Siege and Storm (The Shadow and Bone Trilogy, #2)

by Leigh Bardugo

“In case you’ve forgotten, I tried to kill you.” “And failed.” “Here’s to second chances.

“Don’t worry, tracker. You’ll know when our deal is up.” He shoved me belowdecks, but not before I heard his parting words to Mal—“I’ll be certain you hear it when I make her scream.”

He kissed me once, gently, and though I tried to ignore it, there was something mournful in the brush of his lips.

shot him a sour look. “I’m not a package you’re delivering, Sturmhond.” “More’s the pity,” he said, sauntering past. “Packages don’t talk, and they stay where you put them.”

But now it was as if the Fold was reaching out to me, welcoming me. I knew it made no sense. The Fold was a dead and empty place, not a living thing. It knows me, I thought. Like calls to like.

“Brothers,” he said, “I have brought the Sun Summoner back to Ravka.” I couldn’t help myself. I hauled off and punched him in the face.

“You just punched a prince, Alina. I guess we can add one more act of treason to our list.”

I took a breath. “Your highness—” “Nikolai,” he corrected. “But I’ve also been known to answer to ‘sweetheart’ or ‘handsome.’”

“You’re so sure of everything,” I said sourly. “Maybe I’ll decide I want the throne and smother you in your sleep.” Nikolai just grinned. “Finally,” he said, “you’re thinking like a politician.”

“What could I say? And when? I barely see you anymore.” “I thought you wanted to go.” “I wanted you to ask me to stay.”

The Darkling was still there. “Tell him you see me when he takes you in his arms,” he said.

I didn’t hear the Darkling move; I only knew when he was beside me. His long fingers brushed the hair back from my neck and rested on the collar. When he kissed my cheek, his lips were cold.

I couldn’t give in to my hurt, so I gave in to my anger.

I can’t ever just be Alina again. That girl is gone.” “I want her back,” he said roughly.

“I can’t go back!”

You get the firebird, and I get free of this saintsforsaken place.”

“But that gelatin deer gave its life for your entertainment.”

The Darkling shook his head. “You cannot lie to me. Do you think I could have come to you again and again, if you had been less alone? You called to me, and I answered.” I couldn’t quite believe what I was hearing. “You … you were there?” “On the Fold. In the palace. Last night.” I flushed as I remembered his body on top of mine. Shame washed through me, but with it came overwhelming relief. I hadn’t imagined it all.

“I’ve seen what you truly are,” said the Darkling, “and I’ve never turned away. I never will. Can he say the same?”

The Darkling stood waiting, his shadow guard hovering and shifting around him. I was afraid, but beneath the fear, I was eager. “We are alike,” he said, “as no one else is, as no one else will ever be.” The truth of it rang through me. Like calls to like.

I wept with relief that I would not have to live with the burden of his death. But lodged in my gratitude, I felt a bright thorn of resentment. I wept with rage that I would have to live at all.