This Vicious Dream (Kingdom of Death, #1)

by Stacia Stark

Madinia saunters out from behind the screen, and my mouth drops open. She’s naked, the warm candlelight flickering lovingly over her skin. I almost trip over my feet, and amusement flashes through her eyes. She knows what she does to me. She enjoys it.

“You said I have an ice-cold heart.” And she’s been holding onto that? I can’t help but smile. “You do. It’s the only way you could have survived. But your soul? Your soul is pure fire.”

The symbolism isn’t lost on me. I named my horse Hope, and Calysian snatched her away from me the moment I needed her the most.

“Eamonn.” My voice trembles as my mind attempts to understand what I’m seeing. He lands on my shoulder. “Why didn’t you tell me Vicana was the goddess who killed me?” I stare at Anarthys, bile burning up my throat.

“The only thing you’re making is the biggest mistake of your life.”

Last night changed everything for me. I thought it had changed everything for Calysian too. And still, he left me in that bed. He still chose the grimoire.

Calpharos’s eyes meet mine once more, and I shiver at the dark promise in their depths. I don’t need to hear his words. I can read his lips. “I will find you.”