Burning Heir (The Serpent Heir Series Book 1)

by Kelsey Forster

For the daydreamers, the wanderers of worlds unseen—may you forever lose yourself in stories and find yourself in the magic between the pages. For Onagh, who never got the chance to read this dedication.

Leaders weren’t born—they were forged, stripped to the bone until something stronger emerged.

They said blood was thicker than water, but desire was unyielding.

Death may stare you down, may laugh and offer a hand of bone, but I would not fray.

Death, disguised as a friend, a lover—greedy for a single breath, a glimpse of my soul.

Bones could heal, but a bruised heart never beat the same—never regained its color as grief stained the blood grey.

Death crept toward me one final time, and I mistook his bones for beauty.

Klaus was only gold and bone.