Dark Age (Red Rising Saga, #5)

by Pierce Brown

Though I promised my husband I would come for him, I cannot. It is a betrayal that will haunt me to the grave.

“What? You think he just always smells like fish?” Thraxa asks. “I think he smells like wet dog, personally,” I reply. “Well, it depends if it’s raining or not.”

Ten minutes later I’m shrieking like a goat on the floor just inside Sevro’s room as a medicus pulls needles from my face, chest, and ass. Incredible pain races through my body as my hands and feet turn purple and start to swell uncontrollably. A flat voice drawls from a hologram of Sevro’s face. “Don’t touch my shit. Don’t touch my shit. Don’t touch my shit.”

“Badass-class DNA detected,” a sexy voice says.

“Profile match for: Darrow of Lykos. Best Friend. Also known as: Reaper, Boss, Howler One, Apex Asshole, Brother, Mustang’s Bitch. Second-class clearance granted. Welcome. I apologize for warning shots. Master has been notified of your skulking. Stickyfinger traps deactivated. Help yourself to a glass of scotch, Best Friend. Take in some music, Reaper. Admire the trophies from the decimated enemies of the noble Howlers, Boss. Enjoy the extensive pornography library, Howler One. Relax in the sauna, Apex Asshole.

If I ever see him again, I will ask that he forgive me asking him to make that impossible choice. And if I see my boy again, if I see my wife, I will not close myself off to them. I will be the father and husband they deserve.

The engines rumble beneath. I feel us rising. And I lie there feeling very calm and present, because standing over me, roaring for retreat, is the Reaper himself.

Forever my boy. Forever our Ulysses.”

She’s one tough Peerless.”