long as I draw breath, there will only be you.” He held me tighter, eyes slipping closed as he whispered, “Only you.”

“What is it?” I asked, switching to her other boot. “It’s interesting. I never thought to see you, King Gollaya, kneeling at my feet.” I finished lacing her boot and looked up at her. “Interesting. I feel like I’ve always been here.”

“A visitor?” “An ambassador from Issos.” Her muscles stiffened yet again. “Is something wrong in Issos?” “No. I believe your brother wants proof that I haven’t fed you to my dragon.” She chuckled and leaned harder against me as Drak descended toward the back of the palace gardens. “Drak would sooner eat you before he’d eat me.” “Undoubtedly.”

“You are the destiny. You are the dark lady.” I paused, licking my lips. “You are for him.”

“She meant that I was destined for you.”

“If you think the gods can force my heart to beat only for you, then you’re mistaken.”

“She’s my queen. She’s everything.”

“Your mizrah?” I asked gently. “Or your wife?” My own voice finally broke, a tear slipping down my face. “Gods, Una.” He pressed his forehead to mine. “You’re my everything.”

“But she was his world.” Those dragon eyes flicked between my own, holding me captive. “As you are mine,”

“It could have been anyone. But one night, a brave young girl flew away from her home with only goodness in her heart to cure her people from a foul sickness. Her courage and goodness were repaid with pain and torture and the theft of her god-given gifts. A tragedy. A blasphemy against the gods.”

“the female born into the light was remade in the darkness. The dark fae lady.” The dryad smiled, tendrils of her ivy hair reaching out to caress Una’s cheek softly. “You are deserving of her healing gift. And far more than that.”

“The runes mean mother of all fae kind. But this sign that means mother with the slight tail at the tip can also mean something else.”

“The gods have declared it so, and I affirm it. I welcome it. Queen of Northgall!”