Dark Tempest (Red Winter Trilogy, #2)

by Annette Marie

“What about death is to be feared? The burdens of life can be so great that it would be a comfort to know that someday it will end … that someday, we will have earned the final rest.” She raised her head and looked at him, at his distant silver eyes

Shiro’s lips. “Not with clothes on.” Emi’s mouth fell open but she was struck speechless. She tried to yank her hands away from him but his grip was too tight.

“You are more than a body, Emi. You are more than a vessel for someone else’s will and power.” “But I’m the kamigakari.” She shifted her weight, resisting the

urge to look away. “It’s my duty—” “To die? To put my life ahead of your own?” His jaw flexed. “Amaterasu may be willing to let you die for her, but I’m not. Don’t you dare choose my survival over yours again.” “But—what—” A growl crept into his voice. “You should have healed yourself first instead of taking the onenju off me.”

“I don’t know how I’ll feel about anything when my memories return.” His arms tightened around her. “But I know I fear losing you more than anything that might befall me.”