Skyshade (Lightlark, #3)

by Alex Aster

For anyone who has ever looked for strength in others and found it in themselves.

“Just because we’re married, don’t think I won’t gut you.” Only when she reached the door did she hear him say, “I would expect nothing less, wife.”

“You’re right. I don’t know what love is. I don’t know how to love. If you ever gave me another chance to love you, I would learn. I would learn the right way to love you.”

Some empty corner of her mind ached. She had been her best friend. She had been a stranger.

As she watched the life leech from his eyes, Isla realized with horror and fascination that taking it felt good.

There was something about him seeing the worst of her—and not flinching.

Lately, happiness seemed like flowers that withered before she could pluck them for herself.

“You chose someone else, you left, and still, I wait here like a fool for the day you might return.”