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Nothing could have prepared me for the stark differences between this rocky shoreline and our home within the trees of Alaha. All the illustrations and paintings I’ve seen pale in comparison.
familiar gray eyes, the mirror of my own—the only common trait I share with our people.
“I asked my parents for permission to choose you at the Matching Ceremony.”
I’ve never allowed myself to entertain the idea of ever marrying, let alone finding a true love Match.
The air is different here, rich and earthy. It reminds me of the scent that comes before it rains. It’s my favorite.
Dark hair, dark eyes, a gold ring in one nostril. Lips I somehow know often say crude things—or maybe it’s his entire demeanor that tells me that, but there’s something inherently vulgar in his beauty.
I decide, right here and right now, to quit trying to prove myself to people who don’t care to know me.
“She has beautiful eyes,” he says softly, like he’s lost to memory. “They’re brown and green and amber, like every color of every season. I’ve looked everywhere for eyes like hers, and nothing has ever been able to compare.”
It’s almost like he’s saying I’m not … I’m not Alaha.
For some reason beyond my understanding, I know I could never live with myself if I didn’t give everything I have to save him, even if it costs me my life in turn.
I can feel it in every stitch of my being that I am meant to be loved, and loved by him
“I’m what they call an elemental. There’s many kinds, but I’m able to wield anything with metals. Iron, steel, brass.”
“I looked for you. In every market and podunk town, in every corner of every land, I searched each face for yours.”
“You are Princess Jovie of the Maile.”
“A true Match is rare, a bond like no other. If Kai was able to convince you that you are his Match, he could claim half your Maile territory.”
Acker smiles, but it’s straight filth when he says, “Shame. I was kind of looking forward to tying you up.”
Kenta is a long way to travel in a small fishing boat, but it’s the only option we have.
Acker doesn’t let go of me. Not when the boat felt like it was going to be ripped apart at any moment and we were going to go overboard. Not in the center of the storm and not when we breach the veil of the storm’s eye. He never lessens his hold, not even when his arms shake. He never lets go.
“You’re kind of beautiful when you lie.”
“I’m going to swim with the stars,”
“The only way forward it is through.”
I realize I trust this man unequivocally. I’m pretty sure I’d follow him anywhere, including to my own death.
will sleep wherever you want me to. Whether it’s on the floor or in the dirt or in your bed, I’ll be there if you want me.”
My eyes—not the gray that’s stared back at me my whole life, but a murky color. Hazel with variations of green and gold depending on the angle I tip the dagger to, letting the light shift and reflect off my iris. … like every color of every season.
All I can think about is what the water dripping from his hair must taste like on his wet lips as he licks them.
“Don’t worry, Jovie. I’m going to court you so well you’ll be begging to climb into bed with me.”
“That’s normal, having conflicting emotions about someone. It can take a long time to sort through the heartache, to separate what once was from what is meant to be.”
He dips his chin close, lips grazing my cheek and ear as we sway with the horse’s trot, sending shivers down my spine when he speaks. “The Bond is throbbing from your end of the tether.”
“Jovinnia, Princess of Maile, is my Match. With this oath, I swear to protect her until my dying breath.”
“Everyone’s always muttering about the good gods, but the bad ones are way more interesting.”
“I didn’t think you’d care,” he says, running a crooked finger along my jaw. “But jealousy looks good on you.”
A blood oath combined with the blood of another is considered the most dangerous. Used as a truth revealer, creating a blood oath with another while telling a lie will kill both participants instantly—
“If you asked me for my life, I’m pretty sure I’d hand it over on a golden platter.”
Beautiful and deadly, I mourn him already, and he’s right in front of me.
