Warriors of Wind and Ash (Merciless Dragons, #2)

by Rebecca F. Kenney

It chafes my soul to know that even in the most civilized kingdoms, war can reduce women to nothing more than empty holes and fertile wombs in the eyes of men.

I don’t know what a “bit” is, but she’s selling food. Food for which I do not need to hunt or forage. Food prepared by someone else, ready for the taking, as long as I exchange something for it. The sheer convenience is astounding.

Hinarax wraps both hands around the barred door of the cell and mutters, “The human is taking our treasure. My jewelry, my coins. I planned to buy more clothes…” “Our priority is rescuing the Princess,” I hiss at him. “Yes, but... one can rescue people while being well-dressed.”

“We did not steal the treasure you took. We scavenged it.” “Scavenged.” He takes another puff of his pipe. “Scavenged. Oh, I like that as a euphemism for thievery.

This is what he does. He forces others to verbalize the reality he wants until they believe it to be true. He’s diabolically manipulative.

I love the Princess. Her name is carved on my bones.” Aeris quirks a brow. “Intense.

“By the Bone-Builder,” breathes Hinarax in awe. “Are you sure this is not magic?” “Far better. It’s science.”

I don’t understand why wealthy humans need such spacious bedrooms when their bodies are the same size as those of other humans.

“You ascribe your own motives to the cosmic forces of the world,” I growl. “The hubris of it is beyond belief.”

“Are you threatening me? On your knees, in chains?” “The threat isn’t mine to make,” I tell him. “It’s a belief I hold, that the wretchedness you have dealt to others will visit you in turn. The wrong I’ve done has come back to torture me, and your fate will be the same—a violent end, in fear and blood.”

“Besides, you’re good for him. Maybe you don’t realize it yet, but he likes you. Cares about you. With your influence, he could be a better man.” “Making him a better man isn’t my responsibility. It’s his.”