Lightlark (Lightlark, #1)

by Alex Aster

Wildlings’ was twofold. They were cursed to kill anyone they fell in love with—and to live exclusively on human hearts.

On Lightlark and beyond, love had a price. Falling deeply and truly in love meant forming a bond that gave a beloved complete access to one’s abilities. They could do whatever they wished with it. Wield it, reject it. Even steal it.

“Don’t worry,” a deep voice said mockingly at her side. “I don’t have any adoring fans either.”

Your honour, I want him

Is it because she's a baddie?

Oro studied her dripping hair, and he had the nerve to smile.

Interesting

“The first rule. A ruler may not assassinate or attempt to assassinate another ruler until after the fiftieth day.” The rule was a relief to Isla. For at least half of the Centennial, powerless or not, she would be safe. Which was why she and Celeste planned to be off the island before the ball on the fiftieth day even took place. “And, when pairs are decided on the twenty-fifth day, a ruler may not assassinate their partner.”

But every good promise was sealed in blood.

What was clear was that the king of Lightlark had a plan. And it apparently involved Isla staying alive. At least, until he wanted her dead.

She might not have powers, but that didn’t mean she was powerless.

“Deciding if I’m a villain?”

Hot

“I do. But it’s something I’ll keep to myself, for now.” Grim glanced at her. “It’s not mind reading, however. Or anything else I could secretly use on you.”

He could be lying but he's hot and potentially evil so I'm choosing to believe him

Why was that in her head?

Did he put it there?👀

“I can’t protect you if you won’t listen.”

I dont trust her

“Careful, Hearteater,” he whispered, towering over her, standing far too close. “I might just give it to you.”

Not for you. From the moment you were born, the clock began counting down,

Silent as a shadow, Grim lifted Isla as if she weighed nothing and shifted them both to the side of the room.

Daddy

She needed to get herself together.

Mood babe

“My realm has nothing productive to offer you,” he said.

He wants her to win, why?

“Then why are you here?”

Cause he wants you for some reason

The only way not to fear death is to meet it.

Grim was in some of them. Flashes of him. Of her. Of them.

Did he pop in to check on her and plant them?👀

Grim looked ready to coat the entire room in Oro’s ash.

Hot

Grim let his own fall one by one, eyes trained on the king. Isla had never seen him look so murderous. He had transformed into the famed Nightshade killer, the ruthless ruler she had heard warnings about.

I repeat, daddy

DAMN

“It’s only a deal if I am able to decide a second realm that will remain safe.”

She thinks she means the Starlings but I think Grim is gonna get to her and she's gonna be torn

“You might have hit the water before I got to you, but you also had a head injury that you would not have woken up from if I hadn’t healed you.”

Were all the other rulers, except for Celeste and Grim, in on it?

So she trusts Grim then👀

He stepped closer. Reached up to pull the helmet from his head. Dropped it to the floor with a loud clatter. Lifted her from the ground by the backs of her thighs, just as her hands fisted in his hair, and she said—

He's so planting those dreams

Grim looked at her for a long time. “One day,” he said, “I’ll show you.”

“what I’m feeling can’t be said in a place like this.”

SCREAMING

“I could do all of those things.” His lips pressed against the top of her ear, for just a moment. “And I might—if I didn’t think you would hate me for it.”

Oh I'm obsessed

“I gave it an honest effort,” he said. “But it turns out . . . I’m not that honest.”

“The most beautiful girl on the island, that’s what I requested.”

I will come for you. He had said it like a promise.

“There are lies and liars all around you, Isla Crown.”

But before any of the rulers could make a move on her, Grim took her hand and they were gone.

Heart eyes

“Of course I have,”

Girl why bother lying when you know he'll know?

The door slammed open so hard it seemed close to shattering, and she whirled around to see Grim, running, frantic. His eyes were wide—filled with fear. His breath was wild. There was a sword by his side.

Stop it😭

“I haven’t told you that you’ve ruined me.”

Goodbye

The choice was clear. Either Celeste, or Grim.

I knew thats what would happen and yet I'm still reeling

Isla turned to face Celeste. Her friend’s eyes had changed. They were darker, a deep silver instead of gray. She grinned wickedly.

I KNEW I DIDNT TRUST HER

Through it, she saw Oro release his fist. And the vine around her waist went limp. Oro was wielding Isla’s power. And she could see in Grim’s face that he knew what that meant. The look on his face, agony melting into surprise and finally anger, said that he had also tried to access her abilities. And found that he could not.

Nah this is actually criminal