Once Upon a Demon's Heart (Cruel Fates #1)

by K.M. Moronova

The Blood Knight has killed me in twenty-time loops—a cruel curse that I’ve found myself trapped in.

But you can only die so many times before all of your hope is stolen away.

Kalel’s amber eyes find me over his shoulder and the softness in them flickers as the muscles in his jaw feather. “I wish it wasn’t you, little godling.”

“You know, you really are such a pretty little thing for being so vile. Far more broken and ignorant than I thought you’d be. Tell me, have you heard of me?”

“Oh, little godling, you’re right about that. I am a monster. Your worst nightmare. I’d kill you in your sleep if I wanted. I’d kill you while fucking your brains out if I so pleased.”

Do. Not. Fuck. The. Godling. I chide myself as her sweet scent nearly knocks me over.

“If hurting me will soothe the pain that wreaks havoc in you, then hurt me, Kalel. You’ll find there’s not much left inside me that can be broken.”

I catch myself admiring how beautiful he is when he lets his emotions bleed into the night. How he alone is a somber song only the nightingales know.

It’s odd how you don’t realize the loneliness in your soul until you meet someone who stubbornly plants it there.

“I wished it wasn’t you, Alira. But I was lying. To myself. To you. I’ve longed for this. To make you mine forever.”