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

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

I would spend an eternity taking these bites if that meant she was safe. That it wasn’t her in this cell. That she wasn’t the one in pain.

But touch…touch was such a gift. One so very often overlooked and underappreciated.

“Her name is a shadow in the ember, a light in the flame, and the fire in the flesh. The Primal of Life has forbidden us to speak or write her name.”

Her fingers tangled in the blond strands. Concern radiated from her. “Be careful.” The female wolven pressed her forehead to Hisa’s. “But be brave,” she replied, kissing her. “Always,” Hisa confirmed. “But be brave,” I whispered, looking away. I liked that. Be careful but be brave. And we would all be that today.

I’d been coming for her, but she’d found me at the Red Pearl. I’d been planning on taking her, but she’d captured me on the Rise surrounding Masadonia. I’d been ready to use her, but under the willow, she had wrapped me around every single one of her fingers without even trying. I’d been prepared to do anything, but she’d become everything to me when she asked me to stay the night while in New Haven. She’d claimed me. And she’d kept me, even after knowing what I was, who I was, and what I’d done. She loved me.

“You have faced Craven and vamprys, men wearing masks of mortal flesh. Stared down Atlantians who’ve wanted to harm you, seized cities, and freed me,” he said, touching my cheek. “You’re more than a Queen. More than a goddess on the verge of becoming a Primal. You’re Penellaphe Da’Neer, and you’re fearless.”

“Time for what, you silly fuck?” Kieran snarled, grasping the hilt of his sword.