A Heart of Blood and Ashes (A Gathering of Dragons, #1)

by Milla Vane

“There are enemies, and there are monsters. Always slay the monsters first, because enemies may one day become allies—but monsters never will.”

His bride had said he was adept at finding weaknesses. He could not ignore that she was becoming his.

“Then you are clearly blinded by your love for her.” “No.” Other emotions had blinded him. “Love has made me see her more clearly.”

“What have I done, never saying this to you?” he said hoarsely. “Never telling you these words that I should have said over and over again. What have I done, that you do not know how I would ride across the world just to lay my gaze upon your face? That I would crawl there on the mere hope of knowing your touch again? What have I done, that as I kneel here, you still do not know that with my full heart, I love you?”

My only prayer is that your wounded heart will one day heal enough to love me in return. If only a little. And trust that I would give up my life before hurting you. You are my heart, Yvenne, and my strength—and certainly my brains.”