Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass #0.1–0.5, 1–7)

by Sarah J. Maas

Only when Lysandra was certain she had gone downstairs did she say, “Why?” “I assume that question means you are allowing me to commandeer your ward.” “Why.” Darrow picked up the kingsflame crystal. “Nox Owen is of no use to me now that his allegiance has been made clear, and apparently has vanished to the gods know where, likely at Aedion’s request.” He turned the crystal over in his thin fingers. “But beyond that, no child should have to watch as her friends are cut down. Keeping her busy, giving her a purpose and some small power will be better than locking her in the north tower, scared out of her wits at every horrible sound and death.” Lysandra did not smile, did not bow her head. “You would do this for the ward of a whore?” Darrow set down the crystal. “It’s the faces of the children that I remember the most from ten years ago. Even more than Orlon’s. And Evangeline’s face yesterday as she looked out at that army—it was the same despair I saw back then. So you may think me a champion bastard, as Aedion would say, but I am not so heartless as you might believe.” He nodded toward the open doorway. “I will keep an eye on her.” She wasn’t entirely certain what to say. If she should spit in his face and tell him to hell with his offer. Yet the brightness in Evangeline’s eyes, the way she’d run out of here … Purpose. Darrow had offered her purpose and guidance. So she turned from the room, from the precious trove, the ancient books worth more than gold. Darrow’s silent, m...