Satanic Shadows (The Broken Realms #1)

by Leigh Rivers

“I think the human likes being on her knees for everyone. Maybe she should stay there. It seems to be the only place she belongs.”

Welcome to Quarrierton Academy, where violence is praised, and the weak and mortal are punished.

“Obsession is a persistent need to know someone, to not be able to stop thinking of them or to control them. If I were obsessed with you, mortal, you would be chained to a wall in my room where I could keep an eye on you.”

“You will refuse our partnership, little mortal. Because if I ever have to fuck you, I’ll make sure it kills you.”

When I wake through the night, a heavy arm is snaked around my waist. Our bare legs are intertwined, and Dane Dalton, in only his briefs, is attached to me like a sloth to a tree.

The divine darkness does not exist without her.

The heir of all the realms will wield the power of darkness until its love returns. Death to her, death to all.

If I kiss her again, it will be done, I hear his thoughts, but I don’t make it obvious. I’m not ready for this to be done.

“And stay away from Valin. He’s looking to claim you, and I don’t share.”

“You’ll never be free of me. That’s a promise. After we’re done with the academy, I will follow you to the ends of your world and make your meaningless life hell.”

For a split second, I recognize the man above me. Really recognize him. The man who fastened my corset after a night of making love then escaped the room before my father caught us.

I want all your firsts, my love. Your firsts and lasts and forever. You can take it. Does it hurt? I’ll stop. You have me until you no longer need me. Marry me, not him.

Dane glances over his shoulder at me. “If any of you look at or lay a finger on her, your body will be unrecognizable by the time I’m done with it.” That shouldn’t set my pulse into a frenzy, but it does. Dane threatening someone on my behalf is almost… hot.

Do not whimper to your god, little mortal. I’ll burn down the remaining realms before I hear you call out to someone else.

Death to her, death to all.

I want this man far too much to be deemed normal. It isn’t a case of lusting or catching feelings for him. This feels like an obsession. A dangerous, terrifying obsession. Because when he isn’t around, I wait for him. I think of him. I imagine a different life with him that I haven’t lived. I even dream about him.

Fifty-seven fucking times, he says in his head.

I was born twenty years ago. I have a full life of memories. I’m Seraphine Winters from Chic—” “No,” he grits, his eyes glazing over. “Your name is Seraphine Dalton, Queen of the realms, and have been for nearly six hundred fucking years.”

Frowning, I try to find words. “Make me forget what?” He presses his forehead to mine, then presses his lips softly against it. “I won’t fuck up again, my love. I promise.”