The Knight and the Moth (The Stonewater Kingdom, #1)

by Rachel Gillig

“It’s not true, you know,” he said. “You don’t have to be good, or useful, for someone to care about you.”

There was a world behind Rory’s dark eyes. It was as if he could see everything all at once when he looked at me, and it was far too much, but he wanted all of it.

He said it intently. Like he was imploring every part of me to take heed. “You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen, Sybil Delling.”

The air tasted of him. Of musk and idleweed and the distinct smell of his sweat. I breathed it in too fast—filled my mouth and lungs with it—but it wasn’t enough.

“I’ll do anything you ask of me.” And then his mouth was on mine.

“Losing something is painful. Sometimes, finding what we’ve lost is just as agonizing.”