Queen of Myth and Monsters (Adrian X Isolde, #2)

by Scarlett St. Clair

There was no room for vulnerability here, no room for forgiveness. It was conquer or be killed.

“I am thinking about how I will fashion a throne from Ravena’s bones.” The corners of Adrian’s lips curled, and he leaned closer, his breath on my lips as he spoke. “If that is your wish, I shall build it myself.”

“Isolde,” he repeated quietly, and when I finally met his gaze, his stare was gentle. “You are my light.” I took his face between my hands. “You are my darkness,” I said and kissed him.

“My queen and I will conquer this world, and when we have our empire, we will fuck on a bed of your bones.”

“Aren’t you a beautiful beast?” he said. I narrowed my eyes at him, allowing a growl to escape my mouth. I did not appreciate his humor so shortly after becoming the very same creature that had killed so many of my people. I had become an aufhocker. I was an omen of death.

“Men want power,” Ana said. It was the first time she had spoken, and everyone at the table turned to look at her. “Women want to exist without fear.”

“Anything for you,” he said. “Promise me the world,” I said, breathing hard. “It is yours,” he said.

“You do not have to have lived a hundred years or even twenty. If your soul is tired, you will be tired.”

“Words do not heal trauma,” she said. “Then tell me how I heal this.” “You don’t. You love me through the fear, even when my doubt hurts, and I will do the same for you.”

“Magic will always be dangerous so long as women practice,” she said. “No one wants us to be powerful. They taught us that once, and they will teach us again.”

“It is no fault of your own,” she said. “This world is afraid of powerful women.”