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

by Sarah J. Maas

At midday, Aelin found Manon in one of the witches’ aeries, Abraxos staring out toward the battlefield. Bandages peppered his sides and wings. And covered the former Wing Leader. “Queen of the Crochans and the Ironteeth,” Aelin said by way of greeting, letting out a low whistle that had Manon turning slowly. Aelin picked at her nails. “Impressive.” Yet the face that turned toward her— Exhaustion. Grief. “I heard,” Aelin said quietly, lowering her hands but not approaching. Manon said nothing, her silence conveying everything Aelin needed to know. No, she was not all right. Yes, it had destroyed her. No, she did not wish to talk about it. Aelin only said, “Thank you.” Manon nodded vaguely. So Aelin walked toward the witch, then past her. Right to where Abraxos sat, gazing toward Theralis. The blasted patch of earth. Her heart strained at the sight of it. The wyvern and the earth and the witch behind her. But Aelin sat down beside the wyvern. Brushed a hand over his leathery head. He leaned into her touch. “There will be a monument,” she said to Abraxos, to Manon. “Should you wish it, I will build a monument right there. So no one shall ever forget what was given. Who we have to thank.” Wind sang through the tower, hollow and brisk. But then footsteps crunched in hay, and Manon sat down beside her. Yet Aelin did not speak again, and asked no more questions. And Manon, realizing it, let her shoulders curve inward, let her head bow. As she might never do with anyone else. As n...