One Dark Window (The Shepherd King, #1)

by Rachel Gillig

To the quiet girls with stories in their heads. To their dreams—and their nightmares.

And I would keep my life.

Eleven years, we’ve been together.

Eleven years, and I’ve never told a soul.

The Nightmare and I were alone once more.

“The girl, the King… and the monster they became.”

He did not introduce himself. He did not have to. I knew who he was.

Ravyn Yew.

He was not the man I imagined him to be.

He came for the girl… And got the monster instead.

Then Ravyn stomped, full force, on the High Prince’s hand.

Ione merely laughed.

“Hauth broke your wrist, Ravyn mangled his hand. Balance.”

Our lips collided, there, among the salt.

I didn’t think about being soft with him. I was so tired of pretending not to want this.

I put a hand to my mouth, fingers shaking. My voice came out hollow. “But that would mean I absorbed your soul when I touched the Nightmare Card. Which makes you… the Shepherd King.” A growl, a sneer—oil, bile. His voice called, louder than it had ever been, as if he was closer. Stronger. Finally, my darling Elspeth, we understand one another.

We were the same, he and I. Gifted with ancient, terrible magic.

“It is not they who bring the reckoning, Ravyn. It is you. It is us.”

“Goodbye, Elspeth Spindle. Be wary. Be clever. Be good.”

And I—I was not made of pearls. I was made of salt.

“Are you still pretending?” I said, reveling in his gaze. Ravyn gave a surprised laugh and, in front of everyone, leaned in and kissed me. “I never was,” he whispered into my lips.

“If I could go back and do it differently, Elspeth, I would.”

“Be safe,” I whispered to the wind as Ravyn Yew disappeared beyond the gate. Had I known they’d be the last words I’d say to him aloud, I might have chosen them differently.

The girl, the King… and the monster they became.

And he would free Elspeth Spindle from the darkness that consumed her.