Onyx Storm (The Empyrean, #3)

by Rebecca Yarros

“I could reach the rank of Maven, lead armies of dark wielders against everyone we care for, and watch every vein in my body turn red as I channel all the power in the Continent, and I would still love you. What I did doesn’t change that. I’m not sure anything can.”

Sometimes I worry about Violet. She has your sharp wit, quick mind, and steadfast heart paired with my bullheaded tenacity. When she finally and truly gives that heart, I fear it will overrule the other gifts you’ve given her and logic will cede its voice to love. And if her first two liaisons are any indication of what we might expect… Gods help her, my love, I’m afraid our daughter has atrocious taste in men.

I’m going to be sick. “Why are you ill?” Andarna asks. “Halden?” Tairn muses slowly, and I swear I can feel his nonexistent eyebrows rise. “So, we kill him if he makes her uncomfortable,” Andarna suggests. “Problem solved.” “You cannot kill the heir to the throne.” Even though I’ve been tempted myself a time or two.

“It’s not like the fate of our world rests on you finding whatever’s left of the irids.” He rubs the back of his neck. “Do you guys think it’s short for iridescent?” “Yes,” the three of us simultaneously reply. “Damn. Let’s go back to picking on Sawyer.”

“We live by the Codex—” I try again. “I live by you. When have I ever given a fuck about the Codex or the Code of Conduct?” He cradles my face and leans down, resting his forehead against mine. “I am yours and you are mine, and there’s no law or rule in this world or the next that will change that.”

“I’m not sure she’s ever really been in love. Or if she has, she’s never said anything to me about it.” “You hadn’t even seen Xaden when your dad met Malek—” Ridoc stares at me and sighs with complete exaggeration. “Hello, who is your first love?” Oh, that’s not happening. I set my hands in my lap and notice more infantry pouring in above us. Nothing like being humbled in front of an audience. “My father couldn’t stand the first guy I really dated and never knew about the second.” Aaric turns his entire torso around to look at me. “How many letters?” I narrow my eyes. “Six.” He lifts two sandy-brown eyebrows. “I mean…it fits.” “Absolutely not.” Heat stings my cheeks. “Hold on.” Ridoc’s head swings between the two of us. “Is the first-year entitled to information we don’t have—”

told you I’d feel jealous and then I’d kick his ass. I might have turned, but I’m still a man of my word when it comes to you.” “You’re Xaden Riorson.” I rise up on my toes and press a kiss to his chin. “Shadow wielder.” Another at his jaw. “Duke of Tyrrendor.” My mouth brushes just beneath his earlobe. “Love of my life. You have nothing to be jealous of.”

“Drake Cordella?” Mira shouts, and the three of us turn as she charges across the room toward Drake. “As in the nightwing drift?” He gives my sister a charming yet cocky smile. “You’ve heard of me?” “You were instrumental in bringing the wards down in the Montserrat offensive last year.” Her eyes narrow. “I was.” His grin expands. She knees him straight in the groin. Oh gods. “Ooh.” Ridoc winces. “He’s going—” Drake hits his knees, and Cat gasps. “—down,” Ridoc finishes. “You must be Mira Sorrengail,” Drake manages to say, pain etched in every line of his face. “Guess you’ve heard of me, too.” She crouches down to his level. “If you ever endanger my sister’s life again, my blade will replace my knee. Got it?”