Dark Heir (Dark Rise, #2)

by C.S. Pacat

That felt too close to the secret part of him that had felt pleased to see James do as he ordered. That felt pleased that James was here, in a place he didn’t want to be, only for Will’s sake. It made Will want to keep him safe, give him warmth and approval, tell him he’d done well.

Will felt James’s hand come to rest on the back of his neck, fingers curling into his hair, a possessive gesture unmistakable in its meaning. “This one stays with me.”

“He’s loyal to us,” said Will. “Is he?” Cyprian’s voice was hard. “Don’t forget that he was reborn to serve the Dark King.” “I never forget that,” said Will.

“Someone I believe could save this place.” And then, so quietly Will almost didn’t hear, “Someone I believe could save me.”

“Take what was his. Prove you’re not afraid. And that nor am I. We have the night,” said James. “One night, before the end of the world.”

James said to Will, “Darling, I’m not here to kill you.” James only had to gesture once, and Visander went flying backward, hitting a pillar and then the floor, his body slumped and slack. Cyprian took a step forward, and James merely glanced at him, and sent Cyprian careening across the floor. Will was staring at James in shock. James looked down at Will and held out his hand. “Well?” “He’s the Dark King,” said Violet. “And I’m his lieutenant,” said James, “here to fight by his side.”