These Hollow Vows (These Hollow Vows, #1)

by Lexi Ryan

I think of myself more like a shadow, unnoticed and more useful than people bother to notice.

I can already tell she's a Gaslight Gatekeep Girlboss

She’s silent for so long that I dare to lift my gaze to hers. She’s adjusting the thick strands of glittering jewels hanging from her neck and scowling at me. “If you don’t have it today, what are the chances you’ll have it tomorrow?” Not very good. But until it’s officially too late, I won’t admit it. Every time we’re short, our contract grows longer and our payment higher. It’s a vicious cycle we can’t seem to escape. “I’ll pay you tomorrow, ma’am.” “Abriella!” The shrill cry comes from the stairs, and I have to fight my flinch at my cousin Cassia’s voice. “My dresses need washing!” “There are fresh dresses in your room,” I say. “I pressed them this morning.” “None of those will do. I don’t have anything to wear to dinner tomorrow night.” “My room needs cleaning,” Stella, her sister, says, because gods forbid I do more for one spoiled cousin than the other.

Its giving . . . . Cinderella

Hope is addictive, and you start relying on it. In a world this cruel, I won’t be caught needing a crutch.

“Don’t let her see your scar.”

Why. . . Fess up brother

Once upon a time, a golden faerie princess fell in love with the shadow king . . .

Clearly this fairytale is about her mom

“If you wanted to pose as one of Arya’s handmaids, you should’ve at least bothered to learn what colors she dresses them in.” I can only interpret the shaking of his chest as a silent chuckle. “Or to know that she’d never take on a handmaiden more beautiful than she is.”

Chat is this Rizz guys im sorry for saying that

“Next time she dies, it has to be during a bonding ceremony. Otherwise, she’ll never be queen.”

What the he-

“You were curled in the corner of the bed, completely absorbed in that book, as if it didn’t matter that you lived this brutal existence and had only a tiny room to call your own. It didn’t matter that you had to work so hard for everything. When you were reading, you were somewhere else. You were someone else.”

Thats really one of the greatest things about reading

“Curses are made of secrets and sacrifice. We will suffer as long as she pays the price.”

My head be hurting would also like to point out I've been team Finn before i started this book solely because i like a boy wIth dark hair

“Easy, Princess, focus on the magic. When we’re out of here, you can go back to imagining all the ways you want my hands on you.”

Um GASP hello he so sexy team Finn alllll the way

When Finn stands, his gaze locks on the hand I pulled away from him. “Abriella, every star in that sky shines for you.”

Aaaawwww literally crying, screaming, throwing up

That puts him somewhere between fifty and five-hundred years old.

Oh ok thats the perfect age i mean we all like our men older. . . . I'm joking 😏

But somehow . . . somehow it never occurred to me that when he’s not with me, wooing and kissing me, he’s with one of them. Is he sleeping with the other girls? Was I so incredibly naïve to think he wouldn’t?

I WOULD JUST LIKE TO POINT OUT THAT I NEVER TRUSTED HIM

“If we were bonded, I’d know when you were in trouble. I would have found you last night and made sure no one could use your inhibitions to their advantage. I hate knowing how vulnerable you are.” “I’m not vulnerable—not

I'm sending some toxic masculinity and . . . . an ULTERIOR MOTIVE 👁️👄👁️

I open my mouth to scream, to gasp for air, but she’s sitting on my chest and my lungs refuse to expand. She leans forward, like a lover leaning in for a kiss. I can’t stop her. My arms won’t move. I want to turn, to flail, to kick and push, but my body isn’t my own. I’m paralyzed. Trapped. “Abriella,” she says,

uhhhh ohhhh she's gonna die soon if she's not careful

I have the crown? How ridiculous. The laughter spills out of me. It comes and comes until I fold in half with it, imagining both Mordeus and Finn having it within their reach all this time.

oh honey I could have never guessed this omg

Once upon a time the king of the shadow fae was trapped in the mortal world, and a woman fell deeply in love with him . . . My mother wasn’t just telling us bedtime stories. She was telling us her story.

I KNEWWW IT WHAT DID I SAY IN MY EARLIER NOTES

Then I make a quarter turn away from the false king and take a seat on the Throne of Shadows.

I love her I knew she was a gaslight, gatekeep, GIRL BOSS OHHHH YAYAHHHH

“And while you worked to manipulate me, you were killing all these innocent people because you believed your life was more important than theirs.” When I turn back to him, he doesn’t deny it. A mask of resignation covers his face, and sadness glistens in those silver eyes. No, not sadness. That’s what he wants me to see, and I won’t be manipulated. Not anymore. I swallow hard, but it does nothing to push down the ache in my chest. “Did you kill them all?” “No, but enough.” He walks to the first coffin and gently presses his fingertips to the glass as he studies the woman inside. “Too many.” “Do you even know their names?” “Every single one.” I nod to the coffin his hands are resting on, the one holding the bride. “Who’s that?” “Her name was Isabel.” His voice cracks, and he lifts his head to meet my eyes. I remember asking him about Isabel—who she was, what happened to her. I remember the anguish in his eyes when he replied, She was mortal. “You killed her,” I whisper. “You killed your own betrothed.” “Yes.”

tell me why even after all of this I still like him guys be honest do I need therapy

“Sorry?” His face is lined with worry, but he’s still bowing close to me, his eyes scanning my face again and again. “For stealing the book. For deceiving you. I couldn’t tell you about my deal with Mordeus. I had to save Jas.” I close my eyes before adding, “I’m sorry I trusted Finn when you warned me I shouldn’t. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.” The mattress shifts as he sits on the bed next to me. He pulls me into his arms, his touch and warmth such a relief that tears stream down my face. “Let the healer look at you, and then you can tell me everything.” So I do.

he makes hard not to be on his team but I manage 💅🏼

“Did you sleep at all?” I ask. He nods. “A little. How do you feel this morning?” I sit up in bed, rubbing my eyes. “Better.” Tilting my head, I study him. “Still a little surprised that you can tolerate the sight of me.” “You were in an impossible situation, and you did what you had to do.” He strokes my cheek with the back of his hand. “My love isn’t so fickle that it fades under stress.”

ok I'm struggling to not be on his side can't I switch back and forth?? You know what I know he's lying about smtg so I'm gonna hold whatever it is against him forever and just be on Abriellas team

“And where is home?” “I’m not sure I have one anymore.” He dips his head and brushes his lips softly against mine. “I’ll make one for you . . . if you’ll let me.” I curl into him, relishing his heat, his protective strength, and I think I just might.

hooo weee good thing I'm just team Abriella

want to be bonded with you.” Sebastian swallows, and his eyes widen. “You’re sure?”

Noooo honey no he's not telling you something i can tell he's hiding something this is why I'm team Abriella because their both liars except i like Finn more because he's better looking

I trust Sebastian, and I need to allow him this bond so he can protect me through whatever comes next.

Girl You need protection FROM Sebastian

His lips twist into a semblance of a smile. “I did once.” His gaze flicks to mine. “Before I knew you.”

see this is why I still like him

The prince. Sebastian. Sebastian’s sudden appearance in my life two years ago. He moved in next door and charmed me from his first smile. Seven years after my mother left. Almost to the day.

How does she not see how suspicious that is he clearly did not pretend to be a mage for a "break"

Died. I died. But why? How did Sebastian know I’d have that reaction to the bond? He knew the bond would kill me. He knew he’d have to make me fae or lose me forever. One of the servants takes my hand and leads me from the bed. I waver on legs that don’t feel like my own. Another servant holds up a dress. “You will look beautiful standing by the new king’s side in this.” I’m still woozy from sleep. From the potion. What they’re saying doesn’t make sense. “The new king?” The ladies laugh. “Prince Ronan, your Sebastian, will take the throne today with our lady by his side. So many reasons to celebrate.”

Somethings not right I know he's lying I told her not too girlie you messed upppppp

“He and his mother have searched long and hard for his father’s crown. Then he found you.” “He . . .” I swallow, remembering his whispered promises to me. I vow to do everything in my power to give you a good life. To make you happy and protect you. He lied to me. Manipulated me.

I TOLD YALL MY SISTER THOUGHT I WAS CRAZY BUT NOOO IM RIGHT . IM ALWAYS RIGHT but i wish i wasn't because we're screwed and i have no idea how she's gonna get out of this mess