The Divine and the Cursed (Fae of Alastríona, #1)

by J.E. Reed

seeing the sun rise when one thought they’d never see it again was another experience entirely.

For some reason, Rion wanted to erase the emptiness in those eyes. He wanted to make them shine. He wanted to know what they might look like if—

His lips parted as she picked one up, speaking to it in hushed tones, and for the first time in his existence, Rion found himself believing in fairytales.

“You just have to trust me.” He let out a breath, showering her in his scent. “You ask the one thing I find impossible.” His eyes remained locked with hers. Hungry. Full of desire. “But I can try.”

“The Divine and the Cursed. How fitting.” He stepped back and started toward the cabin, glancing behind to see if she’d follow. She did, her entire body flushed from their brief, yet intense encounter. Arianna couldn’t help but smile. Rion. The general of Brónach’s army. Her greatest enemy and the most feared warrior in Alastríona had just kissed her.

He clenched his fists. Someone had taken her from him. Someone had taken his Arianna. And he’d ensure their suffering rivaled his own.

And he’d never leave again. To hell with the war. To hell with his country. The only thing he needed was sleeping right beside him.

Rion was gentle, the creature everyone feared treated her as though she were a delicate flower in early spring.

Arianna didn’t know what her future would hold. She didn’t know how hard it would be to keep Rion in her life, but she knew one thing with utmost certainty. No matter what challenges they’d have to face, she wanted this male at her side. “I want you.”

All she’d ever wanted was to be loved and accepted by another. But becoming one with that person—she was whole. Safe. Home.

And in that moment, Arianna made a vow. She swore she’d never let Rion feel alone again. Not so long as she lived. Because he was hers to protect now and she was his.

“You’re not real.” Her brow creased. “You’re an ethereal dream come to torment me, granting every wish only to strip them away when I’m content. You’re the beautiful wave before it crashes over the shore, dragging everything out to an icy sea.” His voice lowered. “You’re my salvation and my damnation.”

To stay alive long enough for her to try. Because if she didn’t, she’d never forgive herself, and Rion wouldn’t let her suffer that torment.

Arianna was the light in the darkness. What did one do when the light faded?

Arianna was the only one who’d ever seen past the monster.

“I love you, Rion. I will always love you, no matter what you’ve done.” She lowered her voice to a whisper. “You will never, never have to spend another day in this life alone. I won’t allow it.”