What Lies Within Masks & Shadows (Promises of the Marked, #1)

by Nicolle May

“Were you aware that your cheeks scarlet when you picture death? What a wicked, clever thing I have captured.”

“You wicked, clever thing. If you wanted me to get you flowers, all you had to do was ask.”

“You are alive, darling. Try to breathe.” Breathe.

“Good girl,” Garrik breathed.

Wherever there are shadows, I will always be.

“If you want me, darling.” Garrik placed a hand beside her head. The cold of the blade lifted her chin to meet his eyes. “All you need to do is ask.”

The Lord of Darkness? his voice groaned, musical and breathy and far too dangerous, infiltrating her in teasing waves. Be careful how you think, clever girl. You might lure a starving beast. Every female needs her own villain, and I promise you, you do not want me as yours.

“I know you are scared of what lies ahead. I know it is hard to trust me. You have chosen to stay and become one of us until you deem that time as concluded. Ever since that moment, Maker of the Skies aligned with you. Fear not the path ahead, for you are not alone. The sun brings you a new day, and He and His stars are with you on your worst. And if by Destiny, the stars fail you, shadow will follow. I will follow. Even in the end of days, you will never be truly alone, Alora. You are safe. You are protected.”

An oath. A promise. Mine. Maybe she imagined it. You. Are. Mine.

“Are you ready, Ara darling?”

“Insult what is mine again and find that my knowledge of pain far exceeds the control of shadow. They will grant you mercy. I will not.”

And remember … the only limit exists beyond the stars. You are fire with the heart of a lioness. Yield to no one, not even him.

would take no pleasure in your death. I believe I have made that perfectly clear. But make no mistake, clever girl, this is no fairytale. Do not expect me to be a hero. I am the villain, and you won’t like who I was made to be.

“You have no idea how badly I want to take you to that bed and fuck you till dawn.”

You are safe, darling. Alora almost shattered at the devastation in his voice. But then he smiled. And she heard that smile in his next words. Wherever there are shadows, I will always be.

“Has there ever been anyone?” The echoes of music and frivolous laughing filled the silence for a moment. “None that I truly desired.” Alora pivoted her head when she heard him shuffle, meeting his glowing silver irises. “Not until you came, of course. You kissed me in my bed that first night and I knew I was forever yours.”

“Humans write such … fascinating books about our kind. Start with these two. Try not to fall in love with the main character. He is a fool. But in this one”—lifting the green, he flipped through its pages—“another Lord of Darkness … well, once you reach chapter forty-eight … I think you would find it rather enjoyable to recreate that chapter, and I would be more than happy to assist.” He smirked.

Garrik’s wrath was barely contained. “Which one?” Alora pinched her eyebrows, body subtly shaking. “Wh—what?” “Who put their fucking hands on you?” His voice rumbled, an intensity of ten thousand thunderstorms, enough to level the mountain.

“You are”—tears lined Alora’s eyes—“braver than you think. Stronger than you yet know”—her lips quivered—“because of what you’ve endured. Fight. Live.”

“Nothing you can say will be worse than what I have done and will do.” He turned, meeting her watery eyes. “And if you cannot kill the memory, then you tell that fucking worthless piece of Elysian shit what you need to, and I will be your death-sword. Over and over, until you can take the blade and do it yourself.” Turning to Kaine, Garrik towered over him, his voice a thing of death. “Get on your fucking knees before your queen.”

“Make no mistake, my darling, there is no reality in which I would not return to you.” Garrik’s thumb traced her lips. “The thought of never seeing you again … feels like dying.”

To the broken-hearted and those in abusive situations: You are strong. You are worth the air you breathe. You are important. You are worth it. Tell yourself “one more day.”