The ​Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and Ash, #3)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“He is joined by She who carries the blood of the King of Gods, the Liessa, and the true heir of Atlantia—Penellaphe Balfour Da’Neer, the Queen of Flesh and Fire.” I jolted, my heart stuttering. There was silence, acute and so intimidating— Howls came from behind, startling me. Long, keening calls that were answered throughout the city. Below and farther out, men and women, the old and young in mortal form, answered in deep, throaty howls ending in high-pitched whoops. Then a loud thump came from the yard. A man had slammed his foot into the dirt. The woman beside him followed, and then another and another, just like the day I’d arrived in Saion’s Cove. But these were not just wolven. They were Atlantian and mortal, their feet pounding the dirt, and their fists striking stone, the sound reverberating through the yard, the streets, the balconies, and from the terraces. Many were on their knees, slamming their hands down. “This…this is good, right?” I asked. “They’re sending a message,” Eloana said from behind us. “What kind?” Casteel smiled down at me. “That they are yours. And that, if need be, they will go to war for you.” War was what we were trying to prevent, but…I supposed their willingness was good to know. “You mean that they are ours.” His smile grew, but he didn’t answer.