A Curse So Dark and Lonely (Cursebreakers, #1)

by Brigid Kemmerer

If I put a crystal goblet in this one’s hand, she’d likely smash it and use the shards to cut me.

Maybe it’s the blood, or maybe it’s the body in the snow. Maybe it’s the terror on these kids’ faces. But reality hits me like a bullet. This is real.

All you have to do is think of me, and I’ll appear in your dreams. I’ll help you chase the nightmares away.

“Whether the curse breaks or not, you are willing to help my people. I am the Crown Prince of Emberfall. If there is something within my power to give you, all you must do is ask.”

“My body is not broken,” I say.

“I am always surprised to discover that when the world seems darkest, there exists the greatest opportunity for light.”

All I know is that I long to take her hand and lead her into her chambers, to sit at her side and share secrets. To run my fingers through her hair and discover the taste of her skin.

I’ve spent the last few days trying to protect her, not realizing that Harper could have protected me. I am unused to this feeling: some combination of gratitude and vulnerability and relief.

“I was born this way,” she’ll snap, “and I’m going to die this way, so teach me to work around it.”