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

by Amber V. Nicole

Apparently, her maker, Kabitch—sorry, my pen slipped—Kaden had a plan far grander than any of us suspected, and none of us knew it wasn’t him at the helm.

“The World Ender had a lover and not just a fling like in his past. They say she is a beast made of flame and hate, and she followed you lot back. His beast. The female Ig’Morruthen.” Dianna. He meant Dianna.

Samkiel was a light. He promised peace and change, and I had helped snuff it out. A part of me hoped I burned in Iassulyn for eternity for it. Another part of me knew Dianna would hunt me, hunt us all like she did for her sister. I would be lying if I said I wouldn’t welcome it.

Nismera clasped her hands, cocking her head toward Elianna. “What was spelled for me once more?” Elianna looked as if she wished to be anywhere but here as she folded her hands. “Umm, come get me,” Elianna cleared her throat, looking around the room, “bitch.”

“I have a blade,” I said, and Isaiah sat up straighter. “It has runes engraved on the sides. Think the words of Ezalan, but more. I could erase all her memories and replace them. She would want only to serve you, I swear it. Dianna is a weapon I crafted, and a damn good one. She slaughtered Tobias and Alistair with ease. We need her.”

“The only other thing is the man with orange eyes, but that’s only in my dreams.”

But in the depths of my sleep, I dreamed of the orange-eyed man that beckoned for me.

“Wait. What’s your name?” I asked. She looked at me over her shoulder. “Veruka.” “Do you know how to find Dianna?” Her hand froze on the door. “I think the real question you should be asking is why is Nismera so concerned about making such strong weapons?” My lips turned downward. “That’s easy. She fears Dianna.” Her eyes went dark, but she held my gaze. “Nismera fears The Eye. So ask yourself, what makes a goddess afraid?”