Lightlark (Lightlark, #1)

by Alex Aster

Only joined can the curses be undone Only after one of six has won, When the original offense Has been committed again And a ruling line has come to an end Only then can history amend.

“I haven’t told you that you’ve ruined me.” “Ruined?” He nodded. “Ruined. Tortured. You haven’t stopped tormenting me since the first moment I saw you.” Isla opened her mouth. Closed it. Considered apologizing, even. Grim continued. “A few conversations with you, and I was ready to make the most disadvantageous trade—all of me in exchange for any part of you you’d be willing to spare.” He shook his head. “You have invaded my mind. I have questioned my sanity. I think about you all the time.” The way he said all the time had her cheeks burning with its insinuations. “All the time?” she repeated, voice breathless. “Late at night, I ache for you. I ache for you all the time,” he said, face truly looking tortured. As if he had waited a long while to say those words. As if she had been a curse worse than all others. Then he kissed her.

She stared down at the flower. A rose with thorns, just like her. It was beautiful. Vicious.