All the Stars and Teeth (All the Stars and Teeth, #1)

by Adalyn Grace

“For the honor of Arida, I will not stand for this!” The voice comes from behind. I whip my head around and see Ferrick, soaked and dripping water onto the deck. His skin has taken on a greenish hue. He sways slightly, barely managing to hoist a rapier out in front of him. “You have kidnapped Princess Amora,” Ferrick says, “and I’m prepared to sacrifice my life to save her. I hereby challenge you to a duel!” He looks like he’s about to throw up.

“Except your eyes are different. His tell lies with their smile, bright enough to make you believe them. But you?”

“Is that an honest enough answer for you?” His voice is filled with a huskiness that only makes my hunger grow. “I’m not sure.” I reach for his hand, pulling him back to me. “Show me again?” This time, we don’t stop.

“I forgive you,” I tell Bastian, letting the words sit on my tongue for a moment to truly ensure I mean them. “But only if you fight with me tomorrow. I’ll stand by you as you face Kaven, and you by me as we face the king. Fear is part of life; all that matters is what we do with it. So think of the people who are counting on us. We have a chance to fix this.” I can tell he’s mentally processing the gravity of those words as his lips press together and his head dips. Quietly, he says, “I’ll stand by you.”