Even in Death (The Fragile Divine, #2)

by Randi Garner

He whipped around, eyes blazing. “We loathe each other. You raise the dead and I despise you for it.” Finnian’s nostrils flared. “You also cannot curse me. You’ve chased me, yes, but you always help me. You sent your god of death to check up on me regularly, prior to creating my city. Say whatever you wish out of your conflicted feelings, but you came here today for the same reason I crafted a spell to keep every deity out of my home but you.”

“You are someone who cares deeply for those close to your heart. I do not question your character, Finnian. Never have. I am enamored by you. Every day. But I fear my desire for you will only hurt you.” That infuriating boldness sparked to life in his gaze and his expression pinched. “If it is your enemies you fear, they do not stand a chance.”

“My grove?” He straightened on the bench and peered out at the blossoms, the hawthorn trees budded with berries, the calm current of the stream. Cassian joined his hands together in his lap. “Yes, it has all the magical herbs and plants a mage could desire. It was after I left you at the cemetery. Five years went by and each day was insufferable. To cope with the ache, I would come sit here in my free time and daydream about what to fill the empty space with. All the ingredients you needed for your witchcraft, a place to wander when you desired to clear your head.”

Death was love, and love was death again.

“My dear boy, death is a part of life. Do not pity those who step into its Land, nor the ones they leave behind.”

“Even in death, Finnian. Love is the only thing truly immortal.”

This book wouldn’t have breath without the help of many. First and foremost, to Sleep Token, who will probably never read this, but who I owe all my gratitude to. If it wasn’t for your music, I’d probably still be banging my head against my desk with a bad case of writer’s block. If you ever do read this: thank you for existing and creating.