Redemptor (Raybearer, #2)

by Jordan Ifueko

“I once promised,” he said, “that I would never ask you to be less than who you are. But if you set yourself on fire to warm a frozen world, I will not stand by and watch you burn.” “Then don’t

brow. “Stand with me.” He rested his face against mine. I couldn’t tell whose tears fell first. Salt stung our cheeks, prickling, gumming our features together like mortar. He whispered against my lips: “I can’t, sunshine girl.” I nodded, smiled, and let my heart grow numb as an empress’s sunstone. Then I stepped from his grasp. “Then stand back, Jeet.” CHAPTER 13 He was gone by morning.

health of the empire, the lives of millions, have to depend on a tiny subset of wealthy people being kind? Unworthy, hissed the

“You shouldn’t be here,” I told Ye Eun as we neared the chasm’s edge. I choked out the words, trying not to breathe—the pit stank of sulfur. Standing near it made me want to scrub off my own skin, as though the stench alone could infect every pore. Ye Eun sighed softly, foul wind from the Breach tousling her short hair. “I know,” she said. “But it was the only way I could make sure you’d enter the Breach.” “Make . . . sure?” “I can’t let Ae Ri be sacrificed.” Her gaze was frank. “Not like I was. She’s all I have.” I breathed a laugh. “If I hesitated, were you planning to push me?” “Yes.” “Ah.” I gulped. “Well, no need for that.” And despite Ye Eun’s motivations, I was grateful for the company.