The Songbird & the Heart of Stone (Crowns of Nyaxia, #3)

by Carissa Broadbent

“I was trying to decide why this felt so familiar,” I said. “And then I realized, this is what it feels like to be Turned. You’re stuck between layers as the entire world changes. And you’re in the middle of it all, watching it happen, and yet none of it can touch you.”

We were not created to understand such things, it said. He could have had any woman. And yet his heart was so hungry for her that he let it devour the world for a fleeting taste.

That was a Mark. An Heir Mark, denoting the rightful ruler of one of the three vampire kingdoms.

But the girl was no cynic. Her face broke into a smile. She leapt to her feet. This was not an impossible mission. This was an opportunity. Because she did believe that vampires, like anyone else, could be saved. She did believe that there was goodness in all hearts, even ones that held black blood instead of red. And so, that silly, naive girl didn’t even hesitate as she said, “Of course, my light. I accept.”

“I’ll tell you what you’ll have if you lose the sun, Mische. You’ll have a soul gentler than any vampire’s I’ve ever known. You’ll have an incredible magic and the skill to wield it better than the bastard who gave it to you. You’ll have a soft heart and a sharp wit and the wisdom to know when to use one or the other. You’ll have countless inane questions and horrible taste in food and a penchant for making lost souls love you.” I couldn’t breathe. Couldn’t speak. He leaned closer until his forehead touched mine. “And if you’ll take it, Mische Iliae, you will have me, too.” This whisper was an exhale, like he didn’t mean to say it aloud—like the words surprised even himself.