Kingdom of Fallen Ash (The Order #1)

by Katerina St. Clair

“He thinks you're his,'' Fallan continues, his hand dipping beneath my shirt, exploring the warm skin underneath. “He thinks he can satisfy you,” he continues, my heart pounding as he backs me into the brick wall. “He thinks that you could love him,” Fallan whispers, his lips pressed against the side of my face, his fingers moving farther up my body.

“I dream of your existence, Forest.” His voice is filled with longing. “You were my morning, noon, and night, and it all was ripped away in an instant. Now, I just want to fucking tear your clothes off in front of him and show him that you will never be his.” “You don’t hate me?” “Hate you?” he questions, his head shaking. “Forest, I’m in love with you,” he says, my heart bursting wide open as he says the words.

“From now on, I can promise you one thing,” I begin, holding up my pinky. “No matter what, I’m with you,” I say, keeping my hand between us. He smiles, looking at me with playfulness. "Even if I have to act like I hate you?” “Especially then,” I start, moving myself closer. “Now I know a way for us to make up after fighting,” I say, his smirk growing. “You're with me, Blackburn? Truly?” he questions, raising his pinky. “For as long as I draw breath,” I whisper, feeling our fingers latch, solidifying a promise now safeguarded in our hearts.

“I’m the fucking ringleader love,” he says, his mouth curling into a satisfied smirk. “You're-” “This putrid sector’s Commander? Yes,” he says, my stomach sinking at his words.

“It’s within us that we’ll find the strength to set ourselves free from the wickedness that scorches this earth,” It whispers. “Time to fly, little bird.”

“Don't you ever try and do that again,” he commands, touching his throat in small strokes. “If you try to slip into my mind again, I will kill everyone you love.”

“Death is a kind ending in this cruel world. Consider tomorrow as an opportunity to be free of a life I don’t wish on anyone.” “Then why keep me alive if you’re doing everyone else such a kindness?” I spit, my eyes demanding that he answer me this time. “Misery loves company, Forest,” he begins, his eyes panning to Fallan. “And I’m the most miserable of them all.”

“Still trying to protect him?” he questions, my eyes narrow, struggling to stay open. “Until my last breath.” His voice comes to me softly, said in a language I don’t recognize. “Diabolus est dominus dissimulationis et multas formas accipit.”