Blooms of Darkness (The Broken Prophecy, #1)

by Anna Applegate

A soft caress touched my skin before we cleared the woods, likely my imagination as adrenaline from the battle faded.

In a world where power was currency, what good would a queen be who had none?

“Eyes on me, Princess,” he purred, “They’ll disappear into the background, and you can calm your fluttering heart.”

“Hello, Little Rebel,” Kade murmured, a devastatingly beautiful smile tugging at his lips.

“I’ll enjoy taking my time making you fall to your knees before me, Little Rebel.”

“Don’t you worry about my knees, Kade,” I said. I stood on my tiptoes then, running my hand over his chest before wrapping it around the back of his neck. I pressed my body against his, trying to keep my wits about me. I’d have the last say here. My lips lightly brushed against his ear as I whispered, “The only thing falling will be you, onto my sword.”

Fates, help me! A cool breeze swept over my body, but instead of moving past, it lingered, swirling around me, similar to being in a cloud. I cracked my right eye open and discovered I now stood enveloped in shadows. “Little Rebel, are you in need of saving, again?” The sultry voice in my ear sent tingles sweeping down my spine as Kade materialized before me. His body covered mine, but it wasn’t danger his proximity had me feeling. No, it was safety.

Aaaaagggghhhhh!!! Yesssss 🤗🫠

“I am Illiana Dresden, and I am stronger than the darkness within me.”

😢😭

“What does that mark mean?” I asked, gesturing to his arm. Storm stared forward, taking a deep breath. “It is tradition for warriors to receive them after their first kill. It reminds us even when justified, taking a life leaves a mark.”

“Don’t you dare die on me yet, Little Rebel. We’re not nearly finished with this thing between us.”

“Love is the most powerful magic there is. Don’t let the darkness rule this land, or your heart. You are the light, my love. You are the light. And I will—I will always love you.”

He yanked my hand, spinning me back in until my back slammed into his broad chest. He leaned down and whispered in my ear, his warm breath rushing over my skin as I shivered in anticipation. “I can feel all your coiled up tension. I know what you truly want. When you’re ready to beg for it, I will not deny you again.”

“I think meeting you, being around you, has made me feel more myself than I have in my entire life. Who I’ve been with you, Little Rebel, is who I’ve only ever hoped to be.”

“I’m not just here for the crown.” My breath quickened at the sight of storms of desire swirling in his eyes. “Kade,” I whispered. “I’m here for the queen. I came here for you.” He tilted my chin, staring at my lips, bringing his closer. His hot breath had me melting beneath him. “Please. Say yes.”

“I don’t know if I’d make a worthy King, Little Rebel, but I do know you were created to rule a kingdom. Fates, you could bring an army of Fae to their knees. Your role should never be to sit idly by anyone’s side. Not even mine.”

“It’s like you’re purposefully trying to tear down my ego, Little Rebel,” he said. “Shadow magic is the most powerful and unique Fae magic, and it merely makes you feel safe. What am I going to do with you?”

His throat bobbed. “How do you swear again? Tits and daggers?” He smiled. “You are stunning.”

Whatever darkness lay inside of him, I would bring the light.

“Whatever comes, you are the most unexpected and beautiful thing that has ever happened to me. I crave you constantly. I need you constantly. I want to be selfish with your time. I don’t want you anywhere near the other contenders. Yes, it includes Ian, even if I know you are only friends.”