The War of Two Queens (Blood And Ash, #4)

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

“Kolis,” Nektas said from behind us. “As I said, what was done to stop him has been undone.” The three of us faced him, our hearts lurching at the same moment. Casteel’s eyes narrowed. “Malec lives. We stopped what Isbeth planned.” Nektas’s head cocked. “You stopped nothing.” My stomach twisted as I suddenly understood what both Callum and Isbeth had meant—why I had sensed that we hadn’t stopped them and were too late. “Kolis was already awake.” Nektas nodded. “And what was done here tonight freed him.” “Son of a bitch,” Kieran growled as Casteel’s lips parted. “You only slowed what was done, preventing Kolis from returning to full, flesh-and-bone power. But he will if left unchecked.” Nektas stared at the ashy vine, his lip curling. “His corruption is already here, tainting the lands. This is why the Primal of Life aided you in restoring life to so many. You will need every one of them if you have any hope of stopping him.” “Entomb him again?” I asked. “Kill him.” My mouth dropped open. “And exactly how do we do that?” Anger and frustration burned through Casteel. “When it appears that the Primal of Life and Nyktos were unable to do so?” “If I knew the answer to that, do you think I’d be standing here?” Nektas questioned, and I snapped my mouth shut. Those vertical pupils constricted and then expanded. “Take me to Ires. We must find Jadis. And then, I will need to return to Iliseeum, and you—all of you—must prepare. Kolis is not the only one who has awakened. The Consort ...