The Ascended (The Aesymarean Duet, #1)

by Bree Grenwich

For a moment, I let myself imagine what it would be like to be the kind of woman someone could love without reservation. One who didn't carry secrets—who could give her heart freely instead of sharpening it like a weapon.

I was Thais Morvaren, wielder of stars, and I had come here to learn how to kill a god.

"But I know fear when I smell it. And right now, Nyvora, you reek."

"Only you would face down a god of death at his most unhinged and complain about his emotional unavailability."

"I’d wage wars for you," he murmured,

I’m done doing what everyone else requires of me. Done. I’m choosing me now. And I’m choosing you.

Eternity is a long time, and I know I’m asking a lot of you. And that there’s a chance that you’ll change your mind, a year from now—a thousand years from now.” He paused, looking directly into my eyes. “But when that day comes, my heart will stop. It will only ever beat for you, Thais."

"You will not die today,"