The Wingless King (The Wingless King, #1)

by K.C Wassem

Lumen let out a sigh. “If everything is true, and the boy is exactly what I believe him to be, then I have taken away his fate. I have changed the fate of the entire world.” He smirked. “And even the Gods could not stop it.”

“I once learned that when a star dies, we can still see its light for nearly a hundred years. The stars we’re looking at may have died long ago, but we’re still admiring them together. Even if you cannot see it, I can see the light in you. Even if you were to implode into yourself, collapsing into darkness like a star, I would still see it.”

Seren met his gaze, feeling warmth fill his chest. “I’m glad we met, too.”

NOW KISS

This time, Seren reached for Jude’s hand, tenderly squeezing it between his fingers. Their eyes locked. “Why do you look so terribly and painfully handsome even now? Do you enjoy tormenting me?” Jude murmured, his free hand reaching to trace Seren’s jawline.

“How unfortunate to be burdened with such a desire,” it sneered. “I do not envy humans; love is a curse. And you reek of it.”

“Will you stop pushing me away?” she asked. “Will you stay by my side?” Samael’s eyes widened, sparkling like starlight under the moon. “Oh, Emeryn,” he whispered, “You do not understand. I have said a thousand goodbyes, and I have spoken a thousand ‘I love yous.’ I have beheld every star and explored every corner of the universe, yet nothing can compare to you. I always wait for you, and you always slip away. For you to stay by my side is all I could ever ask for. I would wage a war against the entire world if it meant I could keep you by my side for eternity.”

She grasped the folds of her dress, turning her head away from him. “It should’ve been Jude, you know,” Mila whispered. “He should be here.” “I know.”

“It is love that has cursed us. It is love that drives us to madness. And it is love that drives us to hate.”

“I knew it,” he breathed, his eyes flashing open. “I knew it was you all along. You’ve been reborn, Alernaea.”

Without his wings— his true form of divinity—Seren could not cleanse the Veil.

High Priest committed blasphemy, leading to the Unveiling that happened a few years ago. That church is now tainted with a curse if you ask me.