A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire (Blood and Ash, #2)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“But he’s the one thing in all the kingdoms that you, and only you, never have to fear.”

“Just so you know, Penellaphe doesn’t need protection. She is more than capable of handling things herself. But that is my future you are walking away with. Guard her well. Your life depends on it.”

“I am born of the first kingdom.” Casteel’s voice carried like the wind and snow, stroking over the knights, who all turned, one by one, to look in his direction. “Created from the blood and ash of all those who fell before me. I have risen to take back what is mine. I’m who you call the Dark One,”

“Yes, I have the Maiden, and I’m not giving her back.”

“Mine are bigger than yours,” Casteel responded in turn, prowling forward.

All you have is me. My heart twisted itself up into a knot. “Let me help you replace the fear and helplessness. I can erase it. I promise,” he whispered, guiding me back until I was lying down once more. “Let me be enough, at least for tonight.”

“Right now, in the dark, I’m just Hawke.”

I didn’t offer Casteel a piece of me as we rode forward, joining the others. There was no reason to because what he didn’t know was that he already held too many of them.

“But I make wearing arrows look good, don’t I?” Casteel twisted sharply, his hand snapping out. He caught the next arrow intended for him.

I didn’t think it was impossible for them to change. Feelings were not stagnant. Neither were opinions or beliefs, and if we stopped believing people were capable of change, then the world might as well be left to burn.

I stared up at him, hands and arms trembling. “I don’t know what you want from me.” “Everything,” he bit out between clenched teeth. “I want everything.”