A Shadow in the Ember (Flesh and Fire, #1)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Telling myself that I needed to mind my business, I did the exact opposite and peered around the side of the building.

“I am Nyktos, ruler of the Shadowlands, the Primal of Death.”

bby

“It’s exhausting always being right.”

“Don’t,” Ash cut me off as he spun around. “Not a single word.” I scrambled to my feet. “Excuse me?” “In case you have trouble counting, that is two words.”

“The road to hell is paved with good intentions,” he said. “Perhaps you’ve heard that?” “Sounds like something you’d have embroidered on a pillow.”

“Gods.” I shot forward, managing to grasp her tail as I curled an arm under her belly. Heart thumping heavily, I held her to my chest as she chirped madly. “You can’t fly yet,” I told her, having no idea if she understood me or not. “You would’ve broken a wing.” Bele smacked a hand over her chest. “Oh, Fates, I about had a heart attack.” “A heart attack? I just saw my life flash before my eyes.” Rhahar looked shaken as Reaver made an unsteady landing near the boulder. “Nektas would’ve had our necks. That’s after charbroiling us.” My lip curled at the imagery that statement provided, and I bent to put the squirming draken on the ground. Reaver was right there, squawking away. I don’t know what he was communicating to her, but it did not sound pretty.

the draken are the best part

A monster wouldn’t care if they were one.”

“I clearly recall telling Nektas to put you somewhere safe where you couldn’t get yourself into trouble,” he said. “Yeah, well, he thinks he listened to you.”