Onyx Storm (The Empyrean #3)

by Rebecca Yarros

“Brilliant, reckless woman.”

“It’s using every tool at your disposal,” he points out. “Come on, Violence. Live up to the nickname. I could have killed you a dozen times over by now because you’re reluctant to strike.”

“You’re astounding,” he says, already one of the shadows. “Why only me?” I ask, turning endlessly to find him. “You need to be able to find me.” Shadows rush against my skin, and less than a breath later, they’re gone, leaving me stumbling near the front of the mat, staring at Xaden’s retreating back as he climbs the stairs. “Class is over. I expect you all to come prepared next session,” he says over his shoulder. “Why only me?” I repeat, more than aware of the other cadets staring as I find my balance, studying me as if hoping to discover a mark, since Xaden walked away unscathed. “Xaden!” He doesn’t so much as pause his ascent. “Because you’re the only one capable of killing me.”

By Malek, I fucking love you,” Xaden says.

“Yes, love, I’m jealous.” He splays his hand over the small of my back and tugs me toward him. “I’m jealous of the armor that holds you when I can’t, the sheets on your bed that caress your skin every night, and the blades that feel your hands. So, when the prince of our realm walks into my classroom and starts talking to the woman I love with what can only be considered intense familiarity, and then has the audacity to ask her out right in front of me, naturally, I’m going to get jealous.” He brings our bodies flush.

“If I wasn’t in love with you already, I would be now,” Xaden says, crossing his ankles.