The Dawn of the Cursed Queen (Gods & Monsters, #3)

by Amber V. Nicole

A short laugh escaped him. “So she is a warrior like you? It would make sense.” “She is. She is also brave and way too smart for her own good.” I couldn’t help the smile that broke across my face thinking of her.

“She is kind… well, it depends, honestly. She loves very deeply and cares for those who are hers, but she has nothing but fury for her enemies.” I smiled to myself. “I always suggest getting on her good side.” “Ah.” Orym grinned. “You have a fiery one.”

I knew what I had to do, and it would be the perfect way to get a message to her.

No, this was the sovereign who wielded the eye of truth if the legend was to be believed. It was a flash of magic connected to the universe itself. A mythical beast that people would die to tame and keep. That warmth spread, and my mouth moved, only the truth spilling from my lips.

“I’ve never loved or been so consumed by another, nor will I ever again.” “Very well.”

My Akrai, I am not familiar with how fast toruks can fly. It’s been too long, but I hope this finds you quickly. I am okay. I am alive. Please smother the anger and rage I know you may feel at the betrayal.

Please, just be careful and try not to set too many things on fire until you return to me.

I — It looked as if he had scratched out whatever else he was going to say before simply signing it. Be careful. Yours always, Sami

My hands dropped to my hips. “Oh, I would level the universe for him, but he told me to be good, so I’ll stick to saving him instead.”

“I’m sure you will figure it out. Listen, don’t tell the others I said this, but even Nismera knows you’re her strongest witch now. If anyone has this, you do.”

He didn’t seem to stand eight feet tall anymore, his body relaxed. It was like I’d given him the greatest thing in the world—I saw him.

“That’s not fair to you. What about what you want?” He met my gaze, something burning in those cobalt eyes. “I can’t have what I want.” My skin flushed with the way he looked at me. I didn’t know how I felt about his words, but my body understood exactly what he had said. It was all in and ready for whatever he wanted to give.

“You keep my head quiet, I suppose. I can just exist around you.

I’d never had anyone just want to be around me. Everyone wanted me for my power, not just me.

“What’s the matter? Has no one heard thunder before?” I asked. His eyes met mine. “It doesn’t rain in Pheliie. Ever.”

A few stayed with us, huddling closer to the fire. Orym and the others continued to cast nervous glances at the sky while a smirk danced across my lips.

There was a snap of a twig, and I glanced behind me. A smile spread across my face, joy filling my heart, and every breath came a bit easier. She descended on me, one forearm pressing lightly under my chin, pinning me to the thick tree at my back.

“Didn’t they teach little gods not to wander the woods alone? Never know what scary Ig’Morruthen you’ll run into.” Her smile cracked every single bit of doubt or fear I had these last weeks, and gods, I melted. “When you see one, let me know.”

“You found me.” Dianna nodded, lowering her arm. “I’ll always find you.”

“It worked,” she said, her voice filled with relief. Dianna smiled up at me, her eyes soft with an emotion so profound I couldn’t name it. She opened her mouth to say something else but only managed a gasp as I grabbed her and sealed my lips over hers.

My body damn near screamed for him, burned for him. I’d missed him so much. I wondered how I’d survived being denied his touch for so long and still managed to breathe.

“Use your words, akrai.” “I missed you, Sami. Every bit of me missed you.”

“Because I cannot cover your mouth that well on top. We’ve learned that the hard way. And with how I’ve missed you these last few weeks, I am sure you’ll be screaming.”

We weren’t that far from camp, but I didn’t care. If anyone showed up and tried to take him from me, I would rip them to shreds. Gods, I could destroy the whole camp and sleep like a baby as long as I had him.

“I always count when you’re away from me.”

“If you look at her like that again, speak to her in that same tone, or threaten her, I do not care about any partnership or alliance we may form. I will kill you,”

“I know what and who she is. You do not.” My hand flicked out, and an ablaze weapon formed between him and her. The silver shine glistened in the darkened forest, illuminating us both. “If you are a threat to her, you are a threat to me. I will not repeat myself.”

“I’ll stay close, so please ask the guards to keep their hands to themselves, or I’ll burn this entire camp. Promise or not.” She glared at Orym.

I stood and stalked along the tree line, spotting a thick, heavy tree branch hanging over the top of their wagon. The powerful muscles in my back legs bunched, and I lunged, digging my claws deep into the bark.

Samkiel smiled softly as he spotted me and glanced away. He always saw me, no matter what form I took.

“Gods above!” Orym snapped and grabbed his chest. “Can you all do that?” “Only the really pretty ones,” I said, winking at Samkiel. He smiled at me with pride.

“Dianna.” He said my name softly, dipping his head to catch my eyes. “Akrai.” I folded my arms and leaned against the wall. “Don’t use that name to make me relax.” “Baby,”

Do I fully trust him? No, but I trust you, and you’re here. I know you have my back regardless of what we face, as I have yours.

No matter what life seemed to throw at him, he handled it with grace and understanding, but when someone burned a bridge with me, I made sure that bitch was nothing but pebbles in the waiting abyss below.

“How do you do that?” he asked, a smile playing on his lips. “Which part?” “Drive me completely insane.” “It’s a gift.” I pressed another kiss to his lips. Samkiel tucked a strand of hair behind my ear, tenderly swiping his thumb across my cheek. “Can you do it to me forever?” My eyes softened along with the angry, blackened heart in my chest. “Forever,” I said softly.

Even with the whips the guards used, they didn’t obey. Fear. They were afraid because we had just snuck an Ig’Morruthen through the gates.

I fought my way back to the top, peering out to see a guard with a tuft of hair bristling along his spine. He snorted and grinned at Samkiel and Orym, revealing dagger-like teeth. Okay, so he’d die first.

“It’s disrespectful,” Samkiel all but growled, and I wondered for a second who was more beast, the guy on the wall, me, or Samkiel, when someone talked badly about me.

“Well, I don’t like you reminiscing about the good old days with beings that aren’t me.” His brows furrowed. “I wasn’t, nor would I ever. I’m extremely comfortable with you, Dianna. That means I can be my entire self. I may say things, but I never meant to hurt you. I share every part of myself with you. Besides, there is no competition when it comes to you. Not for me.”

His eyes didn’t soften at my words. “What else am I missing, Dianna?” You died.

Oooh my fucking god. Tell the poor guy already

I couldn’t stop the grin or the god-awful feeling I had when I hooked his finger with mine and lied and lied and lied. I was a cruel, awful bitch. And I loved him.

I smiled to myself and wondered if his need to show everyone we came across that I was his would wane. Not that I was complaining. It was nice to be wanted so much for once and not just for what I did when we were naked.

“I see how you look at her. She’s strong. She will be fine. Don’t run off the second it happens.”

“The weapon…” I swallowed. “It’s not a thing. It’s a person. It’s Logan.”

Dianna. I know that name! I know her! My friend. Our friend. Our queen.

“Logan, if you can hear me, know that Samkiel is alive. We will not stop fighting for you and the rest of our family. We will bring you home, okay?”

“Having fun and having a distraction or three are very different things. I have distractions, Logan. Never forget that. I do not have fun.”

He whispered the command, and I followed once more, a part of me wondering if I would follow him even without the words.

Dianna’s arms wrapped around me and pulled me close as if she felt my apprehension. She nestled her face against my throat and inhaled deeply. “You didn’t sleep last night. I’m pretty sure I have a bruise on my leg where you kicked me.” Her breath tickled my neck as she spoke.

“I think it’s a combination of everything, truly,” I said, brushing a kiss to her nose.